GAME SUMMARY
Saturday, August 29, 2009 University of Richmond Stadium
Richmond Kickers 3 (Elcock 63’, DiRaimondo 83’, Bulow 86’)
Charlotte Eagles 1
RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers claimed the 2009 USL Second Division Championship Saturday night with a dramatic 3-1 win over the Charlotte Eagles. Conceding an early goal, the Kickers were forced to play catch up through the first half when Eagles midfielder Diego Martins struck first in the 14th minute. Kickers newcomer Edson Elcock tallied the equalizer in the 63rd minute before a pair of back-to-back goals sealed the title win. Kickers forward David Bulow garnered the USL Second Division Championship Most Valuable Player award after adding a goal and an assist to the scoreline.
The Eagles took an early lead when Martins broke free and found himself all alone with Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Gathering a well-placed ball played over the top by midfielder Darren Toby, Martins lined up a right footed shoot and found the back left side of the net to give the Eagles the advantage.
A hard-fought battle saw several good changes on both sides of the field but the Kickers could not find the equalizer until after the second half restart. Game MVP Bulow played the ball across the penalty area and found Elcock at the far post. The recent addition to the Kickers lineup headed the ball home from point blank range.
The Kickers took the lead 20 minutes later when D.C. United loan John DiRaimondo delivered a free kick from just outside the left side of the penalty area. Bending a shot around the defensive wall, his shot brushed the head of an Eagle defender as it sailed into the target.
With just five minutes remaining in regulation, the Kickers padded the scoreline when Bulow was awarded a penalty kick. Taken down inside the box by Eagles goalkeeper Steward Ceus, Bulow lined up the resultant kick to face the 6’6” goalkeeper from the penalty spot. The ‘keeper guessed right but Bulow calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The Kickers earned their third USL Championship title (fourth overall) and second in four seasons.
Box Score First Half Second Half Final
Richmond 0 3 3
Charlotte 1 0 1
Scoring Summary
14th minute: Charlotte – Diego Martins (Darren Toby)
63rd minute: Richmond – Edson Elcock (David Bulow)
83rd minute: Richmond – John DiRaimondo
86th minute: Richmond – David Bulow (penalty)
Lineups
Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale, Yomby William, Henry Kalungi, Kenny Cutler (Evan Harding – 83’), Sascha Görres, Luke Vercollone, Gerson dos Santos (John Diramando – 45’), Edson Elcock (Ross Mackenzie – 90’), Mike Burke (Ben Hunter – 80’), Matthew Delicâte, Joey Worthen (David Bulow – 45’)
Eagles: GK Steward Cevs, Josh Rife, Jo Connor ( Jacob Coggins – 87’), Chad Smith (Ben Johnson – 57’), Luke Williams, Diego Martins, Amaury Nunes (Chris Lemons – 62’), Jorge Herrera, Darren Toby, Dustin Swinehart (Taurai Daka – 76’), Ben Page (Gustavo Bentos – 62’)
Shots Saves Fouls Corners
Eagles: 11 Eagles: 8 Eagles: 12 Eagles: 3
Kickers: 15 Kickers: 5 Kickers: 10 Kickers: 6
Cautions:
41st minute: Amaury Nunes (Charlotte)
46th minute: Luke Williams (Charlotte)
85th minute: Steward Cevs (Charlotte)
Ejections:
None.
Referee: Tony Russo
Assistant Referees: Kai Goodrich, Mark Gorak
Fourth Official: Shaun Papperman
Attendance: 2,998
Weather: Clear, hot, humid
First Market Bank Man of the Match: David Bulow
