Kickers Make Statement

By Katie Mawyer

RICHMOND, VA – May 21, 2010 – The Richmond Kickers took on the Charlotte Eagles Friday evening in what ended in a 3-1 win for the Kickers. The game marked the second meeting between the two teams in a month. On the April 24 meeting, the Eagles handed the Kickers their first regular season defeat at the University of Richmond Stadium since 2006. In the Friday night performance, the defending USL-2 Champions retook their claim to victory.

The Kickers mascot was also present for the event. The kangaroo introduced the match referees and encouraged the fans to begin their chants early. The evening brought impeccable weather in the 80s.

Midfielder Jonathan Villanueva scored his first career goal just two minutes into the match. The score was the result of a free kick a few yards shy of the box. Ten minutes into the game, fan favorite Mike Burke missed a header attempt that landed to the left of the goal.

Kicker fans were quite enthused. The stadium search was on for the “Most Enthusiastic Kickers Fan” after only a few minutes of play. Paige and Ryan were the two winners of the contest and were awarded with “the best seat in the house,” a field-side view of the game.

The Kickers continued the game with strong defense. Henry Kalungi played center defender and was attentive during the half with quick reflexes. The Kickers were offsides on their next goal attempt. Twenty minutes into the match, Matthew Delicâte took a shot over the goal, and a goal kick by Eagle goalkeeper Erik Lefebvre continued the game.

Just two minutes later, Delicâte scored off the crossbar, marking his sixth goal of the season. After what Eagle fans deemed a controversial call, the scoreboard read 2-0 Kickers. Defender Sascha Görreswas credited with the assist.

At the 27-minute mark, Kicker forward Edson Elcock crossed from left field to center in a pass Delicâte just missed. Just under the 30-minute mark, Kalungi made a header attempt to the goal off a corner kick from Villaneuva.

The Eagles made it back down the field after 31 minutes of play. The team was offsides on a goal attempt and the Kickers received a free kick. Shortly after, the Kickers had another near-goal when the ball flew over the net for the second time.

Eagle midfielder Chris Lemons made a powerful kick to the goal from the left side of the field; however, Kicker goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was in the box and ready for the save. At 37 minutes, Elcock just missed wide-left after a smooth pass from Burke up the center.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, the Kickers continued to bring the heat. In the 43rd minute, Kalungi received a yellow card, resulting in an Eagle free kick. Numerous saves by Pascale and four minutes of stoppage time concluded the first half.

The second half was underway at 8:11 PM and brought some early action. Eagle goalkeeper Erik Lefebvre saved a powerful free kick from the Kickers. Shortly after the half’s opening, the Eagles received two yellow cards—the first by midfielder Jorge Herrera, and the second by midfielder Greg Dalby. Dalby’s yellow card at the 51-minute mark handed the Kickers another free kick of which Burke scored the Kickers third goal of the evening.

Three minutes later, Herrera answered back for the Eagles, scoring an unassisted goal. With a 3-1 score, the Kickers were hungry to regain momentum. The action dwindled as the second half continued; the half saw multiple free kicks and continuous back-and-forth ball playing. Three minutes of stoppage time closed the match.

The Richmond Kickers now hold an all-time series advantage of 17-8-6 against the Eagles. The Kickers (3-1-3) will return to UR Stadium next Saturday, May 29 at 7 PM to host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Tickets are available in advance via RichmondKickers.com.

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