Late goals good for Kickers 3-1 win over Pittsburgh
Published on July 12, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers returned home from a six-game road stretch in style, posting a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in front of 2,487 fans at the University of Richmond. The July heat did not stifle the attack which gave the Kickers the lead in the 19th minute courtesy of midfielder Sascha Görres. Riverhounds forward Boyzzz Khumalo leveled the score minutes into the second half and it was not until a 78th minute penalty kick, converted by midfielder Mike Burke that the stalemate was broken. Kickers midfielder Stanley Nyazamba clinched the victory with a last minute tally, boosting the Kickers to a 9-4-2 record and 29 points.
Riverhounds midfielder Travis MacKenzie opened the attack in the 8th minute when the ball slipped across the box and was cleared by Kickers defender Trevor McEachron. MacKenzie was stationed at the top of the box and intercepted the ball, sending a volley just wide left of the target.
Eight minutes later, the Kickers were in scoring position, this time when midfielder Ian Bennett eluded his marker on the right wing and fed the ball into the box to an on-rushing Burke. Burke sliced through the defense but his shot was deflected wide by goalkeeper Zach Varga.
There was little Varga could do three minutes later when the Kickers put the first goal on the board in the 19th minute. Midfielder Eliot Paschalis played the ball wide to Görres on the left side who evaded one Pittsburgh defender and unleashed a laser into the upper 90 from 25 yards out.
Khumalo looked for the equalizer in the 41st minute but instead rattled the woodwork. He took possession of the ball and found a clear shot, 20 yards out. His strike ricocheted off the crossbar and fell over the end line.
The Kickers had one more goal annulled as the end of first half injury time approached. Burke carried the ball into the box and played it to a streaking Luke Vercollone. The former New England Revolution midfielder skipped the ball to the far post where midfielder Ian Bennett was waiting to poke it over the line from four yards but was ruled offside.
Pittsburgh was not left playing catch-up for long into the second half as Khumalo was not to be denied a second time. A nice combination between defender Chris Riley and Khumalo fed Khumalo through to the six-yard box. Kickers goalkeeper Mark Murphy got a hand on the far-post shot but could not prevent the Riverhounds from leveling the score in the 49th minute.
After the Riverhounds goal, the Kickers applied pressure and had several chances to break the ice. The first came in the 59th minute when Görres delivered a corner kick to the far post where Nyazamba headed it back into the mix. The ball was cleared out and fell to Burke at the top of the box but his volley soared wide.
Six minutes later, Burke lined up a dangerous free kick, inches from the 18 yard line. He drilled a shot into the defensive wall but the ball slipped through, finding forward Freddie Smith behind the defense. Smith tried to finish but Varga came up big with the save on the point-blank strike.
Later, in the 69th minute, forward Jean Jerome carried the ball into the box and attempted a shot from just inside the 18. His low strike seemed destined for the near post but Murphy smothered it for the save.
The Kickers regained the lead in the 78th minute when Kickers midfielder Adrian Bumbut was taken down inside the box by Pittsburgh defender Nathan Salsi. Burke lined up the resulting penalty kick and coolly slid the ball into the right corner as Varga dove left.
Pittsburgh went down a man in the 82nd minute when MacKenzie earned a straight red card for a vicious challenge against Kickers defender Anthony Catalano. The Kickers capitalized on the advantage, sealing the victory in the 89th minute. Smith was played through the defense by Bumbut and rounded the goalkeeper, deep on the right wing. His awkward-angled shot struck the post with the rebound finding Nyazamba. Under pressure, Nyazamba eluded defenders and knocked the ball into the lower left corner from six yards.
Next Saturday, July 19th is SPCA Dog Night at the University of Richmond Stadium when the Kickers host the Cleveland City Stars at 7:00pm. Pet-friendly, VIP tickets are available online via RichmondKickers.com. Dinner is included in the price of admission and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the SPCA. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 12, 2008
- Herrera Scores Two in 4-3 Win at Wilmington - Charlotte Eagles
- Undefeated Atlanta Still Trouble for Lady Eagles - Charlotte Eagles
- Late goals good for Kickers 3-1 win over Pittsburgh - Richmond Kickers
- Exciting Finish Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace Baltimore - Cleveland City Stars
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