Stars Align For 0-0 Tie In Cleveland
Published on June 28, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
CLEVELAND, OH - The Richmond Kickers posted their second scoreless tie in as many league games tonight with a nil-nil result against the Cleveland City Stars. The two teams were evenly matched with several dangerous chances and big saves by the respective goalkeepers on either side of the field. The result was positive for Richmond, who picked up a point in Cleveland, in their first of six road games ahead.
The scoreline could have been different had a Kickers goal not been disallowed late in the first half. Midfielder Sascha Görres crossed the ball into the box from the right side, to forward David Bulow, who redirected it to the far post. A well-placed Mike Burke rounded City Stars goalkeeper Eric Reed and slotted the ball into the empty net from three yards, just as the offside whistle was blown.
Cleveland answered in the 36th minute when midfielder Ryan Stewart eluded defenders and sent the ball through the Kickers back line, in hopes of finding an exposed target. Kickers defender Trevor McEachron slipped in and deflected the ball over the endline for a City Stars corner.
Not long after, Richmond was scoring position again when an unchallenged Görres picked up the ball in his own half and carried it through the midfield. He calmly unleashed a 25 yard rocket but Reed came up big again, pushing the ball wide for a Richmond corner.
The two teams were squarely matched in the second half, as each attempted eight shots with the keepers making three saves apiece. It was Richmond who struck first, in the 65th minute, when a City Stars defender had a poor clearance, allowing Bulow to confront Reed 1v1. As Bulow struck, Reed made the heroic save to keep the visiting team at bay.
The City Stars pushed forward and were awarded 14 corners in the match, with several coming in the last few minutes of the game. Forward Adam Ruud gathered the ball on the right flank and cut inside to take a left-footed strike to the far corner of the net. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale made a gallant, diving save to force the ball out-of-bounds. In a last minute effort to capitalize on the numerous corners that followed, midfielder Derek Potteiger and Sallieu Bundu both connected on inswingers but the ball was either deflected or headed over the bar.
Richmond's best chance of the second half came during injury time when midfielder Adrian Bumbut looked for the last-second icebreaker. He took off on a breakaway and cut inside to find himself alone versus the goalkeeper. His left-footed bullet headed towards the far post but Reed redirected it to preserve the clean sheet.
The Richmond Kickers travel to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds tomorrow, Sunday, June 29th before attempting to upset the New England Revolution (MLS) on Tuesday, July 1st in the US Open Cup Third Round. They continue their road stand with a match-up against Real Maryland Monarchs on July 3rd and a trip to Bermuda on July 6th. The Kickers return home on July 12th to host Pittsburgh at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 28, 2008
- Bryant Saves Charlotte with Late Goal in 1-1 Tie at Bermuda - Charlotte Eagles
- City Stars Battle Richmond Kickers To Nil-Nil Draw - Cleveland City Stars
- Stars Align For 0-0 Tie In Cleveland - Richmond Kickers
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