Richmond Falls to Pittsburgh 2-1 in Saturday Night Matchup
Published on May 23, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA. - Even with a goal from Richmond forward Matthew Delicate and several chances by Kickers midfielder Brian Ownby throughout the second half, Richmond was unable to overcome two first-half goals by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, falling 2-1 at City Stadium Saturday night.
It was the Riverhounds who broke through to get the opening goal of the match in the 12th minute as Richmond fought to get the ball out of their 18-yard-box. Pittsburgh forward Lebo Moloto was able to get the ball and settle it down while turning, firing off a quick ground shot, beating Richmond goalkeeper Travis Worra and giving the Riverhounds an early one-goal lead.
Pittsburgh continued their offensive attack and their efforts were rewarded only six minutes after their first goal, thanks to the passing abilities of Riverhounds midfielders Matt Dallman and Kevin Kerr, who were able to work the ball back into the Richmond penalty box in the 18th minute on the rush, sending an aerial pass to Pittsburgh forward Miro Cabrilo, who directed the ball on goal toward goalkeeper Worra and into the back of the net, elevating the Riverhounds to a two goal lead before the midway point of the first half.
Richmond fought to get on the score sheet in the closing minutes of the first half as midfielder George Davis IV was able to get the ball after it was swung into the Pittsburgh penalty box. As Riverhounds goalkeeper Ryan Thompson challenged for possession, the ball came free and rolled toward Kickers midfielder Nate Shiffman, but his shot attempt was deflected out of the Riverhounds' 18-yard box, allowing Pittsburgh to carry their two-goal lead into the locker room.
Richmond was able to tally a goal of their own in the early minutes of the second half as the Kickers pair of Ownby and Delicate were able to tally a goal in the 56th minute. Midfielder Ownby drove down the left wing of the field, beating a sliding challenge by a Riverhounds defender.
After gaining position in the Pittsburgh box, Ownby was able to dish the ball to a waiting Delicate, who fired off a quick first-time shot, beating Pittsburgh goalkeeper Thompson while cutting the Riverhonds lead down to one.
A sustained attack by Richmond throughout the second half saw Ownby bringing the ball into the zone on several occasions, including a 75th minute chance where Ownby was able to break free of the Pittsburgh defense and gain space inside the Riverhounds' 18-yard-box, allowing him to fire off a quick shot that went wide of the left post and out of play.
A final chance in the fading moments of stoppage time from a Richmond corner was cleared out of play by the Pittsburgh defense, preventing the Kickers from getting the game-tying goal and giving the Riverhounds a 2-1 win.
The Kickers will now shift their attention to competition in the third round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as they face Jacksonville Armada FC on Wednesday, May 27 at Richmond City Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Richmond returns to USL competition on Saturday, May 30, as they face New York Red Bulls II in a home matchup at City Stadium. Kickoff for that match is also scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at RichmondKickers.com.
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