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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers overcome D.C. United, 3-2

June 20, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers battled DC United of Major League Soccer to an exciting 3-2 finish during Tuesday night's exhibition. Kickers forwards Ricky Schramm and Freddy Smith registered a goal a piece on either side of the half while midfielder Mike Burke converted a late penalty kick. United's Justin Moose registered a first-half equalizer while midfielder Marc Burch tallied the final goal of the night two minutes before time.

The Kickers came out strong with a close call in the 6th minute with a goal called back due to an offside call. Midfielder Matt Watson eluded two defenders on the right side, just outside the box and swung a cross into the box. Schramm tapped the ball in from the penalty spot but the goal was annulled.

Twenty minutes later, the Kickers got on the board with the first tally of the night, this time with Schramm onside. Defender Steven Wolfe carried the ball down the left side, cut in at the end line and played the ball back to Schramm at the penalty spot who one-timed it into the right corner.

After the Kickers initial goal, United picked up speed with several scoring opportunities to close out the half. The 33rd minute saw defender Dominic Mediate receive a rebound off a Kickers clearance just outside the box but his shot sailed high over the crossbar. Forward Nick Addlery looked dangerous in the 38th minute when he curled a shot from just inside the box on the left side, forcing Kickers netminder Mark Murphy to stretch out for the save.

Closing out the half, United midfielder Brad North won the ball in the air off a corner kick, forcing Murphy to leap to the left to punch the ball back into the mix. DC midfielder Jeff Carroll received the rebound and headed it on goal but Kickers midfielder Matt Watson cleared the ball off the line.

Not long after the second-half restart, Schramm created another dangerous chance, intercepting a bad DC pass in the back field, crossing it to Smith. Reaching the ball simultaneously with a United defender, Smith attempted a low shot that was easily covered by United netminder Shawn Crowe in the 50th minute.

Nine minutes later, DC United equalized when a Kickers pass in the midfield was intercepted by forward Rod Dyachenko. Dyachenko carried the ball down the flank to the top of the box where he played it back to Moose, who settled the ball and drilled it into the top left corner.

The Kickers took the lead again in the 66th minute when Kickers defender Charlie Howe cut off a pass at the halfway mark and one-timed it to forward David Bulow. Bulow found Smith making a diagonal run to the box, and with a few touches, sent a right-footed blast into the bottom left corner.

United continued to apply pressure as the game neared the end with Moose ripping another shot over the crossbar and several dangerous plays by forward Nick Addlery who was unable to find the target.

Richmond increased their lead to 3-1 in the 82nd minute when Bulow drew a foul on John Wilson, just inside the 18 yard line, winning a penalty kick. Kickers veteran Mike Burke lined up the penalty and with a stutter step, calmly slid a low right footed shot under the keeper as he dove right.

With two minutes until final time, United closed the deficit to the final 3-2 scoreline when Burch hammered a long-distance shot from 25 yards, directly at Murphy. As the ball rocketed just above Murphy's head, he was able to get a piece of the ball, but not enough to stop the momentum as the ball fell behind him across the goal line.

The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium for the Second Round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday, June 26th when they host the Cleveland City Stars at 7:00 p.m. The winner will advance to the Third Round to face a team from Major League Soccer. Order tickets in advance via RichmondKickers.com.

Box Score First Half Second Half Final Richmond 1 2 3

D.C. United 0 2 2

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 20, 2007


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