The Richmond Kickers (12-6-7) clinched a playoff spot in the 2016 USL Playoffs with a 1-0 win over Orlando City B (8-9-8) Saturday night at City Stadium.
The Richmond Kickers (12-6-7) clinched a playoff spot in the 2016 USL Playoffs with a 1-0 win over Orlando City B (8-9-8) Saturday night at City Stadium. Scott Thomsen scored the only goal late in the second half as the Kickers’ legend Matthew Delicâte made his return to the field.
After an open start to the game, Andrew Dykstra recorded his first save in the 8th minute. Orlando City forward, Michael Cox, broke from midfield with the ball and setup Richie Laryea for a shot from a tight angle that Dykstra was able shut down and make the save.
Anthony Grant had a chance to score the opener in the 22nd minute of the game. Samuel Asante collected the ball on the right wing and fired a deep cross to the back post, finding Grant, but he was unable to direct his header on frame.
Richmond would test the OCB goalkeeper in the 35th minute. Samuel Asante again found Anthony Grant in a dangerous position. Grant would fire a low driven shot from the top of the 18-yard box that caused Mark Ridgers to stretch to his right and collect the ball.
Second half saw both teams share the ball with very few chances coming from either side. In the 55th minute Michael Cox tested Dykstra from inside the box, but caused no problems for the D.C. United loanee.
In the 58th minute the Kickers were able to break down the OCB defense and came within inches of taking the lead. Miguel Aguilar beat two Orlando defenders and cut onto his right foot in a dangerous position, he then fired a shot that was heading towards the back of the net, but was deflected just wide by the defense.
In a game of few chances, the Kickers made the most of theirs in the 76th minute. On his first Kickers start, Scott Thomsen was able to find the back of the net. Alex Lee crossed the ball from deep on the right flank. Thomsen met the ball at the back post and volleyed the ball towards goal, taking a slight deflection and rolling into the back of the net, giving Kickers a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later, the Kickers had a wonderful opportunity to double their lead. Romulo Peretta collected the ball in midfield with plenty of time and space and played a through ball to Anthony Grant, who found himself one on one with the goalie, but his shot was saved by a last ditch effort by Orlando defender, Kyle McFadden.
With just two minutes remaining, Orlando pushed for the equalizer looked to have found it, before Dykstra came to the rescue. Tyler Turner met a long cross at the back post and headed back across the goal, but Dykstra made a miraculous save help maintain the one goal advantage
In the 90th minute Richmond veteran forward, Matthew Delicâte, returned to the field for the first time since April 22nd. Delicâte has scored a club record 94 goals in 10 seasons for the Kickers.
The Richmond Kickers will be back at City Stadium on Wednesday, August 31 when they host the Charleston Battery, tickets are online at RichmondKickers.com.
