USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, April 26, 2014
DAYTON, Ohio -- Matt Delicate had a pair of goals as the Richmond Kickers took a 5-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. on Saturday night at Beavercreek Stadium. Dayton, which entered on a three-game undefeated streak, took an early lead, but the Kickers took control soon after as they remained undefeated against the Dutch Lions in club history.
The Dutch Lions took the lead in the fourth minute as Eli Garner found the back of the net, beating Kickers goalkeeper Joe Willis on a breakaway. Joel DeLass played a ball through for Garner, who slid a low shot past Willis as he came out the of the net.
The Kickers did not waste much time responding as former Dutch Lions standout George Davis IV beat Matt Williams with an excellent shot to even the score in the ninth minute. The frantic start to the match was followed by period of physical play as both teams looked to gain the upper hand. It would be Richmond that broke the deadlock in the 25th minute on a corner kick as Delicate flicked home a header at the near post for a 2-1 halftime lead.
The second half started quietly, but the game changed when the Dutch Lions' Shane Smith fouled Delicate as he broke in on goal in the penalty area. Smith was awarded a red card which reduced his side to 10 men, and Luke Vercollone put home the resulting penalty kick to give the Kickers a 3-1 lead.
Dayton continued to apply pressure, but the Kickers were able to take advantage of their extra man as Shay Spitz scored his first goal for Richmond in the 68th minute. Delicate then added his second with 15 minutes to go as he headed home from close range.