Saturday, April 25 2009 - University of Richmond Stadium
Richmond Kickers 1 (Worthen 36')
Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1 (Jerome 40')
The Riverhounds were a goal down in the first half, and a man down with nearly half of the game to play, but still managed to earn a point on the road against one of the best teams in the USL-2. The Hounds fought the Richmond Kickers to a 1-1 tie, playing in front of a crowd of over 2,000 at the University of Richmond Stadium.
The Kickers opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Richmond midfielder Joey Worthen found the back of the net. Worthen took a cross from teammate Matt Delicâte to put his team ahead by one. Four minutes later, though, the Riverhounds evened the score when newcomer Sean Cameron struck the post from 20 yards out. Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale dove right to push the ball against the post which allowed Pittsburgh forward Randolph Jerome to take advantage of the out of position goalie and fire the loose rebound past Pascale to tie the score at one.
Richmond was on the attack early in the game when Man of the Match Sascha Gorres played a ball into the Riverhounds zone 30 seconds into the game. Delicâte fed the ball to midfielder Ben Hunter, whose attempt narrowly missed the net.
The Riverhounds rebounded in the 18th minute when midfielder Jason Kutney's shot from just outside the box sailed over the crossbar. Pittsburgh midfielder Matt Langton placed a shot to the near post but it was deflected back into the mix. Justin Evans then found the rebound and sent the ball into the box but Pascale was able to smother the ball.
The Kickers nearly scored a minute after their first goal in the 36th minute when Worthen deflected a ball that soared about the Riverhounds net.
The Riverhounds were at a serious disadvantage 56 minutes into the contest when defender Chris Riley was issued a red card for a studs up tackle against Kickers forward David Bulow. Riverhounds keeper Zach Varga was able to stop Richmond's scoring chances soon after Riley's ejection to keep the game tied at one.
The Kickers nearly pulled ahead with 15 minutes left in regulation when Gorres' shot from 30 yards hit the upper corner of the goalpost. Richmond had one more shot at taking the lead when second-half substitute Adrian Bambut struck a right-footed volley to the near post, but Pittsburgh's defense managed to clear the ball and keep the game tied.
Despite being outshot (12-5) and outmanned, the Riverhounds showed character in preserving a 1-1 draw and earning a much-needed point on the road.
The Riverhounds next game is May 2nd at 7:05 p.m. at Chartiers Valley High School. The Riverhounds will be partnering with the Young Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation to turn CVS pink and raise awareness at their home opener.
Box Score First Half Second Half Final
Richmond 1 0 1
Pittsburgh 1 0 1
Scoring Summary
36th minute – Richmond: Joey Worthen (Matthew Delicâte)
40th minute – Pittsburgh: Randolph Jerome
Lineups
Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale, Sascha Görres, Henry Kalungi, Yomby William, Kenny Cutler, Gerson Dos Santos, Ben Hunter (David Bulow – 45’), Luke Vercollone (David Rosenbaum – 86’), Mike Burke (Adrian Bumbut – 45’), Joey Worthen (Ross MacKenzie – 78’), Matthew Delicâte
Riverhounds: GK Zach Varga, Ed Hayden, Nathan Salsi, Tenywa Bonseu, Chris Riley, Jason Kutney (Allan Brown – 66’), Justin Evans, Matt Langton (Tony Labudovski – 63’), Jeff Hughes, Sean Cameron (Joe Zewe – 68’), Randolph Jerome (Bill Brindley – 81’)
Shots Saves Fouls Corners
Riverhounds: 5 Riverhounds: 3 Riverhounds: 9 Riverhounds: 3
Kickers: 12 Kickers: 2 Kickers: 13 Kickers: 3
Cautions: 48th minute: Ed Hayden (Pittsburgh)
Ejections: 57th minute: Chris Riley (Pittsburgh)
Referee: Mike Andrews
Assistant Referees: James Conlee, Kai Goodrich
Fourth Official: Alex Addison
Attendance: 2,887
Weather: Hot, sunny, 96º
