By ALAN KECK, The Virginian-Pilot
© May 2, 2004 

VIRGINIA BEACH — You have to wonder if the Virginia Beach Mariners left their legs in Richmond.

Playing their second game in as many nights against the Richmond Kickers (1-1-1), the Mariners were whipped 2-0 Saturday in their home opener at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

The game was a huge disappointment for a club that fields what is widely considered its most talented squad in recent years.

The contest was also the second leg of a two-game qualifier for the U.S. Open Cup.

Following a 1-1 tie against the Kickers on Friday, Saturday’s loss knocks Virginia Beach out of the single-elimination tournament.

“It’s pretty simple. We’re just not good enough right now,” team captain Dante Washington said. “It’s pretty loud and clear.”

The Mariners (0-1-1) found themselves outhustled much of the first half.

Richmond held only an 8-7 shot edge but managed to win most 50-50 balls.

“I think both teams were a little fatigued,” coach Shawn McDonald said.

Richmond’s first goal came when Kevin Jeffrey scored in the 12th minute on a header deep inside the penalty box.

Sixteen minutes later, Matthew Delicate ran on a perfect slot pass from David Hayes to go one-on-one with Mariners keeper Matt Nelson and score the insurance goal.

“The first goal was a quick, well-played shot,” McDonald said. “The second one, we broke down. We were flat and didn’t have good support on it.”

In the second half, McDonald moved midfielder Jakob Fenger up top and dropped forward Hamisi Amani-Dove to midfield.

“We were hoping that would create some problems,” McDonald said. “I think we were unlucky not to catch a goal.”

The Mariners held possession much of the second half and outshot the Kickers 8-3, yet couldn’t find the net.

There were moments in the second half when the 1,665 rain-soaked fans had reason to cheer, like when reserve Tony McManus pushed up from defense to leave a Richmond defender frozen and flat-footed, pushing deep into the Kickers’ penalty box.

Although no one could put a foot on his subsequent cross, it highlights the depth of the Mariners’ bench. McManus came in to replace defender Steve Danbusky who left in the 23rd minute with a hamstring injury.

The closest Virginia Beach came to putting one in the net was in the 87th minute. Jeremy Aldrich struck a left-footed bender that ricocheted off the right post and across the goal.

“We have talented players, but we’re not together as a team yet,” Washington said. “Everyone is working hard, but it’s a matter of working hard and doing the right thing.”