THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 2, 1994 TAG: 9407020783
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE MICHAUX, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Finally.
After three missed one-on-one chances and a hit crossbar, Wayne Pratt beat Richmond goalie Joe O'Carroll with 7:32 left in the second sudden-death overtime to lift the Hampton Roads Hurricanes to a 1-0 triumph over the Kickers Friday night at the University of Richmond soccer complex.
Mark Waite fed Pratt through the middle and he pushed the ball into the right corner.
``I hope that one shot I made makes up for all the others,'' said Pratt, a former Virginia Commonwealth University player who wasn't given a very serious look by the Kickers last season. ``It's nice to score here in Richmond. A lot of folks came out to see me.''
Having entered the game late in the first half, Pratt was the 'Canes go-to man late. ``Coming off the bench I have the freshest legs, so that's who they look for,'' Pratt said.
His first scoring opportunity came early in the second half when he went one-on-one with Richmond sweeper Shaun Docking. Pratt faked out Docking but, as O'Carroll left the goal to challenge him, Pratt, lofted the ball against the crossbar.
Late in regulation, Pratt and Blake Rodgers gained a two-on-one chance. Rodgers dished off to Pratt, who sent the ball to O'Carroll.
Pratt had a chance to end it all in the first overtime when he found himself one-on-one with O'Carroll, who made a a diving save, then stopped Rodgers' rebound try.
O'Carroll ended up with nine saves. Docking swept away four more Hurricanes opportunities.
The Hurricanes kept on the attack most of the night, but nearly gave the game away on fouls.
USISL rules state that when a team reaches seven fouls in a half, the other team gets a penalty kick. The Hurricanes reached seven midway through the first half.
Richmond's Scott Snyder took the ball in, Tim Figureido left the goal charging and took out Snyder and the ball. Richmond coach John Kerr wanted, but didn't get a foul.
The Hurricanes hit seven again in the second half and lost Neil Mason when he was red-carded.
The Kickers' John Dugan went straight at Figureido, who slapped the ball away, but let it get slightly behind him. Both players stayed on their feet and chased the ball towards the goal, where Figureido was able to push it wide left.
Mason, Waite and an Atlantic Division all-star team play an USISL team Wednesday in Virginia Beach. by CNB