STOP THE PRESSES!! KICKERS WIN
Of all (soccer) things:
EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it … Your Richmond
Kickers won a USL League One match Saturday night …
for the first time since July 3d … The final was 1-0 on the
road at Charlotte, N.C., where the Independence needed no
worse than a draw to take over sole possession of first place
… Instead, it was Richmond, taking advantage of a gift goal,
that moved upward – from 11th to a tie for ninth place – and
kept its playoff hopes alive. JOAO GOMIERO scored in
the 75th minute after CHANDLER O’DWYER knocked
the ball free from RAYAN DJEDJE near the Charlotte
baseline … sending it to Gomiero who put a move on
Independence keeper AUSTIN PACK before scoring his
first goal into an open net … The victory was the second in
as many starts for 18 year old keeper JAMES SNEDDON
who made his pro debut last time out – a 3-2 Yagermeister
Cup decision over Spokane Velocity … Neither Richmond
nor Charlotte (8-4-5, 26 points) had many scoring
opportunities in a chippy affair that had 10 yellow cards, six
against the Kickers (4-4-9, 16 points). Sneddon dove to his
left, to make a big save in the 23d minute, and OMAR CISS
of the Independence knocked an undefended header off the
right post in the 44th … Next for Richmond is a 6 p.m., date
Saturday, Sept. 21, with No. ll Lexington … which trails the
Kickers by two points but has a game in hand.
……. It has been quite a year – mostly (make that all) bad –
for MATT TURNER, the former Kickers’ keeper who, not
that long ago, seemed to have the right stuff to be next TIM
HOWARD … Having backstopped MLS New England
Revolution to the Governor’s Cup, which goes to the team
with the best regular-season record, Turner subsequently
signed with Arsenal of the English Premier League,
arguably the best soccer circuit in the world (unquestionably
the best top to bottom) as a No. 2 but not satisfied until be
became the No. 1 … he told reporters … Turner finally got
the opportunity, not with Arsenal, which was on the rise
under coach MIKEL ARTETA, but with Nottingham
Forest, back from relegation but always, it seems, on the
verge of returning to the second tier of England futbol.
Be careful what you wish for – another chapter, another
verse. Burdened by – it says here – a terrible defensive
corps, Turner managed to overcome its indecision, poor
communication … OK, lack of ability overall – but not often
enough to suit three managers (in as many years). The
United States Men’s National Team starter went to the
bench … and the best (only?) explanation the critics could
come up with was: Turner had too much trouble distributing
the ball. Come on! … Anyhow, move ahead to Tuesday
night (Sept. 10). The USMNT played New Zealand in a
friendly … and the final was 1-1. The game-tying goal came
in the 88th minute when the Americans simply botched a
long delivery struck by the visitors. CALEB WILEY mishit
a routine header … that teammate MARK McKENZIE
drove home off the chest of New Zealand’s BEN WAINE.
Turner never had a chance. All he could do was shake his
head … a fitting commentary on what the game has become
for him.
Now that the international break is over, Turner, 30, has
resumed his role as No, 2 to former Manchester United
backup BRIAN HENDERSON, 27, with EPL Chrystal
Palace on loan from Nottingham Forest … A penalty kick in
stoppage (90 plus 2) enabled Palace to gain a point Saturday
(Sept.14) with a 2-2 standoff with visiting Leicester City.
Henderson made a poor decision, slow to challenge veteran
shotmaker JAMIE VARDY who went around him for a tap
in for the first goal but had no chance on the second …
Meanwhile, MAURICIO POCHETTINO finally was
named officially to replace GREGG BERHALTER as
USMNT coach. The announcement came shortly before
Tuesday’s match … after much speculation the 52 year old
Argentinian had been hired … but first had to deal with a
buyout at EPL Chelsea … The news that Pochettino was
coming to America was greeted by much applause. His new
contract runs through the 2026 World Cup … that will be
played in this country as well as Canada and Mexico. As a
host nation, the U.S., is automatically in the field and won’t
have to qualify … which is a good thing.
Until next time ...
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