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2-4: Comeback
Espanyol worked hard to beat Richmond
Espanyol had to take all the courage and rush to the end to beat Richmond Kickers in the first of two friendly scheduled in the United States. The Catalan team came out with the intention of closing the goal of the Richmond Kickers and, in fact, the locals, during the first five minutes, did not pass from the center of the field, but, in a couple of counterattack, managed to approach the goal of Roberto, during many minutes of the game a spectator. In the second corner in favor, when the 10 minutes of play were not yet fulfilled, Shanosky touched the ball enough so that the goalkeeper did not reach it.
From the local goal, the white and blue domination became insistent, with shots from all sides, but the lack of aim and the success of Spangenberg under sticks frustrated (momentarily) a match that was intuited. Borja Iglesias, Javi Lopez, Hernán Pérez or Baptistao put him to the test. In the end, the Galician striker had, on the half hour, a one-on-one against Shanosky and overcame him lifting the ball over his exit. The 1-1 put everything in its place.
Espanyol commanded and did not seem to have any kind of oppression more than the counter. However, an indecision of Roberto to take the ball played from behind left the ball with all the advantage for Troyer and he did not forgive from close: 2-1 just before the break and all the disenchantment of the effort without reward.
The second part started with the same symptoms: Espanyol wanted to set the pace but could not impose, at this stage of the preseason, a very young team, fast and that has been 18 days of competition. The difference in quality was diluted by the current physical disadvantage (basically in speed) that was appreciated in the field between the two teams.
Consuming two thirds of the match, Rubi began with the changes to bring freshness to the team. The blanquiazules turned on the local goal and the chances kept coming: Melendo, Piatti, Hernán. And again. More changes and more gunpowder in attack: between Granero, Álvaro and Puado made a new opportunity that did not miss the young canterano. After a lot of occasions, the draw came. And a couple of minutes later, the third, four minutes to the end. A precision play between Pipa and Puado ended with the first goal and, after a rebound from the goalkeeper, Darder scored an empty goal. 2-3. In the short margin of the discount Espanyol made three new opportunities and the third, with Puado's shot, served to close the 2-4 final.
DATA SHEET
RICHMOND KICKERS: Spangerberg, Shanosky, Thomsen, Imura, Roberts, Lee, Shriver, R. Gonzalez, Boehme, Troyer and Fernando Luiz. They also played: Owusu, Hlavaty, Bolduc, Evan, Umar, Osei-Wusu, Eaton, Dickey, Williams and Gentile.
RCD ESPANYOL: Roberto (Edu Frias), Víctor Sánchez (Piatti), Borja Iglesias (Álvaro), Darder, Baptistao (Melendo), Dídac, Javi López (Javi López), Hernán Pérez (Puado), Álex López (Granero), M Hermoso and Sergio Sánchez (Óscar Duarte).
REFEREE: JC Griggs. He showed yellow card to Sergi Darder and Víctor Sánchez.
GOALS: 1-0. Min. 9. Shanosky; 1-1, min 37, B. Churches; 2-1, min. 42 Troyer; 2-2, min. 83, Puado; 2-3, min. 86, Darder; 2-4, min 91, Puado