Richmond Kickers 2-3 New England Revolution: Kickers comback falls just short

Despite a furious comeback, the Richmond Kickers fell 3-2 to the New England Revolution in the fourth round of the US Open Cup. The New England Revolution played about half of their normal starters, with familiar names like Diego Fagundez, Jose Goncalves, Patrick Mullins, and Lee Nguyen all in the opening lineup. And the Revolution were rewarded for playing starters, unlike other MLS teams who started full teams of reserves.

The first half was all New England. Their first goal was a Stephen McCarthy header off of a Steve Neumann corner kick. Richmond was able to answer, with George Davis IV scoring off of a end-line cross from Jason Yeisley, but things quickly went south from there. Patrick Mullins got free in the box after a missed tackle by a Richmond defender, and was able to send it back to Steve Neumann who put it past Joe Willis. And only 4 minutes later, William Yomby completely whiffed on a defensive header to allow Mullins to get on the ball again, rounding Joe Willis and putting it into the back of the net. This goal, which was completely preventable, provided to be the difference in the game.

The difference, for Richmond, came through the half-time substitutions, all of whom played well and were key to the frenzied comeback. Matthew Delicate came on for Jason Yeisley, and scored his 100th career goal off of a header from a George Davis IV cross. Shay Spitz and Christiano Francois both provided much needed energy, combining well with Delicate and Davis IV during the frenzy of the last 20 minutes of the game. However, despite the Kickers pelting shots at Brad Knighton, their comeback fell just short.

The New England Revolution will take on their affiliates, the Rochester Rhinos, in the fifth round of the US Open Cup. The Richmond Kickers are back in action this Sunday, playing against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.