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USL Richmond Kickers

Ownby goal not enough as Kickers fall at home to Montreal

May 28, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers suffered their first home defeat of 2016 on Saturday night as they lost 2-1 to Montréal FC at City Stadium. The second half of the game saw two penalties, three goals and a red card as Montréal went up by two goals, before Brian Ownby was able to pull one back for the Kickers.

Kickers pressed in the opening stages and had three great chances in the first five minutes of the game from Sunny Jane and Lucas Paulini. Jane and Paulini forced Montréal keeper, Maxime Crépeau, into two early saves, as the Kickers searched for the opening goal.

Sunny Jane, again, came inches away from scoring in the 12th minute of the game. Kickers' midfielder, Luiz Fernando, found Sunny Jane at the top of the box, who would strike the ball with his left foot, flying past the Montréal keeper and striking the Montréal crossbar.

Kickers continued to dominate the game and in the 40th minute called the Montréal keeper into action again. Luiz Fernando, after great footwork on the right wing, cut into the box across his defender and tried to bend to the ball in the far corner, but was saved comfortably by Crépeau.

Montréal FC took the lead against the run of play in the 54th minute from a penalty kick. Following a Richmond corner, Montréal launched a counter attack, Alessandro Riggi was played a ball in the box, but was taken down by Samuel Asante, causing the referee to award a penalty. Riggi then stepped up to take the penalty and slotted the ball to the right side of the goal, giving Montréal a 1-0 lead.

The Kickers were inches away from the equalizer in the 64th minute. Yudai Imura found himself in space on the left wing and sent a cross to the back post where Richmond forward, Jason Yeisley, headed the ball across the goal and but only was kept out by the Montréal woodwork for the second time on the night.

Montréal FC would double their lead in the 77th minute. Montréal midfielder, David Choiniére dribbled towards the end line and cut back, playing the ball to Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla inside the box, who tuck the ball in the right corner of Horton's goal, giving Montréal a 2-0 lead.

The Kickers were awarded a penalty of their own immediately following Montréal's goal, for a foul on Anthony Grant. Jason Yeisley would step up to take the penalty kick, but was his shot was saved by Max Crépeau. The rebound from the save fell to Samuel Asante, whose shot was once again saved by the Montréal keeper, Maxime Crépeau, on loan from MLS side, Montréal Impact.

Kickers were forced to play the remaining 10 minutes of the game with 10 men, after Kicker's midfielder Samuel Asante was show a straight red for his tackle in the middle of the field.

Brian Ownby was able get a goal back for the Kickers in the 88th minute. A long ball from the back found substitute Anthony Grant in the final third, who flicked the ball through with his head to fellow substitute, Brian Ownby, who calmly finished past the Montréal goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

With seven minutes of stoppage time and a man down the Kickers made a final push for the equalizer. In the last seconds of the game, Romulo Peretta beat his man and fired a shot towards goal, but the Montréal keeper, Maxime Crépeau, was able to make his 10th save of the game, giving Montréal a 2-1 victory over the Richmond Kickers.

The Richmond Kickers will be back at City Stadium on Saturday, June 11 when they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Following the game will be a live viewing party of USA's match versus Paraguay in the Copa America. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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