Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

RICHMOND, VA -- Despite a three hour lightning delay halfway through tonight’s match, the defending USL-2 champion Richmond Kickers were able to defeat the defending PDL champion Michigan Bucks, 4-2 in the First Round of the US Open Cup.

Richmond goals by Robert Ssejjemba, Trevor McEachron and Sascha Görres were answered by Bucks duo Nik Djokic and Xavier Balc. Kickers midfielder Matthew Watson registered the final tally of the night.

The Kickers will host the Cleveland City Stars (USL2) who defeated the Kansas City Brass (PDL) 4-0 in the Second Round on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium.

The Kickers applied pressure early in the match, when midfielder Mike Burke found forward Robert Ssejjemba on a breakaway. Attempting a shot that was intercepted by Bucks netminder Steve Clark, Gorres tried to get a piece of the ball but Clark held firm.

Ten minutes later, Michigan created a dangerous opportunity when midfielder Ty Shiplane rocketed a shot just inside the box on the right side, forcing Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to make a leaping save, punching the ball forward. Shiplane crossed the ball to forward Mkhokheli Dube who fired again from the top of the box, but Pascale was able to smother the ball.

Richmond first got on the board in the 17th minute when Burke sent a ball into the box to forward David Bulow, deep on the left side. Bulow’s shot was deflected by a Bucks defender, falling to Ssejjemba who chipped the ball into the back of the net. Later, the Kickers tallied their second goal of the night in the 36th minute when Gorres took a corner, bending it into the box, finding McEachron in the air, whose header hit the target.

Lightning forced both teams off the field at halftime, finally restarting the match nearly three hours later. The second half kicked off just past 11:00 p.m. with a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Richmond.

Not long into the second half, the Kickers registered a third goal, this time with Gorres converting a rebound, close to the six-yard spot. Defender Evan Harding carried the ball the right flank and attempted a shot, deep on the right side. Clark made the stop but caused the ball to ricochet to Gorres in scoring position. His left-footed blast from point-blank range could not be stopped by the Bucks netminder.

The Bucks dynamic duo of second-half subs Nik Djokic and Xavier Balc caused a stir minutes after the Kickers third tally. The pair notched two goals in three minutes, closing the score to 3-2 with 15 minutes remaining in the half. First, in the 73rd minute, Balc sent a through ball to Djokic who sent a low shot into the side netting. Three minutes later, the pair aligned again, this time drawing a foul deep on the left side, near the corner flag. Balc set up the free kick, driving the ball low into the mix. A flick-on deflection found Djokic again who was able to convert his second of the night.

Richmond closed out a very long night with a final goal in the 86th minute. Watson carried the ball down the right side, deep on the flank, driving a shot on goal, through Clark’s outstretched hands.

The Kickers return to regular season action this Sunday, June 12th to host the Bermuda Hogges at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a beach ball courtesy of Ukrop’s and kids can register their dads for a competition during halftime to win a free round of golf at one of Richmond’s premier country clubs. Order tickets in advance via www.RichmondKickers.com.