The Richmond Kickers have been having all kinds of trouble putting the ball in the net this season. Lots of chances but not many goals.

That wasn't the case last night against Fredericksburg in a first-round game in the U.S. Open Cup tournament.

Richmond scored three times in the first 24 minutes and coasted to a 3-0 victory over the Gunners before 592 at Sports Backers Stadium.

"That was the difference," Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw said. "That type of situation has happened in the last four or five games. I think they had a good chance early and missed it, and then the goals went in.

"That could have been Harrisburg or Charlotte [previous two games when Richmond scored two goals]. Pretty much the game was won in the first 25 minutes."

The Kickers advance to a second-round match June 24 at fellow USL2 member Western Mass, which defeated the Boston Olympiakos 2-0.

Richmond was favored last night, since the Kickers belong to the United Soccer Leagues Second Division (pros), while Fredericksburg is a member of the Premier Development League (amateurs).

The Gunners, who are coached by former Kicker Cristian Neagu, put more pressure on Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale (three saves) in the second half but never broke through.

"It was a tough draw for us," Neagu said. "One of the things I was afraid of is that we're not quite experienced enough. We're a bit immature and I think that shows today. I think we match them in every aspect of the game. It was a well-fought game.

"I just think a couple of mental errors in the first half killed the game off."

EARLY GOAL: The Kickers got on the board fairly quickly when midfielder Eliot Paschalis scored in the 11th minute, thanks to a nifty feed from David Bulow.

Ian Bennett tried to send a cross into the box from the end line, but it was deflected by a Gunners' defender who was unable to clear it. Bulow gained possession near the post and sent a pass to Paschalis.

The rookie out of Furman, who missed the first four games with an injury, delivered a bullet into the upper left corner from about 10 yards.

PILING ON: It didn't take long for Richmond to pad its lead when Stanley Nyazamba, the Kickers' leading scorer, capitalized on another Fredericksburg mistake.

One of the Gunners tried to clear the ball of the box but it went right to Nyazamba, who buried it from 12 yards with just under 20 minutes elapsed.

PENALTY KICK: Although the Kickers didn't need any assistance from the officials, they got it when Fredericksburg's Jay Bownes was whistled for taking down Nyazamba in the box.

That gave Richmond a penalty shot, and Bulow easily beat Gunners keeper Ken Manahan, who was busy most of the opening half trying to keep the ball out of the goal.

SITTING OUT: Defender Kevin Knight (hamstring) was dressed but didn't play, while midfielder Mike Burke (cracked rib) got in for the last seven minutes.

Forward Freddie Smith, who is from Jamaica, was not able to dress because only five foreign players are allowed to take part in the U.S. Open Cup.

ON DECK: The Kickers return to USL2 competition Saturday when the Bermuda Hogges visit University of Richmond Stadium for a 7 p.m. match.

Fredericksburg ------------------------- 0
Richmond ------------------------- 3

0 -- 0

0 -- 3

Scoring: 1, Richmond, Paschalis (Bulow), 11th minute; 2, Richmond, Nyazamba, 20th; 3, Richmond, Bulow, penalty, 24th.

Shots: Richmond 8-7

Saves: Fredericksburg, Manahan 3; Richmond, Pascale 3

Corner kicks: Richmond 5-3

Offsides: Richmond 4-2

Fouls: Fredericksburg 8-3

Yellow Cards: Bownes, Fred, 23rd

Referee: Shaun Papperman

Attendance: 592