USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers shock D.C. United in U.S. Open Cup play

Published on July 21, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA- McColm Cephas scored two times and the A-League Richmond Kickers unceremoniously dumped D.C. United, 2-1, from the 2004 U.S. Open Cup before 8,776 at University of Richmond City Stadium. With the loss, United becomes the fourth MLS club to be eliminated from the fourth round of this year's tournament by opponents from America's second professional division. The Black-and-Red returns to League action this Saturday against the Dallas Burn. Kick-off is set for 8:30 p.m. EDT.

"I'm extremely disappointed, no question," said United Head Coach Peter Nowak. "We're going back to work tomorrow and we will work, because we didn't work tonight."

United opened the game as the aggressor with Alecko Eskandarian, Jaime Moreno and Josh Gros holding possession deep into Richmond's defensive third. The hosts' countered with equal parts heart and scrappiness. While Eskandarian's re-start nearly missed Ezra Hendrickson's back post run, the Kickers nearly dented the scoreboard on shots by Joey Worthen and Kevin Jeffrey.

The majority of the game soon moved to the middle third of the field with neither team making quality advances at goal. Gros and Dema Kovalenko had opportunities after gaining the endline, but saw their crosses go wanting.

Having re-taking control of the game, a defensive lapse proved costly in the 33rd minute. Mike Petke and Nick Rimando both attempted to collect a long pass out of the Kickers' defense. As they approached, however, neither won possession and a hustling Cephas was on the score sheet with the game's first tally.

Playing from behind, the Black-and-Red immediately began heavy pressure with the help of halftime sub Freddy Adu. Within five minutes, David Stokes nearly converted Adu's corner kick before two more quality crosses were left unfinished. Moreno's half chance on a deceptive restart was later foiled, as well.

Play continued throughout the Kickers defense until a counter-attack led by Worthen doubled the Kickers' lead. Worthen and former United stalwart Richie Williams executed a fine give and go freeing space along the left sideline. Worthen's quality cross found Cephas for his second goal of the match.

United went right back to work. A Kovalenko blast passed just over the crossbar. Adu nailed the woodwork above Ronnie Pascale, but United's tally remained at zero. Adu later found Kovalenko, but the Ukrainian's six-yard bid was deflected just wide of frame.

United remained undeterred and the effort was rewarded when Nana Kuffour, making his United debut, headed home an Adu corner kick in the 82nd minute. The visitors could not, however, muster a game-tying goal and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy, MetroStars, New England Revolution, Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew by abandoning the U.S. Open Cup.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from July 21, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central