KICKERS UPSET DC UNITED, 3-0
Saturday, March 22, 2008 University of Richmond Stadium
Richmond Kickers 3 (Burke 2’, 61’, Jones 35’)
DC United 0
RICHMOND, VA – (Saturday, March 22, 2008) - The Richmond Kickers handed a 3-0 upset to DC United of Major League Soccer on a brisk, March evening, in front of nearly 4,000 fans at the University of Richmond Stadium. Richmond took an early lead when captain Mike Burke registered a goal in the 2nd minute. Defender Kelvin Jones headed home a second tally before the break and Burke converted a penalty kick in the second half. Newcomer Ben Hunter set up both first half goals during his Richmond debut.
The Kickers opened tonight’s exhibition with Burke’s second minute tally. A nice combination with defender Anthony Catalano sliding the ball to Adrian Bumbut began the series. Bumbut flicked the ball on to Hunter on the left side. Hunter carried the ball into the box and crossed it to a wide open Burke, 12 yards out. With time on his side, Burke measured his shot and pulled the trigger into the far left corner, putting the Kickers up 1-0.
DC United recovered and found their first opportunity in the 10th minute. A late clearance by Kickers defense left midfielder Justin Moose alone on the right side. Streaking down the flank, he attempted to cross the ball towards the penalty area but no one was home to finish.
Seven minutes later, Kickers defender Adam Chavez sent a long ball from the back line, over the defense, looking for midfielder Luke Vercollone. Vercollone challenged the last defender to reach it but goalkeeper Jose Carvallo scooped up the loose ball.
A defensive breakdown allowed the ball to slip past the Richmond defense in the 21st minute, giving United an opportunity to level the score. United forward Cezar rushed a shot from around the penalty area, blasting the ball over the crossbar.
As halftime approached, the Kickers added a second goal to the scoreboard in the 35th minute. Hunter fed the ball to Bumbut on the left side, who crossed it to Burke in the box, but his right-footed shot sailed just wide and was deflected over the end line. Hunter lined up the resulting corner kick and curled a left-footed in-swinging ball into the box, this time finding defender Kelvin Jones open six yards out. Jones reached for the ball in the air and headed it into the lower left corner.
Little action on either side of the pitch after the second half restart ensued until a 61st minute foul on Vercollone in the box resulted in a penalty kick in favor of the Kickers. Veteran Burke stepped up, and after a stutter step, calmly slipped a low ball into the right corner, converting his second tally of the night.
Minutes later, United midfielder Jeremy Barlow was issued a red card ejection after a hard foul at midfield, leaving DC with just 10 men on the field. The Kickers attempted to capitalize on United’s shortcomings in the 66th minute when Burke sent a clever through ball to Hunter, streaking down the left flank. Hunter’s shot from 20 yards out was gathered up by United goalkeeper James Thorpe.
As full time loomed near, Cezar attempted a close range shot but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was able to make the stop and preserve his clean sheet.
The Kickers will open USL2 regular season action on April 19th when they host the Western Mass Pioneers at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. Fans can purchase a 15th Anniversary voucher via RichmondKickers.com, which will allow admittance to a unlimited number of friends, family members, coworkers and acquaintances.
Box Score First Half Second Half Final
Richmond 2 1 3
D.C. United 0 0 0
Scoring Summary
2nd minute: Richmond Kickers – Mike Burke (Ben Hunter)
35th minute: Richmond Kickers – Kelvin Jones (Ben Hunter)
61st minute: Richmond Kickers – Mike Burke (Penalty)
Lineups
Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale (Mark Murphy – 83’), Evan Harding, Anthony Catalano, Kelvin Jones, Adam Chavez, Mike Burke (Freddie Smith – 71’), David Bulow (Pat Viray – 71’), Eliot Paschalis (Trey Alexander – 83’) Luke Vercollone (Ralph Pace – 83’), Adrian Bumbut, Ben Hunter
United: GK Jose Carvallo (James Thorpe – 45’), Quavas Kirk, Pat Carroll, Dane Murphy, Ryan Cardeiro, Jeremy Barlow, Rod Dyanchecko, Daniel Stratford (Clyde Simms – 67’), Justin Moose, Cezar, Santino Quaranta (Domenic Mediate – 45’)
Shots Saves Fouls Corners
United: 7 United: 2 United: 11 United: 3
Kickers: 10 Kickers: 2 Kickers 8 Kickers: 1
Cautions:
52nd minute: Rod Dyachencko (DC United)
61st minute: Quavas Kirk (DC United)
72nd minute: Luke Vercollone (Richmond)
Ejections:
64th minute: Jeremy Barlow (DC United)
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Assistant Referees: Steven Taylor, Will Knause
Fourth Official: Robert Velbis
Attendance: 3,912
Weather: Cool, breezy, 48º
