USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Fall 2-0 In Pittsburgh

Published on July 30, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


PITTSBURGH, PA - The Richmond Kickers suffered a 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Saturday night, dropping to third place in the USL PRO American Division standings. Pittsburgh midfielder Shintaro Harada gave the home side an early lead before second half substitute Jeremy Deighton sealed the victory for the Riverhounds. The Kickers return to Richmond City Stadium next Saturday, August 6 to host the Dayton Dutch Lions in their final regular season home game before concluding the 2011 season with a three-game road stand in Wilmington and Los Angeles.

The Kickers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, testing the Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap in the 5th minute of play. Defender Henry Kalungi served a long ball from the back, finding Matthew Delicate in the air. The Kickers big forward flicked the ball on to an awaiting Edson Elcock who snuck in behind enemy lines, only to be denied by the Riverhounds ‘keeper.

Soon after, Delicate played a well-positioned Luke Vercollone into the box but his curling strike from point blank range did not fool Gilstrap who flew to the far post to push the ball around the upright.

Weathering the early attack, the Riverhounds capitalized on their first goal scoring opportunity of the half. Midfielder Matt Tuttle served the ball into the crowded box from the left side, finding forward Chad Severs five yards from the target. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale punched the ball from harm's way but the rebound landed at the feet of Sammy Appiah. He played the loose ball to Harada who took control of it and launched a missile over the Kickers outstretched goalkeeper and into the back of the net in the 33rd minute.

Looking to pull back the equalizer before the end of the half, Kickers forward Shaka Bangura received the ball on the left flank and dribbled into the box. He sliced the ball across the goalmouth, finding a wide-open Delicate 12 yards out but the sharpshooter's strike whistled just wide of the near post.

Without wasting any time, the Kickers picked up where they left off after the restart, nearly leveling the score in the 46th minute. Delicate served a long ball to Bangura inside the box. Beating his defender, the Kickers forward struck from point blank range but the ball dipped just over the upper 90.

Then, Delicate set up shop in Pittsburgh territory and saw two close calls sail skyward within a five minute span. His first header in the 60th minute was just out of range before Gilstrap made a convincing save in the 65th minute to push his second determined nod over the crossbar.

Pittsburgh chipped in their second tally of the night when Harada played the ball through to an onrushing Deighton. Facing Pascale 1v1, the Riverhounds midfielder lobbed the ball over the Kickers veteran goalkeeper to give the home side a security goal in the 81st minute.

Two minutes later, the Kickers suffered yet another blow as midfielder Ryan Heins earned his second caution and was sent off.

Despite the uphill battle, the Kickers continued to press forward and almost avoided the shutout when David Bulow scored during stoppage time, only to have the goal ruled offside.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium for their final regular season home game, hosting the Dayton Dutch Lions during the fourth annual FAMILY FEST on Saturday, August 6. The fun begins at 4:00 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium and FAMILY FEST will feature food, music, inflatable games for kids and fun for the whole family. Bring the family before 6:00 pm and purchase a $10.00 ticket that allows admission for the whole group. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 30, 2011


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