The Richmond Kickers drew the Real Salt Lake reserves 0-0 tonight at City Stadium, in a game that featured plenty of chances but no goals. The Kickers will be frustrated by this result, as they held the better of the play throughout the game, dominating possession and shots.
The first half was fairly dominated by the Richmond Kickers, but they were unable to get any goals despite ten shots. Conor Shanosky was in the box on a corner kick, heading Shay Spitz cross just over the bar. Jason Yeisley, the target forward in the absence of Matthew Delicate and Michael Seaton, was unable to get to involved in goal scoring chances, with crosses and through balls usually falling just out of his reach. However, his all-around high pressure did harry the Real Salt Lake keeper and defense.
In the second half, the Richmond Kickers made a number of offensive substitutions to try and pull three points out of the game. Reigning USL PRO rookie of the year Nate Robinson was the first, with Tishan Hanley and Alex Lee coming on about 10 minutes later. Tish Hanley was the first to have a chance, but skied his shot from the top of the six yard box well over the goal. Despite a flurry of chances in the last ten minutes of the game, in which they pinned Real Salt Lake in their own box, the Kickers were unable to find the goal necessary to win the game. Hanley again had the most dangerous chance, a backheel attempt off of a Nate Robinson cross that rolled just past the far post.
Conor Shanosky had a solid game in defense, partnering with Shane Johnson. He was able to head away anything that came his way, and his distribution was much improved; instead of thumping long balls down the field, he played them on the ground and started attacks. Joe Willis, after starting the season somewhat shakily, has been putting in solid performances for the past month, and today was no exception. Christiano Francois was left on the bench as an unused substitute.
The Kickers are back in action next Saturday, when they welcome the Sacramento Republic to Richmond for the first time.