USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers snap winless streak

Published on May 30, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Late afternoon showers gave way to clear skies just before kickoff, as 2,223 dedicated fans saw the Richmond Kickers end a four-game home winless streak with a 2-0 decision against the Western Mass Pioneers Saturday night. Kickers forward Matthew Delicate connected on a Joey Worthen cross in the 22nd minute while forward David Bulow doubled the score in the 67th minute. With the home team out-shooting the Pioneers 16-4, goalkeeper James Thorpe kept the visitors' hopes alive, making eight saves in the second half.

The Kickers applied pressure early, testing the Pioneers defense in the 6th minute when midfielder Adrian Bumbut collected the ball 20 yards out and launched a rocket over the crossbar.

Later, the Kickers looked dangerous again when midfielder Mike Burke intercepted the ball on the right wing in the 13th minute. Feeding the ball forward for a give-and-go with Joey Worthen, Burke slotted the ball back to Delicate, 25 yards out. The 6'3" forward played the ball to Bumbut at the top of the box, who eluded defenders and slipped the ball to John DiRaimondo on the left side of the box but the loaned player from D.C. United launched the ball over the bar.

The Pioneers retaliated six minutes later, when forward Neil Krause laid off a cross deep in the box, forcing Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to make a leaping save.

The home team was not to be denied in the 22nd minute when Worthen delivered a well-placed cross into the box. Kickers leading scorer, Delicate nodded his fourth goal of the season into the upper 90 from eight yards, just skimming the post as it dipped over the ‘keeper's outstretched hands.

Nearly doubling the score seven minutes later, the Kickers attack built up en route to the box, resulting in a Worthen shot from the penalty spot. Pioneers goalkeeper James Thorpe dove to make the stop, but the rebound fell to Delicate, inches from the target. Delicate attempted to finish but a Western Mass defender blocked his shot and the ball ricocheted out of bounds.

Looking to get on the scoreboard in the 33rd minute, Krause went for the equalizer when he floated a header across the box but Pascale punched it wide.

The two teams headed into the break shortly after the Kickers saw a goal annulled due to an offside call. Defender Sascha Görres served a free kick into the box from the right wing. An offside Bumbut won the ball in the air but as his header found the back of the net, the whistle determined otherwise.

Ten minutes after the restart, a dangerously positioned foul ensued when Bumbut carried the ball across the top of the box, only to be taken down just outside the 18-yard line. Burke lined up the resulting free kick and bent it over the defensive wall, rattling the crossbar before rebounding back into the mix.

Not long after, the Pioneers were awarded a free kick in nearly the same position on the opposite side of the field, this time after a streaking Almir Barbosa motored towards goal on a breakaway. As Kickers defender Yomby William chased down the attacker, the two collided inches from the box. Barbosa's shot skimmed the top of the crossbar and a free kick was awarded. Practically every Kickers player on the field lined up to form the wall but Pioneers midfielder Yan Klukowski's shot met the defensive wall and was cleared from harm's way.

The Kickers brought the scoreline to 2-0 in the 67th minute when DiRaimondo picked up the ball on the right side, just outside the box. His cross was redirected by a Pioneers defender, and landed at Bulow's feet at point-blank range. With his back to goal, Bulow side-volleyed the ball inside the far corner.

Bumbut fired a series of shots on goal as the second half waned, but Thorpe was in the right place at the right time, using his body to deny his chances.

With ten minutes remaining in regulation, Kickers midfielder Ben Hunter launched a shot from the left side of the box. In ping-pong fashion, the ball ricocheted off both posts and the crossbar before Thorpe could clear it from the danger zone.

Kickers second half substitute Ross MacKenzie jumped right into the attack, battling a defender 20 yards out. Winning the ball just minutes after entering the game, he volleyed the ball on target but Thorpe gathered his attempt. Soon after, MacKenzie fed the ball to an onrushing Hunter on the left wing. Hunter delivered the ball into the box, finding DiRaimondo who played it wide to Delicate but the big forward misfired and the ball sailed wide.

The Richmond Kickers home stretch culminates with the School's Out Festival on Saturday, June 6th. The Kickers pro game versus the Harrisburg City Islanders highlights the Festival, which will feature vendors, live music, inflatables and games for all ages. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and admission is just $5.00 for the whole family before 6:00 p.m. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 30, 2009


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