GAME SUMMARY: U.S. Open Cup Second Round

Tuesday, June 22, 2010    Richmond City Stadium
Richmond Kickers              3 (Yomby 10’, Delicate 69’, Foglesong 78’)
Real Maryland Monarchs   1 (Sanchez 83’)

RICHMOND, VA (Tuesday, June 22, 2010) – The Richmond Kickers advanced into the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup with a convincing 3-1 decision over league rivals, Real Maryland Tuesday night.  Despite desert-like temperature conditions, a crowd of 1,360 turned out to participate in the team’s first ever “White Out.”  A sea of white shirts cheered on the home side, which didn’t disappoint with a decisive performance.

After coping with several initial pressure situations applied by the visitors, it was the home side that drew first blood in the form of a William Yomby tally.

The 10th minute created a set piece opportunity for the Kickers with Johnny Villanueva going down just outside the box.  The restart permitted Mike Burke to produce a pinpoint cross to the far post which found the head of defender, William Yomby.  Yomby made no mistake as he placed his effort in the lower left corner, leaving no chance for the Monarch keeper to offer a rebuttal.

In the 26th minute, Monarch forward, Andre Akpan, drew an obstruction foul in the box.  Ben Hunter unleashed a deadly free kick, but had too much pace for his target, Alan Sanchez to accurately deal with.

Towards the end of the first half, which saw limited opportunities for both clubs, it was Akpan who was blessed with another opportunity to level the match.  His header nearly beat the Kickers keeper, Ronnie Pascale, but the top post rejected the effort and the ball was directed towards safety.

Several minutes into the second half brought a beautiful cross from Sascha Görres into the box, which connected with an onrushing Yomby.  His attempt narrowly missed the net as the former Old Dominion standout appeared to have developed a strikers’ mentality for the evening.

Man of the Match, Roger Bothe, supplied a cross from the touchline to English hit man, Matthew Delicâte, in the 69th minute to double the lead for the home side.  The Virginia Commonwealth product received the ball near the six yard box and made his intentions known, placing the ball into the corner of the net.  Scoring at an absolute frantic pace, Delicâte has acquired 11 goals in all competitions this season.

Not content on just sitting back and watching the clock expire, the Kickers found a third goal in the 78th minute, courtesy of a Foglesong header.

Bothe supplied a perfect long ball to substitute, Stephen Nserko, who was able to run free down the left hand wing and deliver a determined cross to Foglesong.  Foglesong accurately buried his effort, which extinguished any hopes of a Maryland comeback.

The 83rd minute saw the away side pull one back with a superb individual effort from Alan Sanchez.  Sanchez received a pass from Israel Sesay and eluded his defender to slot the ball into the side netting.

The end of the game signaled a well deserved victory for the home team, who produced a complete all-around performance.

The Kickers will now get to test their skill against Major League Soccer’s D.C. United next Wednesday, June 30th at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia.  The contest will begin at 7:30 p.m.  The Kickers return to City Stadium to resume regular season action on Saturday, July 3rd to host the Charleston Battery and the second annual Independence Day Bash, which kicks off at 11:00 a.m.

Box Score   First Half     Second Half     Final
Richmond              1                  2                 3         
Real Maryland       0                  1                 1

Lineups
Kickers:  GK Ronnie Pascale, William Yomby, Henry Kalungi, Sascha Görres, David Hertel, Roger Bothe, Mike Burke, Edson Elcock, Luke Vercollone (Bobby Foglesong – 60’), Johnny Villanueva (Stephen Nsereko – 51’), Matt Delicâte

Monarchs:  GK Brian Levey, John Borrajo (Israel Sesay – 66’), Kenneth Sola, Gareth Evans, Mason Trafford, Nate Baker, Ben Hunter (Sean Rush – 76’), Nicki Paterson, Joel Senior (Jyler Noviello – 45’), Andre Akpan, Alan Sanchez    

Shots                  Saves              Fouls              Corners
Monarchs: 8        Monarchs: 2    Monarchs: 6     Monarchs:  4
Kickers:   12        Kickers:     3    Kickers:     8     Kickers:      3

Cautions:
57th minute:  Kenneth Sola (Monarchs)
60th minute:  Luke Vercollone (Kickers)
72nd minute:  Ben Hunter (Monarchs)

Ejections:
None

Referee:    Mark Gorak
Assistant Referees:   James Conlee, J.P. Rike
Fourth Official:   Shawn Fitch
Attendance:   1,360
Weather:    Partly Cloudy, Humid, 95°
Stadium:    Richmond City Stadium, Virginia
Union First Market Bank Man of the Match:  Roger Bothe