USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Drop 2-1 Decision In Rochester

Published on July 1, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Richmond Kickers concluded a grueling three-game road stand Friday night, suffering a 2-1 loss to the Rochester Rhinos. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale saved a Rochester penalty to preserve his clean sheet through the first half. Midfielder Isaac Kissi sought revenge after the break and opened scoring in the 47th minute. A Rochester own goal brought the scoreline level nine minutes later before a 72nd minute tally by Rhinos forward Kendall Jagdeosingh spoiled the road trip for the Kickers. The Kickers return to City Stadium to host the Dayton Dutch Lions and the third annual Fourth of July Fest on Monday, July 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Rochester nearly took an early lead when Kickers defender Dave Hertel was called for a handball at the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Warding off forward JC Banks, the ball grazed his outstretched arm, awarding the home side a penalty kick. Kissi stepped up to the spot, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity as a clairvoyant Pascale snuffed out Kissi's low, driven ball to the left post.

The Kickers retaliated in the 32nd minute when a long ball over the top found an onrushing Matthew Delicâte. As he ran through to goal, two Rochester defenders caught up with him, forcing him to lay the ball off to Stanley Nyazamba 12 yards out. As Nyazamba attempted to line up his shot, a Rhinos defender intercepted at the last minute to clear the ball from the danger zone.

Seconds later, the Rhinos almost broke the ice when Banks struck a right-footed, knuckling ball on frame from distance. Pascale passed the test once again and made the save, despite struggling with the bright sun in his eyes.

The score did not remain deadlocked for long after the second half restart when Kissi avenged his missed penalty in the 47th minute. Banks received the ball on the left wing and flicked it on to Anthony Hamilton who volleyed it to Kissi at the edge of the box. The midfielder settled the ball and fired to the far post from a difficult angle, finding side netting and giving the home side the lead.

Unable to hold onto the advantage, Rochester conceded an own goal nine minutes later to bring the scoreline level once again. Kickers defender Sascha Görres delivered a high cross into the box, finding Kalungi open behind the far post. The big defender headed it back across the goal mouth as Rhinos defender Tyler Bellamy redirected it into the back of his own net in the 56th minute.

The Rhinos pulled ahead in the 72nd minute when a pair of second half substitutes combined at the top of the box. William & Mary alum Andrew Hoxie collected the ball at the 18-yard line and split two defenders as he fed it through to a streaking Kendall Jagdeosingh, who buried it from point blank range.

Reserves David Bulow and Nozomi Hiroyama gave new life to the Kickers offense with several opportunities narrowly missed within the final ten minutes. First, Bulow played Hiroyama into the box from the left wing. With a quick snap, the Japanese international served a left-footed cross into the box, but Rhinos goalkeeper Neal Kitson punched it from harm's way before the lurking Delicâte could capitalize at the far post.

Then, with just seconds to spare, Hiroyama stripped the ball off a Rhinos midfielder on the right flank and fed it through to Bulow, staking out the top of the box. Leaping to challenge Bulow in the air, the veteran goalkeeper bobbled the ball and made the recovery before the Kickers midfielder could gain possession.

In a final last gasp effort, Kalungi released Bulow into the box. Kitson once again proved to be his nemesis as he cut down on the difficult angle as Bulow's determined strike whistled just wide, sending the Kickers home empty-handed.

The Kickers return to Richmond City Stadium on Monday, July 4 to host the third annual Fourth of July Fest, presented by Northwestern Mutual. Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. and will feature a Splash Zone, inflatables, delicious food, music, games and fun. The Kickers pro soccer game will highlight the event as the Kickers host the Dayton Dutch Lions at 1:00 p.m. Admission is just $4.00 per ticket before 12:00 p.m. and parking is free.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 1, 2011


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