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 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host New York Red Bulls II Saturday

May 28, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, May 28, 2015) - The Richmond Kickers return to regular season action at City Stadium this Saturday, May 30 when they host the New York Red Bulls II at 7:00 p.m. The pre-game party starts at 6:00 p.m. with live music from Nick Faulconer & The Way, Gregory's Grill and Boom Boom Boca food trucks and craft beer on tap, including DC Brau's The Corruption. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

The Kickers and the Red Bulls II meet for the second time this season, having first faced off at Red Bull Arena in a mid-week clash in April when the Kickers edged the home side 1-0. A second half penalty kick by midfielder Brian Ownby combined with a solid defense backstopped by Travis Worra to shut out the expansion side on the road.

In their last regular season match, a pair of early goals were the Kickers' demise as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds snapped their home unbeaten streak. Kickers forward Matthew Delicate pulled a goal back just after the halftime break as the Kickers peppered the Riverhounds goal with 11 shots during the half but came up shorthanded in the 2-1 loss.

Meanwhile, the Red Bulls II are coming off a 3-2 win over FC Montreal last week, led by a goal and an assist by midfielder Derrick Etienne. A late surge put Montreal back into contention but a favorable own goal sealed the home victory.

New York made their USL debut in 2015 as one of eight MLS-owned and operated clubs. An official affiliate of the New York Red Bulls of Major League soccer, the Red Bulls II roster is comprised of USL players, MLS loan players and Red Bulls Academy players. The two clubs close out the three-game series in New York in July.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Midfielder George Davis IV (#11) added his fourth goal of the season Wednesday night, capping off a 3-0 victory over Jacksonville in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round. Now in his second season with the Kickers, the USL veteran led the team in scoring in 2014 with 14 goals and six assists through all competitions. Making 88 appearances in a Kickers uniform over five seasons, midfielder Michael Callahan (#5) was named team captain prior to the 2015 campaign. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill product has amassed nearly 6,000 minutes with the Kickers, contributing to 40 shutouts while adding a pair of goals and five assists. Goalkeeper Ryan Taylor (#1) posted his third professional shutout earlier this week, when the Kickers blanked Jacksonville to earn a U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match against Columbus Crew SC on June 17. The former FC Richmond and Midlothian High School goalkeeper boasts a goals against average of 0.75, allowing just three goals in five games played this season.

Red Bulls II: Midfielder Derrick Etienne (#36) was called up to the Red Bulls II squad after making 16 appearances with the U18 Academy team during the 2014-15 season. Committed to attend the University of Virginia in the fall, the son and nephew of former Kickers players Derrick and Darrell Etienne earned USL Team of the Week honors after notching his first professional goal and assist in New York's 3-2 win over FC Montreal. Currently on loan from the club's Major League Soccer affiliate, New York Red Bulls, defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste (#36) has made nine appearances with the Red Bulls II this season. Prior to signing with the Red Bulls in 2015, he had stints with MLS sides Portland Timbers and Chivas USA. Defender Karl Ouimette (#22) has split time between the MLS side New York Red Bulls and the New York Red Bulls II this season, making three appearances with the USL club this season. Previously, the Canadian international spent three seasons with the Montreal Impact and has earned eight caps with the full national team.

Puritan Cleaners 100K Meals Canned Food Drive Saturday

The Kickers are proud to support Puritan Cleaners 100K Meals program, benefiting FeedMore, this Saturday, May 30. Puritan Cleaners will be on site at City Stadium to collect non-perishable food items and tickets purchased in advance here will cover 25 nourishing meals.


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