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USL Richmond Kickers

Richmond Battles Real Salt Lake Reserves to Scoreless Draw

July 6, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers returned home after a two game road trip Sunday evening to face Real Salt Lake Reserves in a scoreless draw. Despite 15 shots, and a number of chances, the Kickers were never able to find their breakthrough.

The Kickers came out guns ablaze with two chances early in the first half. The first came in the fourth minute when Richmond midfielder Shay Spitz intercepted a pass at midfield. Spitz carried the ball to the top of the box before finding George Davis IV on his right. Davis' shot was struck low and hard and forced Real Salt Lake keeper Lalo Fernandez to make a save to his right.

The second came on a Spitz corner in the seventh minute. The inswinger found the head of defender Conor Shanosky, who was wide open inside the six-yard box, but his header went just over the bar.

Real Salt Lake's first chance of the game came in the 21st minute. Midfielder Luke Mulholland took a free kick from 30 yards that nearly caught Richmond keeper Joe Willis leaning. Willis managed to recover and make a diving save to his right.

In the 27th minute, Richmond midfielder Samuel Asante found Sascha Görres streaking down the left wing. Görres' low cross found Jason Yeisley near the penalty spot, whose shot sent Fernandez sprawling to his right to make the save.

Real Salt Lake's best chance of the half came two minutes later. Forward Olmes Garcia found himself free after Richmond defender Shane Johnson mistimed his sliding challenge. Garcia took the ball in on the keeper, but Willis came off his line to cut off the angle, and made a big save.

Yeisley would have a chance in the 43rd minute after receiving a pass from Davis in the box. Yeisley took a touch into space near the six-yard box, but could not beat the keeper to the near post.

Richmond's final chance of the first half came in he 45th minute when Spitz was sprung down the right wing. Spitz carried the ball in the right side of the box before centering the ball up for Asante. Asante's shot was hit on the ground, but Fernandez was up the task again with a diving save.

Real Salt Lake would turn the opening kickoff of the second half into their best chance of the game. Real sent a long ball forward, that Johnson could only head as far as Mulholland. Mulholland found a pocket of space on his way to the top of the box, before firing a shot off the crossbar and over.

Richmond's first chance of the second half came in the 76th minute. Davis danced around a defender to get to the byline. His cross beat Fernandez, who came diving off his line, and found second half substitute Tishan Hanley inside the six-yard box. Hanley's subsequent volley went over the bar, missing an open net.

Richmond's final chance at a winner came in the 88th minute. Second half substitute Nate Robinson's low cross from the right edge of the box found Hanley inside the six-yard box. Hanley's backheel attempt beat the keeper, and then trickled through the goalmouth and out for a goal kick.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium next Saturday, July 12 to host Sacramento Republic FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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