Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

 

Saturday, May 20, 2006

 

RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 1-0, on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 2,745.  Forward Robert Ssejjemba recorded his fifth goal of the season in the 6th minute and the Kickers held the lead for the remaining 84 minutes of play. 

The Kickers took an early lead, courtesy of midfielder Chris Carrieri, when he sent a long diagonal cross to forward Robert Ssejjemba at the right upper corner of the box.  Ssejjemba settled the ball, dribbled around Riverhounds defender Nathan Salsi and sent a low shot to the far left corner of the net for his fifth goal of the season. 

Looking for revenge in the 14th minute, Pittsburgh forward David Flavius received the ball along the left side and challenged Kickers defender Kelvin Jones, one-on-one, just left of the goal.  Flavius’ attempt sailed past a diving Richmond goalkeeper, Ronnie Pascale, and barely missed the target, wide right.

Pittsburgh looked to level the score again in the 29th minute when midfielder Matt Mehler received the ball near the end line and tried to chip the ball over Pascale but the goalkeeper was able to tip the ball out of harm’s way. 

As the end of the first half neared, Ssejjemba received a through ball in the box in the 43rd minute.  He turned with the ball and struck a half-volley that sailed inches high of the goal.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ssejjemba was awarded a free kick at the top of the box.  Midfielder Sascha Gorres curled the ball around the defensive wall but goalkeeper Terry McNellis smothered the ball for the save.

The Kickers best opportunity of the second half came in the 83rd minute when Gorres crossed the ball into the box to a wide open Matt Watson whose well-timed header was saved by an outstretched McNellis, pushing the ball over the crossbar for the save of the game.

The Kickers were able to close the game out and earn three points at home for the third consecutive game.  Tonight’s win unofficially clinches a U.S. Open Cup berth for the Kickers; however, league results leading up to May 28th will determine the official status in this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.  The team now takes to the road for the next three games, traveling first to Long Island (May 27th) followed by trips to Pittsburgh (June 2nd) and Charlotte (June 3rd) and return home Saturday, June 10th to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium.  The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free World Cup Restaurant Tour poster courtesy of Piccola Italy, Bandito’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.