Kickers open season with three points over Western Mass
Published on April 19, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers picked up a 3-0 win over the Western Mass Pioneers to open the 2008 regular season, in front of a crowd of 3,197 fans. A slow first half led to a flurry of goals late in the game when defender Anthony Catalano headed home the first tally of the night. Captain Mike Burke flicked in the second, just two minutes later, each goal assisted by newcomer Ben Hunter. Later, in the 88th minute, a foul inside the box resulted in a penalty kick, which David Bulow converted, to close out the night.
As the two teams tried to find their rhythm in the first game of the season, neither side saw many opportunities during the first 45. The Kickers were the first to open fire, but not until the 31st minute when Burke crossed the ball into the box from the right side. Forward David Bulow reached to get a head on it but Pioneers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser punched it out of harm's way for the moment, but directly into the path of an on-rushing Luke Vercollone who volleyed the ball over the crossbar.
The second half restart saw Western Mass gain momentum, with the first real opportunity in the 50th minute. Midfielder Omar McFarlane, just inside the box on the right side, slots a low ball on goal but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale scooped it up to preserve the nil-nil stalemate.
Six minutes later, Görres sent a cross from the right, looking for Hunter who narrowly missed the ball in the air. Defenders deflected the ball over the endline, resulting in a corner. This time, Hunter sent the ball towards Bulow, just outside the goal mouth but a scuffle in the box allowed Glaeser to clear the ball off the line.
The deadlock was finally broken, 60 minutes into play, when Burke set up a free kick, 25 yards out. Burke sent a low pass to Vercollone at the 18-yard line, who one-timed it to Hunter on the left side of the six-yard box. Hunter volleyed the ball over the defenders to a well-positioned Catalano, who headed it on goal. Glaeser was able to get a finger on it, but could not stop the determined ball as it found the back of the net.
Western Mass attempted to retaliate, moving quickly to the opposite side of the field and firing a close-range shot but Pascale was able to make the stop and maintain his clean sheet.
Three minutes later, the Kickers registered again, this time on a Hunter/Burke combination. Vercollone played the ball to Hunter on the left side. Hunter crossed it into the box to Burke who outside volleyed the ball just past Glaeser who attempted to challenge, doubling the Kickers' scoreline.
Pioneers defender Jay Willis had a close call in the 73rd minute but his header sailed just wide right of the target.
With just minutes remaining until full-time, recent signee Stanley Nyazamba was taken down inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick in favor of the Kickers. Bulow lined up the shot and with a stutter-step, calmly slotted the ball down the middle as the âkeeper dove right.
The Kickers take to the road for the next three matches, returning Saturday, May 24th to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. Order tickets in advance via RichmondKickers.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 19, 2008
- Kickers open season with three points over Western Mass - Richmond Kickers
- City Stars Win Exciting Home Opener vs. Pittsburgh - Cleveland City Stars
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