USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Fall 2-1 to Carolina in U.S Open Cup

Published on June 9, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


CARY, NC - The Richmond Kickers were ousted from the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on the road Tuesday night, falling 2-1 to the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division. RailHawks forward Hamed Diallo assisted on a Daniel Paladini tally early in the first half and notched the game-winning goal three minutes into the second half to give the RailHawks the edge. Kickers forward David Bulow converted a 20th minute penalty kick to equalize the score for the majority of the first half but the Kickers could not rally back from the 2-1 deficit.

The Kickers nearly took the lead in the fifth minute when midfielder Gerson dos Santos lined up a dangerous free kick 20 yards out. His attempt seemed destined for the left corner of the goal but RailHawks goalkeeper Eric Reed was able to get a fingertip on the ball to redirect it against the upper 90. The rebound found an onrushing Bulow but his strike sailed wide.

Despite the close call, it was the RailHawks who were the first to get on the scoreboard. Paladini and Diallo teamed up for a give-and-go in the 14th minute, starting when Paladini delivered a well-played ball to Diallo at the left corner of the box. Diallo collected the ball, took a touch towards goal and cut the ball back to an open Paladini at the penalty spot who one-timed it to the near post.

Six minutes later, the Kickers leveled the score when Bulow played the ball through the defense. A streaking Matthew Delicâte rushed towards goal as Reed came off his line to challenge for the loose ball. Delicâte was the first to get a touch on the ball as Reed collided with him, resulting in a penalty kick for the visiting team. Bulow stepped up and sent Reed right as he buried the ball into the left corner of the net.

The Kickers held the RailHawks to a 1-1 stalemate for the remainder of the first half but it was just three minutes after the break that the USL-1 team regained the advantage. Carolina delivered a corner kick from the left side that broke through the Kickers defense. Diallo was the first to reach the free ball but he misfired, resulting in a scramble to clear it from harm's way. As Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale attempted to cover the far corner, the ball took an unfavorable spin and glanced just inside the near post.

The Kickers' five-game road stand continues as they head to Maryland on Saturday, June 13th to take on the Real Maryland Monarchs. Continuing north, the Kickers travel to Pittsburgh one day later to face the Riverhounds in regular season action. The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday, July 4th to host the Charlotte Eagles at 1:00 p.m. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 9, 2009


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