It's tough to score an unexpected goal in soccer.

There are 22 players on the field, all focused on the ball. About 3,000 fans in the University of Richmond Stadium stands also were waiting intently for the game's defining event.

But a sneak-attack goal is exactly what Ben Hunter accomplished yesterday, scoring in the 89th minute to lead the Kickers to a 2-1 victory against Wilmington.

"It was a bit of a tricky play," Hunter said. "But that's what we needed to win the game."

After a foul was called on Wilmington, the Kickers set up for their free kick just outside the penalty area.

If the offense wants, it can request that the defense be 10 yards away, then wait for an official's signal to begin the kick. Richmond did not make that request, and Hunter took a legal kick while the Wilmington defense was waiting for a whistle.

The Hammerheads did not see things the same way, and goaltender John O'Hara drew a yellow card, the team's fourth of the night, while being pulled away from the referee by two of his teammates. After being separated, he then made another sprint at the official and continued objecting all the way to midfield before relenting.

The goal salvaged a much-needed victory for the Kickers, who struggled to create offense in the second half. Coach Leigh Cowlishaw said the team didn't want to settle for a tie against a last-place team at home.

"We can't afford a tie right now," he said. "I didn't feel we were very dangerous all night, even though we had the attacking plays on."

In the first half, the Kickers relied on a strong defense, including a pair of stops from midfielder Luke Vercollone. But coming out in the second, things were sluggish, prompting a series of four substitutes that made the team more attack-oriented.

"Even before the game, coach mentioned that on a hot, humid night, we were going to need a lift off the bench," Vercollone said. "That's exactly what they did, and we needed it."

Wilmington scored to open the second half on a goal by Chris Murray. He hit a free kick from about 35 yards away, watching it slowly roll through the defense.

Richmond's first-half strike was from Stanley Nyazamba - his third goal in three games. The midfielder took a pass from Mike Burke, who had dribbled the ball upfield after an offside call against Wilmington, then juked out his defender to create an open shot and the game's first goal.

"He's really been playing spectacular," Cowlishaw said of Nyazamba. "We've just got to share the goal scoring around here now."

Wilmington ------------------------- 0 1 - 1
Richmond ------------------------- 1 1 - 2

Scoring: 1, Richmond, Nyazamba 3, 32nd minute. 2, Wilmington, Murray 1, 48. 3, Richmond, Hunter 1, 89th minute.

Shots: Richmond 13-5

Saves: Richmond Pascale 2; Wilmington O'Hara 6

Corner kicks: Richmond 7-1

Offsides: Wilmington 2-1

Fouls: Wilmington 6-2

Yellow cards: Wilmington 4 (Nerkewski, Loyd, Clark, O'Hara)

Referee: Robert Velbis

Attendance: 2,702