USL Richmond Kickers

Richmond Defeats Charlotte 2-1

August 9, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Two first half goals from George Davis IV and Luke Vercollone were enough to see the home side through, as Richmond defeated Charlotte 2-1. The Kickers move within one point of first place Orlando City, with a home and home series still on the cards.

Richmond opened the game with a large portion of the possession with their first chance coming on a third minute miscue from Charlotte defender JJ Greer. Greer gave the ball away to Matthew Delicâte just outside the box, and the Richmond forward was in on goal. Delicâte danced around the keeper before the ball was poked away by Bilal Duckett.

Richmond broke the ice in the 18th minute on Davis IV's ninth goal on the season. Davis IV received a pass from Alex Lee at the top of the box, and his effort caught keeper Alec Kann flatfooted before finding the back of the net.

Charlotte's only chance of the half came in the 24th minute. Forward Jorge Herrera found Darren Toby at the top of the box. Toby's left footed shot beat keeper Ryan Taylor, but went ringing off the left post.

Richmond doubled their lead in the 28th minute on a goal from the captain, Luke Vercollone. Samuel Asante flicked the ball over the head of a defender, before sliding the ball through the defense. Vercollone did the rest, blasting a shot to the right of the keeper.

Richmond nearly added their third on the night in the 39th minute. Jason Yeisley centered the ball to Delicâte near the penalty spot. Delicâte turned on Duckett into space, and his left footed effort drew a highlight reel save from Kann at full extension to his left.

Richmond picked up where they left off with two early chances to start the second half. In the 50th minute Davis IV's ball from the right wing found Delicâte just inside the six-yard box. Delicâte's right-footed volley met the hand of Kann before trickling to the back post. The ball sat on the goal line as Delicâte, and two Charlotte defenders scrambled for the ball before it could be cleared away.

Two minutes later, a Sascha Görres cross from the left flank, found the head of William Yomby at the back post but his header was aimed straight at the keeper and gloved.

Charlotte cut the deficit in half in the 53rd minute on a goal by Herrera. Fred Seykere's through ball from the middle of the attacking half, found Herrera making a diagonal run from the right flank. Herrera took one touch before slotting the ball home past Taylor.

Richmond thought they had their third in the 60th minute when Shay Spitz's diving header found the back of the net. Spitz found himself behind the defense on a Nate Robinson free kick, but was called offside.

Richmond fans experienced a scare in the 65th minute on a near own-goal from Yomby. Herrera found Jon Leathers through the defense who centered the ball in the box. Yomby was first to the ball, but his left food sent the ball in the direction of the goal before Taylor recovered.

Charlotte had their final chance at an equalizer in the 90th minute. Second half substitute Drew Russell, found an open Tyrone Hall down the right flank. Hall tried to catch Taylor off his line, but his shot dipped just over the bar.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium on Saturday, August 16 to host the Dayton Dutch Lions and Family Fest, presented by Union First Market Bank and Bounce 2 The Moon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and admission for the entire family is just $10 before 6:30 p.m. Order tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 9, 2014


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