The Los Angeles Galaxy were knocked out of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the third round Tuesday, falling to the Richmond Kickers of the USL Second Division at the University of Richmond Stadium.
David Bulow scored the only goal of the game for the home side in the 28th minute on a hot and muggy night, and the Galaxy were unable to break through for the equalizer.
With the defeat, the Galaxy match their earliest ever exit from the tournament. They were also eliminated in the round-of-16 in 2004, falling 1-0 to the Minnesota Thunder of the then-A-League.
The Kickers took the initiative from the outset, with Bulow attempting a volley from the top of the six-yard box in the 17th minute. Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin, however, pushed the ball out over the endline.
Eight minutes later, Richmond midfielder Mike Burke headed the ball on for teammate and former D.C. United forward Robert Ssejjemba at the top of the box. But Ssejjemba's effort was snuffed out by Cronin.
Bulow took advantage of the Galaxy's inability to clear a corner kick to score the game's only goal. The ball pinged around in the goalmouth, and finally Bulow got a foot on it to jab it home from two yards out.
The Galaxy struggled to get into the attack, and in the 38th minute they had their first real chance of the game. Kelly Gray ripped a free kick low and on goal from 25 yards, but Richmond 'keeper Ronnie Pascale stopped it and then pounced on the rebound.
Shortly after the break, the Galaxy had a pair of chances to level the match, including one from Landon Donovan, who fired a blast from 20 yards that Pascale held.
The Kickers almost made it two a few minutes later, but forward Nowaf Jaman's header from a corner kick was tipped over the bar by Cronin. Ssejjemba then went one-on-one with Cronin, who stopped Ssejjemba's first attempt but couldn't hold it. Ssejjemba recovered the ball, but his shot rattled off the woodwork and Cronin covered it.
The Galaxy's best chance to get the leveler game in the 66th minute, as Mike Randolph broke down the right flank and into the area but was tackled before he could get a shot off.
In the quarterfinals, the Kickers will travel to face the winner of the July 15 matchup between the Chicago Fire and the Carolina RailHawks (USL1).
Scoring Summary:
RICH - David Bulow 28'
Los Angeles Galaxy - Steve Cronin, Ante Jazic, Ty Harden, Abel Xavier, Quavas Kirk (Pete Vagenas 46) Kyle Martino (Alan Gordon 46), Kelly Gray, Josh Tudela, Mike Randolph (Troy Roberts 76), Gavin Glinton, Edson Buddle (Landon Donovan 46).
Substitutes Not Used: Lance Friesz, Mike Caso.
Richmond Kickers - Ronnie Pascall, Trevor McEachron, Stephen Wolfe, Kelvin Jones, Evan Harding, Mike Burke (Frank Smith 60), Sasha Gorres, Matt Watson, Trey Alexander (Ihor Dotsenko 87), David Bulow (Nowat Jaman 46), Robert Ssejjemba (Charlie Howe 87).
Substitutes Not Used: Mark Murphy, Kevin Edwards, Ricky Schramm.
Misconduct Summary:
LA - Ty Harden (caution) 26'
LA - Alan Gordon (caution) 48'
Attendance: 2500; Weather: Overcast, 88 degrees.
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
