Richmond Kickers Destiny News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Sunday, July 13, 2008

RICHMOND, VA -- The Destiny improved their record to 5-7-0 after this weekend’s pair of victories. After edging the West Virginia Illusion 1-0 on the road on Friday, the Destiny sealed a 3-2 win over the Carolina Dynamo Sunday.

Forward Jess Varela led the attack, notching two goals and adding an assist on a Kristin Stannard tally. Carolina midfielder Hailey Beam converted a penalty kick while Nikki Dumencich recorded a late goal with three minutes to spare.

Varela opened scoring in the 25th minute when Jess O’Dwyer played her the ball from midfield. Varela beat the Carolina defenders and ripped a shot from 12 yards into the back of the net.

The score was leveled in the 50th minute when Destiny defender Sarah Hilt fouled a Dynamo player inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick in favor of Carolina. Beam lined up the ball from the spot and with a short stutter-step buried the ball into the right corner, as goalkeeper Chantel Jones guessed left.

The Destiny regained the lead eight minutes later when an indirect free kick was granted, inches from the penalty spot. Varela touched the ball to Stannard who fired a low and determined shot into the back left corner.

Soon after, Varela extended Richmond’s lead when she notched her third goal of the weekend in the 68th minute. The ball was played up to an open Claire Zimmeck on the left wing but her shot was stopped by a diving Dynamo goalkeeper Lauren Brown. Varela was not to be denied; however, as the rebound fell to her inches from the goal line and she coolly tapped it into the net.

With three minutes remaining in regulation, the Dynamo reduced the margin when midfielder Ashley Rex connected with forward Nikki Dumencich. A scuffle inside the box allowed Dumencich to come out on top, slipping the ball past an outstretched Jones.

The Destiny play one more game at home when they host the Bradenton Athletics this Saturday, July 19th at 3:00 pm. The women’s game serves as the first leg of a doubleheader with the Richmond Kickers pro team at the University of Richmond Stadium. Both the Future and the Destiny conclude the 2008 regular season on the road this weekend. The Future take on the Northern Virginia Royals on Friday, July 18th while the Destiny are slated to face the Carolina RailHawks on Sunday, July 20th.