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Richmond Kickers

Kickers Draw In First Playoff Match

September 16, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers and Vancouver Whitecaps opened the first leg of the First Round of the 2005 USL First Division playoffs with a scoreless stalemate. Few chances were created on either side of the field as neither team could find an offensive rhythm, producing a combined seven shots throughout the game. The First Round series winner will be determined this Sunday, September 18th as the two teams swap home-field advantage, traveling west to Vancouver for the second leg at 10:00 p.m. EST.

A scoreless first half resulted in only two chances per team. USL regular season scoring and goal scoring champion, forward Jason Jordan created the first scoring opportunity for Vancouver in the 8th minute, firing a rocket from the top of the box, sending the strike just wide of the target.

Richmond forward McColm Cephas looked for the back of the net in the 22nd minute when he received the ball deep on the right side and sent a high shot on goal towards the upper left hand corner of the goal but Whitecaps goalkeeper Josh Wicks was able to make a leaping save to prevent the goal.

Three minutes later, Whitecaps midfielder Martin Nash found the ball at the top of the 18-yard line and sent a low strike on goal but his attempt was cleared by Richmond defenders.

The Kickers made one last first-half effort in the 35th minute when Dustin Swinehart, on loan from USL Second Division Champion Charlotte Eagles sent a cross to an unmarked forward Kevin Jeffrey, at the penalty spot; however, Jeffrey's header was denied by a leaping Wicks.

The second half followed suit as both teams continued with a battle in the midfield and few scoring opportunities. Richmond midfielder Sascha Gorres created the best chance for the Kickers in the 49th minute, sending a 20-yard free kick on goal but Wicks was able to punch the ball out of harm's way.

Later, in the 75th minute, Jordan received the ball in the box after Kickers defender Ronnie Pascale was unable to clear the ball but his lofty shot sailed over the goal. Three minutes later, midfielder Martin Nash took a dangerous free kick on a penalty called inches from the box and drilled a shot on goal but Pascale was able to smother the ball for the save.

The winner of the second leg on Sunday night will play second-seeded Rochester Raging Rhinos in the USL First Division Semifinals. Should the Kickers defeat the Whitecaps, they will host the Rhinos on Friday, September 23rd at the University of Richmond Stadium.

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