Kickers downed 2-0 by Vancouver
Published on August 7, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - The Kickers were shutout by the Vancouver Whitecaps, 2-0, in front of a Sunday night crowd of 2,011. Two first half goals by Whitecaps leading scorer Jason Jordan clinched the victory for Vancouver on their first-ever road trip to Richmond.
An eventful first half started in the 12th minute with an attempt by Kickers forward Kevin Jeffrey. Beating the last defender, Jeffrey was left one-on-one with Whitecaps goalkeeper Mike Franks. Franks cut down the angle well and was able to make a great save on Jeffrey's low shot.
League leading scorer Jason Jordan was the first to register five minutes later when he received a long pass from midfielder Steve Klein. Jordan shielded defender Peter Luzak off the ball, turned quickly towards the goal, and when Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale came out of the goal to challenge, Jordan chipped the ball into the open net.
Vancouver's lead was extended to two in the 30th minute when Whitecaps midfielder Joe Gjertsen received a through ball on the right side. Gjertsen's attempt was stifled by Pascale; however, the rebound fell between the Richmond keeper and a Richmond defender. Gjertsen was the first to get the ball and Pascale extended an arm, which drew a foul and a subsequent penalty kick. Jordan converted the penalty for his second goal of the night.
The Kickers made four changes at halftime and increased the pressure after the second-half restart as forward Chris Carrieri created two dangerous plays early on. In the 54th minute, forward Matthew Delicate headed the ball to Carrieri who one-time volleyed the ball inches past the upright. Five minutes later, Carrieri again received the ball from Delicate a few yards outside of the goal but his strike ricocheted off the keeper. Then, in the 60th minute, midfielder Mike Burke faked out a defender and sent a low rocket just past the left goal post.
Last minute efforts by Delicate and forward Robert Ssejjemba could not break down the Vancouver defense as the Whitecaps were able to hold on to the victory.
Tonight's loss bumped the Kickers to fourth-place with a record of 10-7-5 and 35 points. The Kickers take to the road for the next three weeks first facing Seattle and Vancouver next weekend and will return for the last regular season home game Saturday, September 3rd to host the Portland Timbers at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium.
USL First Division Stories from August 7, 2005
- Whitecaps win big on the road - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Timbers drown Sounders 1-0 - Portland Timbers
- Mariners, Battery draw 0-0 - Virginia Beach Mariners
- Kickers downed 2-0 by Vancouver - Richmond Kickers
- Battery held scoreless by Mariners - Charleston Battery
- Portland Timbers game notes - Portland Timbers
- Mariners sail over Whitecaps 2-0 - Virginia Beach Mariners
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