USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Fall 2-1 to Wilmington

Published on June 15, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


WILMINGTON, NC - The Richmond Kickers squandered an early lead and conceded a pair of first half goals to fall 2-1 to the Wilmington Hammerheads Saturday night.

The Kickers opened scoring when defender Sascha G�rres fed the ball through to Christopher Agorsor positioned at the top of the 18. With one touch, he drew his mark to the far side of the box and chipped the bouncing ball over goalkeeper Alex Horwarth from 16 yards into the far corner.

The celebration was short-lived as the home side leveled the score seven minutes later. Positioned deep on the wing, forward Corey Hertzog delivered a long throw in into the box. The ball fell to Andriy Budnyy in prime position as he nodded a low driven ball just inside the left post and just out of a Ronnie Pascale's reach.

Budnyy tested Pascale again in the 21st minute after receiving the ball 20 yards out on the right wing. Settling the ball with his left foot, he unleashed a rocket to the near post with his right but Pascale was able to make the block.

The Hammerheads claimed the advantage seven minutes later when a handball in the box awarded the home side a penalty and Hertzog calmly converted just inside the right post.

Despite a barrage of second half shots, the Kickers could not find the elusive equalizer as Gorres, David Bulow and Stanley Nyazamba each saw well-meaning plans go awry inside a span of 15 minutes. First, Bobby Foglesong swiftly carried the ball to the edge of the box, and fed it through to Mike Callahan, who flicked the ball onto Bulow 12 yards out. A Hammerheads clearance rebounded to G�rres 25 yards out but his long range strike glanced just over the crossbar.

Then, Pascale cleared the counter attack back to G�rres on the left touchline. Dribbling through the defense, he played a left-footed ball to Bulow, who collided with the "˜keeper as his header sailed wide of the target.

Minutes later, G�rres lined up a free kick and quickly switched it across to Ryan Heins on the right side. He lofted the ball into the box, finding Jason Yeisley in the air near the endline. Keeping the ball in play, Yeisley nodded the ball back to the six yard box as Nyazamba sliced across the box but his volley attempt to redirect also soared skyward.

Pascale was forced into action to deny the Hammerheads their best chance of the second half in the 76th minute when a give and go between Hertzog and Manny Guzman sprung Hertzog through to goal. Racing towards the target, he faced Pascale 1v1 but the Kickers veteran keeper stopped him in his tracks.

With the full-time whistle looming, the Kickers were denied one last-ditch effort when G�rres served a cross into the box but William Yomby's header found side netting.

The Richmond Kickers conclude a two-game road swing against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, June 16 at 8:00 p.m. before returning to City Stadium to host the Rochester Rhinos and the School's Out Festival, presented by nTelos Wireless on Saturday, June 23. The fun begins at 4:00 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium and the School's Out Festival will feature a splash zone, music, inflatable games and fun for the whole family. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a complimentary t-shirt, courtesy of nTelos Wireless. Admission is just $5.00 per person before 6:00 pm.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 15, 2012


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