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USL Richmond Kickers

Trio Of Goals Propel Kickers To 3-1 Win Over Harrisburg In Season Opener

March 26, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - In front of a crowd of over 5,500 fans at City Stadium, the Richmond Kickers captured their first win of the 2016 USL season, defeating the Harrisburg City Islanders in a game that saw a trio of goals from the Kickers' offense, including Michael Callahan, Jason Yeisley, and Yudai Imura.

Richmond was able to get on the scoreboard in the early goings of the season-opening match against the City Islanders thanks to the efforts of Kickers midfielder Brian Ownby and his dish of the ball to a waiting Callahan in the 16th minute. The veteran midfielder's first-time shot into the upper left corner of Harrisburg goal beat goalkeeper Nick Noble and helped Richmond establish an early 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, the Kickers knotched a seocnd goal in the 24th minute as Ownby again found himself in an offensive position, laying the ball off to charging Imura. A cross from the foot of Imura found Yeisley near the far post, who was able to lightly deflect the ball into the City Islanders' goal, extending the home team's lead to two.

The latter stages of the first half saw a number of chances for both sides be saved by their respective goalkeepers or go out of play but, only two minutes into the second half, Richmond was able to reestablish its offensive presence and extend their lead to three goals over Harrisburg.

On a counter attack in the 48th minute, Richmond midfielder Imura was able to drive down the heart of the Harrisburg defensive zone, reaching the edge of the away team's penalty box before sending a ground ball on goal, beating a diving Noble to his left and rolling into the back of the net, building Richmond's lead to 3-0 over the City Islanders.

Harrisburg responded in the 51st minute and ended Richmond goalkeeper Ryan Taylor's bid for a season-opening clean sheet after a goal from City Islanders forward Jose Barril. Barril was able to establish position in the Richmond zone thanks to a pass from Harrisburg midfielder Paul Wilson, who directed the ball to Barril on the run, leading to his first-time goal that cut Richmond's lead down to two in the early minutes of the second half.

The City Islanders continued their efforts to cut into Richmond's lead, including a chance in the 72nd minute off a corner kick that found Harrisburg midfielder Cardel Benbow inside the Richmond penalty area before Kickers defender Braeden Troyer was able to get a foot on the ball and make a clearance, reducing the scoring threat.

A powerful shot in the final minute of regulation by Harrisburg forward Craig Foster was grabbed by Richmond's Taylor and would seal the result for both clubs, allowing the Kickers to earn their first win of the 2016 USL season.

The Richmond Kickers will now embark on their first road trip of the season, facing Wilmington Hammerheads FC at Legion Stadium on Friday April 1 at 7 p.m.

The Kickers return to City Stadium on Saturday April 9 for the 'I Love Carytown' Craft Beer Festival. Gates open at 3 p.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 26, 2016


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