The Richmond Kickers found their 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at University of Richmond Stadium last night unreflective of their performance.

"I was disappointed in the way we came out," coach Leigh Cowlishaw said. "Our own individual performances weren't good enough, and our passing wasn't good enough."

It proved to be good enough, however, to beat Pittsburgh, who are last in the USL2 with a 1-9-4 record. The Riverhounds played without midfielder Justin Evans and defender Ed Hayden, who sat out for their ejections in last week's game against Western Mass.

Sascha Gorres' goal in the 19th minute gave the Kickers a 1-0 lead. But neither Richmond nor Pittsburgh could create much offense in the first half. The Riverhounds attempted eight shots, but only one went on goal. Richmond had three corner kicks in the first half, but Pittsburgh intercepted all of them.

The offensive misfortunes ended when Kickers midfielder Mike Burke scored on a penalty kick in the 78th minute for a 2-1 lead.

The victory extended Richmond's unbeaten streak to seven games. The Kickers (9-4-2, 29 points) have won four straight and trail the Charlotte Eagles (9-1-4) by only two points in the USL2 standings.

"Right now it's all about results," Cowlishaw said. "We didn't play well tonight, but we got the three points. If we're going to finish first or second, we're going to have win all our games."

SAME RITUAL: Burke likens penalty kicks to free throws in basketball because of his tendency to follow the same routine.

Burke hesitated and then kicked the ball toward the right side of the goal, forcing Riverhounds goalie Zach Varga off-balance. The goal gave the Kickers a 2-1 lead and a huge momentum swing after an otherwise stagnant performance on offense. Burke said he performs the same move on each penalty kick.

"We got fortunate we got the PK and then they gave up after that," Burke said. "It's tough to come back in the 80th minute when you give up a PK. The game really opened up after that."

Stanley Nyazamba provided an insurance goal in the 89th minute for a 3-1 cushion.

SITTING OUT: Backup goalie Mark Murphy started for three straight games, after starter Ronnie Pascale tweaked his back against Real Maryland on July 4. Pascale didn't return to training until Friday.

Cowlishaw didn't provide a timetable for the return of Pascale, who Cowlishaw said is still the Kickers' No. 1 goalie.

"I thought it was early to push" Pascale, Cowlishaw said. "Plus, I think Mark has been playing well. He deserves to play."

Murphy made three saves as the defense limited the Riverhounds to one goal, despite attempting 10 shots.

"It's my role to fill in and get the job done while [Pascale's] out injured," Murphy said. "As long as he's out, I'll be ready to keep doing what I'm doing."

Although Pittsburgh forward Thabiso Khumalo scored in the 49th minute because of poor spacing, the Kickers game him less room to maneuver in the second half overall.

"There are times when you may not get to the player but you can still put pressure on him," Kickers defender Trevor McEachron said. "Then he has to adjust his shot and he can't get to the goal."

ON DECK: The Kickers will again play at University of Richmond Stadium when they host the Cleveland City Stars next Saturday at 7 p.m. Richmond ends the season with four of its final five matches at home.

Pittsburgh ------------------------- 0
Richmond ------------------------- 1

1 -- 1

2 -- 3

Scoring 1, Richmond, Gorres (Paschalis), 19th minute; 2, Pittsburgh, Khumalo, 49th; 3, Richmond, Burke (PK), 78th; 4, Richmond Nyazamba (Smith), 89th.

Shots: Pittsburgh 10-9

Saves: Pittsburgh, Varga 3; Richmond, Murphy 5.

Corner kicks: 4-4

Offsides: 4-0

Fouls: Richmond 13-10

Yellow cards: Vercollone, Rich, 59th; Riley, Pitt, 64th; Smith, Rich, 66th; MacKenzie, Pitt, 82nd

Referee: Jeff Davis

Attendance: 2,487