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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Defeat Virginia Beach 2-0 in U.S. Open Cup Second Round

May 20, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers defeated Virginia Beach City FC 2-0 in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round Wednesday night, advancing to a Third Round match-up against the Jacksonville Armada at City Stadium on Wednesday, May 27. Goals at either end of the second half by Nate Shiffman and Jason Yeisley punctuated a match otherwise marred by missed chances as the Kickers outshot their NPSL opponent 15-3 to progress to the next round of the tournament.

The misfortunate began in the 11th minute when midfielder Samuel Asante stole the ball and laid it off to Nate Shiffman who served a leading pass to Brian Ownby deep on the left wing. Ownby lobbed a cross over the box, connecting with Yudai Imura at the back post who headed the ball to an awaiting Matthew Delicate but his nod glanced just wide.

A fast-break counter left Virginia Beach racing towards the box seconds later when a defensive error allowed forward Jordan Cyrus to sweep up a loose ball. With Kickers defender William Yomby in hot pursuit, he faced goalkeeper Ryan Taylor 1v1 before Taylor lunged at the near post to block his effort.

Just past the half hour mark, the Kickers saw a pair of headers whistle inches past the target. First Fred Owusu Sekyere's inswinging corner found his far-post target but Hugh Roberts's diving header glanced just past the upright. Then, a second Owusu corner bobbled through the box before Imura collected it at the end line and served a lofted ball to the back post. Yomby reached above his defender to win the header but sent the ball just wide.

Five minutes later, Stephen Basso squared the ball for an onrushing Ownby who blasted a one-time rocket from 25 yards out that rattled the crossbar. Then, just before the break, Ownby centered the ball at the penalty spot for a well-positioned Shiffman but his point-blank strike was stifled by goalkeeper Sean Stowe.

Shiffman was not to be denied a second time, giving the home side the advantage two minutes into the second half. Owusu's corner kick pinged around a swarming six-yard box before Yomby could redirect it into the path of the Richmond native who buried a header at the right post.

Virginia Beach nearly pulled a goal back in the 70th minute when second half substitute Ivan Miltiar worked the ball down the right sideline and rocketed a left-footed curling shot from outside the box but his attempt soared past the target. Militar was back in action again seconds later when he played Peter Pearson to the end line. Keeping the ball in play, Pearson tried to cross it back in front of the goal. A poor clearance fell back to Militar but his follow up shot skied high.

With full time looming near, the Kickers squandered another opportunity when Davis IV capitalized on a turnover and fed a through ball to Ownby. Streaking towards the box on a breakaway, he fired a low driven shot with just the 'keeper to beat only to see it once again skim wide.

The Kickers finally solidified their victory in the last minute of regulation when defender Alex Lee played Owusu through the defense on the right touchline. A give and go with Ownby sprung the Kickers midfielder free into the box to slice a cross to the far post where a diving Yeisley tucked a header into the near corner.

Before U.S. Open Cup play resumes next week, the Richmond Kickers return to regular season action this Saturday, May 23 when they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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