GAME SUMMARY

Saturday, July 10, 2010 Charlotte Christian Stadium
Charlotte Eagles                                         1 (Elcock 31’)
Richmond Kickers                                       1 (Dalby 74’) 

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Richmond Kickers gained a point on the Charlotte Eagles following a 1-1 affair during the latter half of this weekend’s back-to-back road trip.  Edson Elcock and Stephen Nsereko combined in the 31st minute to give the Kickers the advantage through the first half.  Their hopes of coming away with the full three points were dashed when they conceded a Greg Dalby goal in the 74th minute.  The Kickers travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday, July 15th before returning to City Stadium on Saturday, July 24th to host the Riverhounds at 7:00 p.m.

The Richmond Kickers dominated possession in the early going, despite starting without goal scoring sensation Matthew Delicate, who served a one-game suspension following a red card ejection during last night’s match in Charleston. 

Gaining momentum after a few missed attempts, the Kickers gained a 1-0 edge in the 31st minute.  Nsereko collected a Richmond clearance at midfield and carried the ball forward.  The rookie midfielder slipped the ball through to a streaking Elcock on the left wing.  His defender lost footing, leaving Elcock 1v1 with goalkeeper Corbin Waller, allowing him to bury the ball deep in the far corner.

Minutes later, the Eagles tested Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale for the first time on the night when a cross from the right side found forward Gustavo Bentos in the air.  His determined header fell straight to Pascale’s outstretched arms and he had no problem keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard as the match headed for the break.

Following the restart, Charlotte made three substitutions, switching to two forwards and immediately recovering possession for a strong start to the second half.

Testing the Richmond defense, the Eagles searched for the equalizer and finally capitalized in the 74th minute.  Defender Ramak Safi lined up a corner and unleashed an inswinger into the box that was cleared out wide to a well-positioned Miguel Ferrer.  Crossing the ball back into the mix, he found Dalby in the air at the far post who fired a leaping header into the opposite corner and out of Pascale’s reach to level the score.

Fueled by the second half goal, the Eagles continued to apply pressure.  After a nice combination play on the right side in the 81st minute, Safi delivered a cross into the box and found a completely unmarked Marcello Alves seven yards out.  He struck a deliberate header on goal but Pascale’s reaction save pushed the ball just over the crossbar.

The Eagles looked dangerous again in the 84th minute after a Richmond corner when a quick counter caused the Kickers defenders to be outnumbered.  Ferrer slipped a through ball onto Luke Williams on the left side, who took one touch as Pascale charged out to challenge.  Colliding with the keeper, Williams was still able to release the shot but Pascale cleared the ball over the endline from close range.

The Kickers fought for a last minute game-winner in the 87th minute when they earned a corner on the right side.  Ross Mackenzie delivered the ball directly to Luke Vercollone’s head but his low header from seven yards out was denied by Waller’s kick save to keep the final score level.

The Richmond Kickers travel to Pittsburgh on July 15th before returning home to host the Riverhounds and SPCA’s Paws at the Pitch Night on Saturday, July 24th at 7:00 p.m.  Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to City Stadium to show their support of the Richmond SPCA and enjoy a night of professional soccer with their four-legged companions.  Order tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com and save big on admission.

Box Score      First Half     Second Half        Final
Charlotte               0                   1                    1
Richmond               1                   0                    1  

Scoring Summary
31st minute: Richmond – Edson Elcock (Stephen Nsereko)
74th minute: Charlotte – Greg Dalby (Miguel Ferrer)

Lineups
Eagles: GK Corbin Waller, Josh Rife, Greg Dalby, Brady Bryant, Ramak Safi, Jorge Herrera (Luke Williams – 62’), Darren Toby, Jo Connor (Juan Guzman – 45’), Leo Gibson (Marcello Alves – 65’), Chris Lemons (Miguel Ferrer – 45’), Gustavo Bentos (Ben Page – 45’)

Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale, William Yomby, Henry Kalungi, Evan Harding, Sascha Görres, Gerson dos Santos (Neil Barlow – 69’), Bobby Foglesong, Luke Vercollone, Edson Elcock, Mike Burke (Ross Mackenzie – 80’), Stephen Nsereko (Dave Hertel – 45’)

Shots              Saves             Fouls              Corners
Kickers:  9       Kickers:  3       Kickers:  10    Kickers:    6 
Eagles:  12     Eagles:   3       Eagles:   7      Eagles:   10

Cautions:
78th minute: William Yomby (Richmond)
90th minute: Ramak Safi (Charleston)

Ejections:
N/A

Referee:    Justus Agbeko
Assistant Referees:   Chris Spivey, Douglas Hartemann
Fourth Official:    Clive Edwards
Attendance:    834
Weather:    Partly cloudy, 86º