Kickers unable to secure 3 points, settle for draw agianst New York

RICHMOND, Va. – Despite leading on two occasions, the Richmond Kickers were unable to seal a victory over visitors F.C. New York, who claimed a point thanks to a second-half brace by striker Graciano Brito that saw the game end in a 2-2 draw.

Richmond looked lively in possession in the opening minutes of the first half, forcing numerous saves from New York goalkeeper Steven Diaz. Brito earned New York their first corner in the 12th minute, and Tadeu Terra’s resulting cross was headed off the crossbar by defender Kyle Hoffer. Richmond was able to clear the ball to safety, however, and regained their early momentum.
The Kickers had a penalty claim denied in the 35th minute when Ryan Heins fought for possession after a mix-up between Diaz and his defenders. Heins was taken down inside the box, but no foul was given.
Richmond continued to press for the opening goal, and the Kickers were rewarded two minutes later when Stanley Nyazamba picked out Sascha Görres on the left wing. Görres opted not to swing a cross into the box, and instead found an unmarked Heins waiting 15 yards from goal, and the midfielder fired his shot beyond Diaz and into the top corner.
Richmond carried their 1-0 lead into the halftime break, but would start to show signs of travel weariness in the second half. Returning from two difficult road losses earlier in the week, the Kickers were unable to keep pace with New York after the restart.
New York tied the game in the 52nd minute as Terra collected a ball in midfield and played a through-ball towards Brito. Richmond defender Henry Kalungi attempted to clear the ball, but couldn’t reach it and Brito was through for a one-on-one with Ronnie Pascale. Brito rounded the Kickers ‘keeper and slotted his shot into the side netting from a tight angle to level the score.
Richmond regained their lead almost immediately thanks to a skillful run from Edson Elcock, who dribbled around three defenders before playing a short ball to Stanley Nyazamba inside the six-yard box. The midfielder got just enough of a touch on the ball to direct it past Diaz and into the net to restore the Kickers’ lead.
Richmond Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw then looked to freshen things up after the goal, and the introduction of midfielders David Bulow & David Hertel in the 56th minute nearly proved immediately successful. Bulow set up Hertel for a shot from the top of the penalty area, but Diaz was able to make the save. The two substitutes created a host of other chances for each other throughout the second half, but were unable to get the better of Diaz, who recorded nine saves on the evening.
That became crucial with 11 minutes to go when another defensive error cost Richmond their lead when Yomby William’s attempted clearance bounced off Brito and set him up for another one-on-one scoring opportunity. Brito placed his shot low to Pascale’s left for his second goal of the game. The Kickers pressed for another goal, but were unable to break down the defensive F.C. New York side who dug in to earn a point.
“It was a good result for us,” New York player/coach Paul Shaw said. “We worked extremely hard. We’ve still got an awful lot of improving to do, but it was a point and we’re pleased with that.”
The Kickers will look to return to winning ways Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., as they travel to take on F.C. New York in the return fixture. For more information, visit http://www.richmondkickers.com/.