The Richmond Kickers (5-0-0) roared to a 6-0 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions (0-3-0) on their first road trip of the season Saturday night. Scoring early and often, the Kickers left their mark at Miami Valley South Stadium when Matthew Delicâte registered in the 5th minute. The Kickers leading scorer added two assists on the night, while midfielder, David Bulow, notched a pair of goals in the second half. Midfielders Edson Elcock and Ryan Heins each contributed their first goals of the season and newcomer Shaka Bangura rounded out the scoreline. The Kickers return to Richmond City Stadium next Saturday, May 7 to host the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:00 p.m. The Kickers took an early lead and never looked back when Delicâte connected on a Sascha Görres cross within the first five minutes. The looping ball crossed the box from the left side, finding an unmarked Delicâte in the air. The big Englishman finished with ease as his header found the far corner. Later, in the 32nd minute, Kickers midfielder Stanley Nyazamba recovered the ball in the midfield, feeding it through to an onrushing Elcock. Facing Dutch Lions goalkeeper, Jesper Leerdam, 1v1, Elcock slotted the ball under him and into the open net to increase the visiting team's lead. Hoping to pull a goal back before the break, Dayton increased the offensive pressure in the waning minutes of the half. A nice give-and-go developed on the right side between defender Happy Hall and forward Lucien Seymour, playing Seymour into the box, but his strike from 16 yards sailed just over the crossbar. Richmond added a third tally in the 60th minute when Elcock served a cross from the right flank to the far post. A flying Delicâte headed the ball back in front of the goal where a wide-open Heins took a touch and fired a missile into the upper 90. With Dayton on the attack minutes later, a quick counter found Delicâte alone with the ‘keeper at the top of the box. Instead of finishing, he unselfishly laid it off to an unguarded Bulow, to easily tap in the fourth goal of the night in the 66th minute. The game was sealed for the Kickers in the 70th minute when midfielder Dave Hertel played Elcock behind the defense. Beating the ‘keeper to the ball, he was brought down by a desperate Leerdam, who was subsequently ejected from the match. Bulow stepped up to take the resultant penalty and calmly slipped the ball past the Dutch Lions substitute goalkeeper, Brian Visser. The Kickers showed no mercy as the final minutes of regulation neared, adding a sixth and final tally in the 85th minute. This time, midfielder Gerson dos Santos played a through ball to Bangura, who dribbled around the goalkeeper for an easy tap in from close range. The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium on Saturday, May 7 to host the Wilmington Hammerheads and a Mother's Day Celebration at 7:00 p.m. Mothers in attendance will receive flowers, gift bags and more. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.
