Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Saturday, April 9, 2011
RICHMOND, Va. – It was a tale of two halves at Richmond City Stadium Saturday night as an uneventful opening period between the Richmond Kickers and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds gave way to an enthralling second half. Goals from Gerson Dos Santos and Matthew Delicâte were enough to secure a 2-1 victory and help Richmond maintain its undefeated start to the season.
Richmond dominated the opening proceedings, creating numerous chances in front of the Pittsburgh goal. Edson Elcock nearly broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when he headed into the side netting from Luke Vercollone’s cross, but there were few other opportunities of note before the break.
Richmond was in the ascendancy again from the second half kickoff, with Ryan Heins forcing a fine save from 2010 USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year Hunter Gilstrap. Richmond continued to press for the opening goal, but Pittsburgh were up to the task until Gerson Dos Santos buried his shot from the top of the penalty area to give the Kickers a 1-0 lead in the 68th minute.
The Riverhounds countered quickly, and in the 72nd minute Pittsburgh striker Chad Severs beat Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to a ball in the box and laid the ball off to Ben Horner on the penalty spot. Horner capitalized on the opportunity to tie the score.
The Kickers believed they had a penalty kick in the 78th minute when Elcock raced onto a ball and was taken down in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on. Possession transferred back and forth numerous times in the closing stages, but Richmond was able to make the most of a late free kick. Yomby William headed a high ball into the path of Delicâte, who volleyed his shot off the post and into the far corner of the net for the game-winning goal.
“It was a battle and could have gone either way,” Pittsburgh coach Justin Evans said. “Unfortunately, we came out behind.”
Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw said he was happy with the result. “Pittsburgh made it very difficult with their defensive shape and work rate,” Cowlishaw said, “but I thought it was a fully deserved win. The only annoyance is that we got the goal and then conceded within two minutes, which shouldn’t happen if we’re going to be a championship winning team.”
Richmond will put their 2-0 record on the line next at 7p.m. Friday against with the Rochester Rhinos at City Stadium. For more information, visit www.richmondkickers.com.