Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Saturday, March 26, 2011
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers came through a tough test Saturday in their last preseason scrimmage before the USL PRO home opener next Saturday, edging the Carolina RailHawks, 1-0, at Sports Backers Stadium. Midfielder Stanley Nyazamba notched the lone goal for the home side as the Kickers made the final preparations for the start of the season.
The Kickers struck early in the match to take the advantage when Nyazamba found himself in the right place at the right time. Defender Dave Hertel served a cross into the box from the right flank, finding Matthew Delicâte at the near post. The big forward spun around his defender and fired from point-blank range but his attempt was deflected by the RailHawks stout defense. The ball landed at the feet of a wide-open Nyazamba who took one touch to bury the rebound.
Midfielder Ross Mackenzie nearly doubled the score early in the second half when he received the ball at the top of the box. Dribbling through two defenders, he fired a rocket from 13 yards but his attempt was punched away by the RailHawks goalkeeper. Soon after, Mackenzie delivered a corner into the box, finding Hertel, whose acrobatic side volley was cleared off the line by a Carolina defender.
Carolina retaliated in the 79th minute with a close call that could have cost Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale his clean sheet. A cross from the right side sailed into the box, finding a RailHawks defender in the air, but his header narrowly glanced wide of the far post.
Reserve your 2011 Season Passes and join the Richmond Kickers when they open the USL PRO campaign, hosting OrlandoCity this Saturday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium. Taking the field for their 19th season, the Kickers will compete alongside American Division rivals Charlotte Eagles, Charleston Battery, Orlando City and Wilmington Hammerheads and will also face National and International opponents Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, FC New York, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Rochester Rhinos, Antigua Barracuda FC, Los Angeles Blues, Puerto Rico United and Sevilla FC Puerto Rico during the 24-game season. Visit RichmondKickers.com for schedules and ticket information.
| Box Score | 1st | 2nd | Final |
| Richmond | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Scoring Summary
18th minute – Richmond: Stanley Nyazamba