Richmond Kickers Win USL Second Division Title
Published on August 26, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers won their third championship in team history, claiming the USL Second Division title 11 years after claiming the double of the league and US Open Cup titles in 1995 with a 2-1 win over Charlotte.
Charlotte had the first quality chance on goal in the second minute of play. The ball skirted out to Andy Guastaferro at the top right corner of the six yard box. Guastaferro hit a one-timer on the volley, blasting it inside the right post, but Pascale was there to make a quality save.
Richmond took the lead in the ninth minute on a penalty kick. Michael Burke, advancing in on goal from the left side was taken down by Aaron Faro. Robert Ssejjemba took the awarded penalty shot and beat Dan Benton on the right side, as Benton went opposite.
Burke, who was dangerous all night as he drove at the Charlotte defense was named the USL Second Division Most Valuable Player.
In the 33rd minute Richmond extended their lead to two goals. Kevin Knight set up the goal with a beautiful cross from the left corner. Knight's service found Chris Carrieri in the middle. Carrieri controled with his chest and fired a volley shot to the lower right corner, beating the dive of Benton.
Mike Burke had one last quality chance for Richmond before the first half whistle. Burke's shot from the top of the box was saved by Benton, but continued to trickle toward the goal. Ben Johnson cleared the ball away from danger as Ssejjemba was charging in to put it away.
The Eagles had a close chance to cut the lead in half in the 60th minute off the corner kick from Dustin Swinehart. Kevin Knight cleared the ball at the goal line with a bicycle kick to preserve the 2-0 lead.
The Richmond Kickers dropped back for most of the second half, protecting the lead with tight defense and looking for chances to advance on the counter-attack. Charlotte possessed the ball well in Richmond's half, but had trouble penetrating in the final third to create and capitalize on scoring chances.
The Eagles really began to pressure in the final minutes of play in desparation. In the 89th minute, Ross Spencer pushed down the right side and made a low pass across to Sam Casey at the top of the six yard box. Casey's shot was sent over the cross bar.
In the 90th minute Charlotte's pressure finally paid off with a goal as Spencer proved to be Charlotte's top player in the game. Andriy Budnyy made a great through pass onto the run of Spencer. He then maneuvered around Pascale and scored with a left-footed shot to the right side.
Richmond held onto the lead through a frenzied period of stoppage time to cap off the 2-1 victory, earning the 2006 USL Second Division Championship.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 26, 2006
- Richmond Kickers Win USL Second Division Title - USL
- Charlotte falls just short in USL-2 Championship - Charlotte Eagles
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