Kickers settle for another home tie

The Kickers' Sasah Gorres, right, goes for the ball against Crystal Palace's Zack Flores during Saturday's 1-1 tie.

By: VIC DORR JR. TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER | Times-Dispatch
Published: May 24, 2009

Call it a new chapter of an old story.

A quick second-half goal enabled the Richmond Kickers to earn a 1-1 tie with Crystal Palace Baltimore in last night's USL-2 soccer match at University of Richmond Stadium. The result extended a frustrating streak in which the Kickers, expected to challenge for USL-2 supremacy, have settled for stalemates in each of their first four home games.

Richmond (1-1-4) tied the game with an emphatic goal shortly after halftime. Forward Mike Burke slapped a bending shot toward the Baltimore net from the right wing. In the ensuing scramble, Richmond's Joey Worthen tested Rowland from close range. Rowland couldn't control the ball and the rebound squirted to Adrian Bumbut, who pounded a six-yard shot into the open net in the 46th minute.

Crystal Palace took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute. Defender Paul Robson served a nice ball into the box from the right side. Midfielder Val Teixiera, lurking to the right of Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale, dashed toward the goalpost to meet the ball. Teixiera punched a low header toward the center of the Richmond net.

Pascale lunged to his left and reached the ball with his left hand. But he couldn't completely control it. The ball bounced softly across the goalline.

Richmond, which scored first in each of its first three home games, threatened on several occasions last night but was unable to dent Baltimore's back line. The Kickers' best chance came very early: Burke's free kick from the left side curled obediently into the path of Richmond forward Ben Hunter, but Hunter, deep in the 18-yard box, was unable to squeeze the trigger before Baltimore's defense converged.

Baltimore ------------------------- 1 0 -- 1
Richmond ------------------------- 0 1 -- 0

Scoring 1, Baltimore, Teixiera 3 (Robson), 30th minute; 2, Richmond, Bumbut 1 (Worthen), 46th.

Shots: Richmond 7-5

Saves: Baltimore, Rowland 3; Richmond, Pascale 1

Corner kicks: Baltimore 4-2

Offsides: 3-3

Fouls: Baltimore 17-15

Yellow cards: Nusum, B, 22nd; Basso, B, 48th; Harada, B, 80th; Flores, B, 81st; William, R, 84th; Marshall, B, 84th; Delicate, R, 88th; MacKenzie, R, 90th

Referee: John Schmitz

Attendance: 2,576