USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers edge Charlotte 1-0

Published on May 24, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers were able to avenge an earlier season loss to the unbeaten Charlotte Eagles with a 1-0 win in front of a crowd of 2,947 at the University of Richmond Stadium. Forward Stanley Nyazamba broke the ice in the 65th minute and goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale posted five saves to preserve the shutout over the league-leading Eagles.

Both teams came out of the gate fighting, each getting off several quick chances in the first few minutes. The Kickers were the first to put on the pressure when a poor Charlotte clearance was picked up by David Bulow in the 1st minute of play. The forward played it to midfielder Mike Burke who could not get to the ball in time, and it was blocked by Charlotte defense.

Fifteen minutes later, a scuffle in the box allowed Eagles midfielder Jeff Bilyk a pair of shots from 12 yards as the ball was played in and rebounded back out to him twice. Finally, forward Dustin Swinehart fought for the ball at the penalty spot and attempted to poke it through but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was able to scoop up the ball for the save.

The 27th minute found Charlotte at the top of the box after just earning a dangerously-placed free kick. Swinehart lined up the shot and fired over the defensive wall but Pascale made a leaping save to tip it against the crossbar. From there, the ball bounced into risky territory but defender Trevor McEachron cleared it off the line.

Later, Stanley Nyazamba eluded Charlotte defenders on the left side of the box, and crossed the ball in, finding Bulow in the air. Bulow's header ricocheted off the crossbar and came straight back down, narrowly missing the goal line, only to be cleared from harm's way by Eagles goalkeeper Terry Boss.

Following the start of the second half, the Kickers earned a free kick in the 53rd minute, just inches from the 18 yard line. Burke attempted the strike but it rebounded from the defensive wall and was cleared. One minute later, Charlotte earned a free kick in almost an identical spot on the other side of the pitch. Midfielder Jorge Herrera curled the ball around defenders, and around the far post.

Richmond finally broke the ice in the 65th minute when an Eagles defender attempted to steal the ball on the left wing. An unmarked Nyazamba gathered the loose ball, cut to the center and curled a left-footed shot from 20 yards out, into the far upper 90.

As the final minutes of the match drew near, Eagles defender Brady Bryant served the ball into the box from nearly 30 yards out. Worteh Sampson attempted to lay it off from six yards but Pascale collected the ball to preserve the lead. In a last minute effort to level the score, forward Darren Toby fired a strike from 18 yards out but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium, next Saturday, May 31st to host the Free Youth Night with the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:00 pm. Download free youth tickets, courtesy of SCOR, Sports Center of Richmond via RichmondKickers.com. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a new 2008 Richmond Kickers team poster.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 24, 2008


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