USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Open Home Season With 1-1 Draw

Published on April 15, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers and the Virginia Beach Mariners battled to a 1-1 stalemate during tonight's James River Cup second leg but the Kickers were forced to relinquish the title after seven consecutive seasons due to the 4-1 aggregate series score. Midfielder Jeff Bilyk increased the Mariners series lead in the 25th minute while Kickers forward Robert Ssejjemba equalized tonight's score in the 37th minute in front of a crowd of 2,476.

Bilyk created the first chance of the night when he banged a shot off the crossbar in the 4th minute. Later, in the 25th minute, Bilyk caught a volley on forward Nate Micklos' bouncing ball in the box and set a dipping ball just as goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale came off his line for the Mariners only goal of the night, fourth in the series. Kickers midfielder Mike Burke attempted to equalize in the 30th minute, sending a volley at the top of the box just wide of the upper left corner. Seven minutes later, Kickers defender Tony Williams fed a long ball to Ssejjemba who split two defenders before cutting to the inside of the on-rushing last defender. As goalkeeper Matt Nelson came out to cut down the angle, Ssejjemba chipped the ball from 17 yards out into the open goal.

After the second half re-start, few chances were created on either end of the field. On loan from D.C. United with the Kickers, forward Andy Metcalf set up an opportunity on the left side of the box but his shot was deflected wide by a Mariners defender. In the 66th minute Virginia Beach midfielder Tim O'Neill sent a dangerous cross near the goal but Pascale was able to one-punch it out of harm's way. In a last minute effort to take the lead, Richmond forward Cristian Neagu drove a shot from the top of the box just wide left of the goal.

The Kickers will open the regular season next Saturday, April 22nd, hosting the Cincinnati Kings at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a 2006 Richmond Kickers schedule magnet.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 15, 2006


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