USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers drop season home opener

Published on April 23, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond Kickers dropped a 1-0 decision to the Cincinnati Kings during today¡¯s season home opener. Postponed from Saturday night due to severe weather, the Kickers met the Kings for an early afternoon match up Sunday in front of a crowd of 1,327. The lone goal of the afternoon came in the 50th minute when Kings defender Derek Smith registered off a corner kick.

Kickers forward Robert Ssejjemba found the back of the net in the 8th minute; however, the goal was called back due to an offside call. Eight minutes later, Ssejjemba found Metcalf deep on the left side. Metcalf fed the ball back to Ssejjemba in scoring position but his left-footed shot was punched clear by Kings goalkeeper Jordan James. Cincinnati created their best scoring opportunity of the first half in the 30th minute when midfielder John Liersemann received the ball on the right side and crossed it into the middle, finding forward Michael McGinlay in the air; however, McGinlay¡¯s header attempt sailed just wide left of the goal. Later, Kings defender Tiest Sondaal was awarded a disputed free kick and sent a 40-yard rocket into the box, forcing Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to make a leaping save in the 44th minute.

The Kings opened the second half with the only goal of the night. A 50th minute corner kick taken by forward Nowaf Jaman found defender Derek Smith cutting in from the left. Smith was able to get behind the Kickers defense and headed the eventual game-winner into the upper right hand corner. Eight minutes later, Richmond looked for the equalizer when Burke crossed the ball to Carrieri on the left side. Carrieri sent a close-range blast on goal but James smothered the shot for the save. In the 63rd minute, Liersemann looked to be in scoring position after receiving a cross on the right side but he misfired and the ball was cleared by Kickers defenders. Coming on for Neagu midway through the second half, Richmond rookie forward Brian Morris created a dangerous opportunity in the 80th minute when he came streaking down the left flank and sent a cross into the middle, only to be intercepted by a Kings defender who cleared the ball from harm¡¯s way. Kickers defenders Kevin Knight and Steven Wolfe created last minute efforts in the final minutes; however Knight¡¯s low shot from just outside the box sailed wide of the goal while Wolfe¡¯s 20-yard attempt was punched away by James.

The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday, May 6th for a Public Safety Day, benefiting the West End Volunteer Rescue Squad, taking on the Long Island Rough Riders at 7:00 p.m.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 23, 2006


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