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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers suffer 1-0 upset

May 9, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


DEVINSHIRE, Bermuda - The Richmond Kickers suffered a 1-0 upset to the Bermuda Hogges on a humid Saturday night. Despite outshooting the Hogges 21-10, the Kickers were unable to come back after a 25th minute tally by forward Domico Coddington. Earning their second consecutive victory, Hogges goalkeeper Nigel Burgess posted nine saves on the night, leading Bermuda to their first win over Richmond in franchise history. The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium next Friday, May 15th to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 p.m.

The Hogges applied pressure early with a close call in the first minute of play. Forward Antwan Russell received the ball over the defense and battled Anthony Peters 1v1 in the box but the D.C. United defender was able to clear the ball from harm's way as he approached the six-yard box.

The ninth minute saw the Kickers retaliate after midfielder Luke Vercollone drew a foul just outside the box. Midfielder Mike Burke lined up the free kick 20 yards out. Bending the ball around the defensive wall, his attempt was tipped over the crossbar by Nigel Burgess.

Less than a minute later, forward Domico Coddington found an open space on the left wing. He slotted the ball across the goalmouth, only to be cleared out by a Kickers defender.

At the 20th minute mark, Vercollone battled for the ball in the midfield, eluding defenders as he approached the 18 yard line but his shot from the top of the box was deflected wide of the target.

The Hogges claimed an early lead five minutes later when they were awarded a dangerous free kick, 25 yards out. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale pushed the ball wide, resulting in a corner for the home side. Defender Jared Peniston delivered an outswinger, finding Coddington in the air. His header to the near post ricocheted just over Pascale's outstretched hands and just under the crossbar.

Peniston threatened again in the 36th minute when the on-rushing defender collected the ball on the right wing. Carrying it inside, he struck from the top of the box but his attempt narrowly missed the far post.

With the Kickers trailing as the half-way point neared, Delicâte swung a cross into the box from the left side, finding New York Red Bulls loan Matthew Mbuta in the air. His header seemed destined to level the score but Burgess made a leaping save to keep the Kickers off the scoreboard as they headed into the break.

Four minutes after the restart, DeRiamondo fired a 30-yard rocket but it was pushed wide by Burgess. Burke set up the resulting corner kick, finding forward David Bulow at the far post but Burgess smothered the ball.

Later, the Kickers nearly had the equalizer when Burke carried the ball deep on the right side and delivered a cross to second-half substitute Ben Hunter but his left-footed volley sailed wide.

A series of near misses occurred when Mbuta fought for four consecutive point-blank shots, beginning in the 71st minute when he attempted a close range volley, only to be stifled by Burgess. The subsequent corner was swung into the mix by Burke, finding Peters in the air. His header was deflected wide to Hunter who nodded the ball on target but it was redirected wide a second time.

Minutes later, Delicâte collected the ball at the top of the box and fed it through to Mbuta but again, Burgess silenced the attack. Then, just after the 80th minute mark, Hunter received the ball on the left wing and crossed it into the box. Mbuta one-timed the ball but Burgess came up big again to stop his strike. Despite his best efforts to bury the rebound, the Hogges goalkeeper was on his line and was able to preserve his clean sheet.

As regulation came to an end, Burke lined up a free kick, deep on the left wing, inches from the 18-yard box. As the ball headed towards the target, a leaping Burgess punched it back out into the mix, keeping the Kickers off the scoreboard to claim the win.

The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium on Friday, May 15th when they host the Charlotte Eagles and Faith & Family Night at 7:00 p.m. Donate your new and gently used clothing and soccer equipment to benefit the children of Gulu, Northern Uganda and purchase tickets at the gate for just $5.00. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.

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