Disappointed but not discouraged.
That was the Richmond Kickers' mood after last night's 2-2 tie with the Harrisburg City Islanders in the United Soccer Leagues Second Division opener for both teams.
"We go away knowing that we've got a good team -- no, a very good team -- and that we're going to get a lot better," said Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw.
Richmond midfielder David Bulow scored on a penalty kick in the 50th minute to erase Harrisburg's 2-1 halftime advantage. Bulow's goal was made possible when the Kickers attacker was fouled in the penalty box by Harrisburg defender Tim Velton, who drew a yellow card on the play.
Velton's foul was committed off the ball while City Islanders goalkeeper Chase Harrison was launching a throw-in and perhaps a counterattack. Thus, the play was considered live and a penalty kick was required.
"A bit unlucky for [Harrisburg]," Cowlishaw said.
Bulow poked his penalty kick inside the right post. Harrison, a Virginia Tech alumnus who wears jersey No. 32 to honor the victims of the April 16, 2007 shootings, sprawled full-length but could not reach the ball as it skidded past him.
Richmond manufactured better chances -- and more of them -- in the first half. But it trailed 2-1 at intermission after Harrisburg midfielder Mo Oduor scored a rugged goal in the 43rd minute. City Islanders forward Steve Fisher dropped a free kick into the pocket of his teammate, who was prowling near the left goal post. Oduor held Kickers defender Kelvin Jones at bay while simultaneously controlling the ball, wheeling and punching a short shot past Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale.
The clubs traded goals earlier in the half. Richmond scored first. Mike Burke's long cross from the right side found teammate Matthew Delicate unattended in front of the Harrisburg net in the 16th minute. Delicate beat Harrison with an 8-yarder.
Harrisburg pulled even seven minutes later following a turnover deep in Richmond's defensive third of the field. Fisher pounced on the mistake and scored against Pascale, who was helpless to do anything other than watch.
Cowlishaw said his club was bitten by organizational gremlins several times in the first 45 minutes.
"We could have been up two or three goals" at halftime, he said. "The reason we weren't is because a lot of little things we didn't do because we haven't gelled yet. A lot of that is a result of so many new names and faces" on the roster.
Cowlishaw said he is confident that his club will conquer its gremlins as it becomes more tightly knit.
Richmond will play host to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds next Saturday at 7 p.m. at UR Stadium.
Harrisburg ------------------------- 2 0 -- 2
Richmond ------------------------- 1 1 -- 2
Scoring: 1, Richmond, Delicate 1 (Burke), 16th minute; 2, Harrisburg, Fisher 1, 23rd; 3, Harrisburg, Oduor 1 (Fisher), 43rd; 4, Richmond, Bulow 1 (penalty kick), 50th.
Shots: Harrisburg 6-5
Saves: Harrisburg 3-1
Corner kicks: Richmond 6-3
Offsides: Richmond 2-0
Fouls: Harrisburg 13-8
Yellow cards: Velton, H, 48th; Schofield, H, 56th; Bixler, H, 57th; Calvana, H, 72nd; Bumbut, R, 89th
Referee: Shaun Papperman
Attendance: 2,893
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement