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USL Richmond Kickers

Monarchs edge Kickers

June 13, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


ROCKVILLE, MD - The Richmond Kickers suffered a 1-0 loss to the Real Maryland Monarchs on Saturday night, courtesy of an own goal early in the second half. Battling a man down for the majority of the game, the Kickers could not find the equalizer after midfielder Mike Burke and Assistant Coach Jesse Myers were sent off for dissent early in the first half. The Kickers head north to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds tomorrow, Sunday, June 14th at 7:05 p.m.

The controversial play occurred in the 27th minute when D.C. United loan John DiRaimondo delivered a well-placed ball through the defense, finding an onrushing Burke. As Burke headed towards goal, Monarchs defender Yendry Diaz collided with him near the penalty spot. With no call from the referee, Burke and Myers disagreed and were sent off for dissent, leaving the Kickers down a man for the remainder of the match.

The two teams entered the second half with a scoreless draw, but the Monarchs claimed the advantage on a Kickers own goal within three minutes. A Monarchs midfielder crossed the ball into the box, forcing Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale off his line. As midfielder Lucio Gonzaga got a slight flick on the ball, it bounced out of Pascale's reach across the goal mouth and ricocheted off of Kickers defender Yomby William's thigh and into the open net from11 yards out.

Maryland nearly doubled the score in the 75th minute when forward Gary Brooks fired from the six yard box but hit the woodwork. Ten minutes later, the Kickers created the best chance of the night to equalize the score, hoping to capitalize on a dangerous free kick, 22 yards out. Midfielder Ross MacKenzie lined up the free kick and fired on goal, only to be denied by the crossbar.

In the 88th minute, the Monarchs lined up a dangerous free kick of their own, inches from the box. A Maryland defender unleashed the shot but his attempt clattered the post and the resulting rebound shot sailed over the target.

As the final minute of stoppage time ticked on, Kickers defender Anthony Peters made a last minute effort to level the scoreline but his well-placed header was cleared off the line. Forward Matthew Delicate collected the rebound but his shot grazed the crossbar and landed in the top netting.

The Kickers continue their five-game road stand tomorrow, Sunday, June 14th in Pittsburgh as they take on the Riverhounds at Chartiers Valley High School at 7:05 p.m. With six home games to start the season, the Kickers travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday, June 14th before facing the Eagles in Charlotte on June 20th and traveling back to Pittsburgh on June 26th. The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday, July 4th to host Charlotte at 1:00 p.m.

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