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The Richmond Kickers were able to take a 2-0 victory out of Wilmington over the Hammerheads before returning home to Richmond for the rest of the month. Each of the halves played out the same way: the Hammerheads started strong, controlling the run of play before the Kickers took control after 15 or 20 minutes. While the Kickers were not able to convert that control into a goal in the first half, an obvious penalty kick in the second changed their fortunes. Luke Vercollone was able to slot it home to give the Kickers a 1-0 lead.
The most notable performance for D.C. United fans was that of Michael Seaton, who earned his first professional start in this match. He played primarily as the target forward, and played like you would expect a 17 year old would in his first professional minutes. Prior to his goal, his best sequence came off of a Brian Ownby cross, in which he took a shot from the top of the six yard box and somehow hit the ball off of the post when he had beat the keeper and had a wide open goal. In the dying moments of the game he was able to get his goal, however: he blocked a shot in the box, collected it, and ran 80 yards to slot the ball coolly past the Wilmington keeper.
Out of all of the D.C. United players on loan, Andrew Dykstra had the best game. He made a number of good saves throughout the game that kept the Kickers in it. Conor Shanosky was a close second, stepping up and defending well as well as blocking a number of dangerous shots that weren't able to test Dykstra. Casey Townsend didn't play and Taylor Kemp only entered late, likely being saved for the more difficult game against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night.
My man of the match is William Yomby, with Luke Vercollone as a close second. Yomby has, throughout this short season, been able to deal with any ball that comes towards his center back position. While Conor Shanosky is a more technical player, Yomby is able to clear out anything that comes his way. As you all likely know, the Kickers are back in action tomorrow night against the Charlotte Eagles here in Richmond, Virginia. Hope to see you then!
Update: See some video of the goals here: