Richmond Kickers 3 – 1 Charleston Battery
Elcock (58’) Gueye (81’)
Foglesong (70’)
Görres (78)
RICHMOND, VA (Saturday, June 5, 2010) – The Richmond Kickers got back on track Saturday night, defeating the Charleston Battery, 3-1. A crowd of 2,037 was on hand to witness an impressive performance by the defending champions, which supplied a perfect conclusion to the team’s second annual School’s Out Festival.
An onslaught of second half goals helped draw the Kickers closer to first place in the league standings. Richmond remains six points behind the league leading Battery, but possesses two games in hand. Numerous opportunities are available to close the gap within the upcoming weeks as the Kickers play Charleston three more times in their next five matches.
Richmond started the evening behind the eight ball as star midfielder, Mike Burke, was ruled out due to an injury obtained in practice. Local Virginia Commonwealth University product, Gerson Dos Santos, filled in admirably with the Burke absence and did not miss a beat.
The 10th minute saw a clever one-two connection develop between Battery forwards Tom Heinemann and Lamar Neagle, but Heinemann was unable to muster any power behind his effort, which rolled into the waiting hands of Kickers keeper, Ronnie Pascale.
Defender, David Hertel, swung an excellent cross into the box which found the head of Bobby Foglesong in the 14th minute, only to be blocked by a Battery defender.
Charleston’s Amaury Nunes picked out Brandon Massie later in the first half, which called Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale into action as he produced a remarkable save. Massie tried to keep his shot on the carpet, but Pascale was quick to hit the deck and prevent an early setback.
The first half ended with a dull score line of 0-0, as scoring opportunities were few and far between.
To say this contest was physical would be an understatement. The two clubs combined for 25 fouls and seven cautions on the night. No ball went uncontested throughout the match, which is a testament to the effort distributed by both sides.
A free kick awarded to the Kickers in the 58th minute produced the contests’ first goal. Dos Santos slipped into the box after stepping over the free kick and found Matthew Delicâte, whose attempt was initially saved, but fell into the path of an on looking Edson Elcock. Elcock made no mistake from six yards out and smashed the rebound into the back of the net.
Charleston almost equalized in the 65th minute, when substitute Rudolph Mayard beat a defender to the ball and was one on one with Pascale. His right footed attempt hit the left post and was cleared by the defense.
The 70th minute brought more of the same for the home team. Luke Vercollone, Union First Market Bank’s Man of the Match, ripped a shot in the box which presented another rebound opportunity for Bobby Foglesong. Foglesong made good from short distance and placed the Kickers in the driver’s seat.
After a Kickers corner, the ball was cleared out to midfield. Defender Dave Hertel collected the ball and carried it across the field, looking for an opening but eventually playing the ball back to a waiting Sascha Görres. The German defender took one touch and then produced an absolute magical strike in the 78th minute. Görres unleashed a shot from 35 yards out which found the top right corner of the goal, leaving the Battery keeper in awe.
The Battery were able to acquire a consolation prize through a midfielder Alioune Gueye header nine minutes from time after a scramble in the box.
The Kickers were able to put together another complete home performance after a rough outing last weekend. Their next match marks the opening round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as the team steps back from league play to host Crystal Palace Baltimore. The game will take place at 7 p.m. at the Richmond City Stadium on Tuesday, June 15. Regular admission prices apply at $12/adults and $7/youth ages 3-17. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
Box Score First Half Second Half Final
Richmond 0 3 3
Charleston 0 1 1
Starting Lineups
Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale, Henry Kalungi, William Yomby, David Hertel, Sascha Görres, Bobby Foglesong (Stephen Nserko – 82’), Luke Vercollone, Gerson Dos Santos, Edson Elcock, Joseph Kabwe (Neil Barlow – 87’), Matt Delicâte
Battery: GK Tim Melia, O’Brian Woodbine, Colin Falvey, Nigel Marples, Mike Zaher (Yaniel Bermudez – 76’), Brandon Massie, Alioune Gueye, Ian Fuller (Josh Bolton – 52’), Amauri Nunes (Zach Prince – 57’), Lamar Neagle (Rudolph Mayard – 63’), Tom Heinemann (Levi Coleman – 63’)
Shots Saves Fouls Corners
Kickers: 7 Kickers: 3 Kickers: 13 Kickers: 9
Battery: 5 Battery: 3 Battery: 12 Battery: 4
Cautions:
40th minute: Sascha Görres (Kickers)
68th minute: Gerson Dos Santos (Kickers)
71st minute: Bobby Foglesong (Kickers)
75th minute: O’Brian Woodbine (Battery)
84th minute: Nigel Marples (Battery)
89th minute: Matt Delicâte
Ejections:
None
Referee: Corey Parker
Assistant Referees: Roberto Furnish, Jason Blight
Fourth Official: Mohammed Samadpour
Attendance: 2,037
Weather: Humid, Cloudy, 90¢ª
Stadium: University of Richmond Stadium, Virginia
Union First Market Bank Man of the Match: Luke Vercollone
