The opportunities kept slipping away. But the Richmond Kickers still had a few more chances.

Harrisburg midfielder Adam Clay tripped Richmond midfielder Luke Vercollone during stoppage time in the second half, giving the Kickers a free kick and another chance to score.

Kickers midfielder Sascha Gorres crossed the ball to Vercollone in the box. But Vercollone's header deflected off City Islanders goalie Danny Cepero and sailed over the crossbar. The Kickers saw too many of these episodes in a game that ended in a 0-0 tie in a USL2 matchup before 1,690 at University of Richmond Stadium last night.

Instead of taking advantage of its undefeated home record (4-0-1), Richmond (5-4-1) stayed in fifth place, two points behind the City Islanders (4-1-6) in the USL2 standings as each team earned one point with the tie.

"The fact there were 10 men gives us more of a reason why we needed to pick up three points," Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw said.

The Kickers played with a man advantage for most of the game, thanks to physical intensity that reached its peak in the 13th minute. The teams combined for 26 fouls.

Harrisburg midfielder Mo Oduor struck the left leg of Richmond forward Mike Burke. While Burke lay on the ground, a skirmish nearly ensued between the Kickers and City Islanders before referee Meredith Hackett intervened.

Oduor earned a red card, forcing Harrisburg to play with 10 men the rest of the game.

"It was the worst challenge I've been on the receiving end," Burke said. "I thought it was a little uncalled for."

Burke stayed in the game, hoping the adrenaline would provide a boost. He used the same logic when he cracked his rib against Wilmington on May 31. But the pain this time felt too overwhelming for Burke, who left the game in the 29th minute and was replaced by Almir Barbosa.

Burke plans to ice his right knee and shin today but wasn't sure if it'd be fully healed when the Kickers play Western Mass in the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday. But the play that set up Burke's injury was the same play that made Cowlishaw feel the Kickers could take advantage.

After the City Islanders lost Oduor, Richmond tried forcing the issue but to no avail. The Kickers were called offside six times, couldn't convert on six corner kicks and saw Cepero make three of his four saves in the second half from point-blank range.

"We needed to move the ball quickly to try to isolate the extra player," Cowlishaw said. "We also had to be careful because they had three very fast attacking players on the field. We had to be wary of giving up a soft goal or else we'd get in trouble. I'd like to see us get a little more dangerous as they tired. But it wasn't to be tonight."

That fate felt especially frustrating for Richmond, considering it came against a quality Harrisburg opponent - the same team that limited its opportunities in a 4-1 loss earlier this month and defeated the Kickers in last year's title game.

"Looking at where we are on the log, we really need to get three points every game," Kickers midfielder Stanley Nyazamba said. "A point is better than any loss, but at the same time, we needed to get three points, especially when we play at home."

Harrisburg ------------------------- 0 0 - 0
Richmond ------------------------- 0 0 - 0

Shots: Richmond 9-6

Saves: Harrisburg, 4; Richmond, 3.

Corner kicks: Richmond 6-5

Offsides: Richmond 6-0

Fouls: Harrisburg 14-12

Yellow cards: Oduor, Harrisburg, 13th; Oduor, Harrisburg, 15th; Burke, Rich, 23, Devlin, Harrisburg, 90 Referee: Meredith Hackett

Attendance: 1,690