Kickers scrap to a 2-2 tie in season opener

While I know the Kickers will be a little disappointed not to get the 3 points from the home game they looked a lot more dangerous tonight than against UVA a couple weeks ago, and that bodes well for this season!

April 18, 2010; 7:55 AM • by Daniel Farrell

On a night that got fairly cold quickly a decent crowd of 2417 was treated to a very entertaining game. Adding to the anticipation of this one was a couple loan moves for MLS players made by both teams in the past couple days. Philadelphia Union players Shea Salinas and Tony Stahl played 90 minutes for Harrisburg and DC United player Tiyi Shipalane came on as a sub for the Kickers in the 57th minute and looked dangerous. If you wondered why these guys didn’t have their names on their uniforms that’s why.

The game went back and forth with exciting scoring chances throughout the first half. The Kickers took advantage of a chance early as Matthew Delicate got a nice ball from Mike Burke and put them up 1-0 in the 12th minute. It didn’t take long for Harrisburg to equalize as Richmond made a mistake with a poor backpass to the keeper that Sheanon Williams scored for Harrisburg in the 17th minute. The chances went back and forth unsuccessfully until Brian Ombiji put Harrisburg up 2-1 in the 40th minute.

In the second half the City Islanders starting sitting back trying to win this one 2-1. The back and forth we saw in the first half gave way to Harrisburg sitting back and the Kickers trying everything they could to equalize. They finally got it as Matthew Delicate got his second one of the night in the 76th minute, this time assisted by Sascha Goerres. Once they gave up the lead Harrisburg tried to jumpstart their attack again without much success. They got forward better but didn’t get a real good chance. The Kickers did have a few chances late to make this a win instead of a tie but couldn’t take advantage of them.

Overall we were treated to a very quality and entertaining game. It was even missing the chippy unsportsmanlike stuff that often comes out in close games. Both teams should be commended for playing hard and fair. While I know the Kickers will be a little disappointed not to get the 3 points from the home game they looked a lot more dangerous tonight than against UVA a couple weeks ago, and that bodes well for this season!