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Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host Aromas Cafe FC Wednesday

May 17, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers open the 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a Second Round match-up against Aromas Café FC of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association (USASA) this Wednesday, May 18 at City Stadium. The pre-game Wild Wolf Wednesday party begins at 5:30 p.m. with live music by Jive45 and craft beer on tap. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and tickets, including admission and a Kick It Hunny, are on sale now for $12 at RichmondKickers.com.

The 2016 season marks the 18th time the Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 23 seasons, with an overall record of 28-16 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the Professional Era in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round five times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011) and the semifinal round twice (1995, 2011). Ousting five Major League Soccer teams along the way, including Colorado Rapids in 2000, D.C. United in 2004, LA Galaxy in 2007 and Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City in 2011, the Kickers became the first lower division team to defeat back-to-back MLS teams on the road.

The Charlottesville, VA side, Aromas Café FC, qualified for this year's tournament with a decisive 3-1 win over the previously unbeaten Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in the First Round of U.S. Open Cup qualifying. The path to the U.S. Open Cup continued with another 3-1 win over tournament veterans Aegean Hawks, led by former Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club forward Jake Van Yahres who tallied a pair of goals to solidify the club's first-ever Open Cup berth.

Aromas made their U.S. Open Cup debut last Wednesday with a narrow 2-1 overtime victory over the Richmond Strikers NPSL side to advance to Wednesday's Second Round match-up. After a scoreless first half, Aromas claimed the lead courtesy of a midfielder Douglas Clare tally minutes after the restart before conceding a penalty kick equalizer to force extra time but Van Yahres' blistering goal in the first overtime period lifted the tournament newcomers to the next round.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Club Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 102 consecutive years dating from 1914.

The winner of Wednesday's match will advance will travel to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League on for the U.S. Open Cup Third Round on Wednesday, June 1.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Defender Alex Lee (#18) contributed his first assist of the season on the 90th minute equalizer against New York Red Bulls II on the road last week, after entering the match just five minutes earlier. Signing with the Kickers prior to the 2013 campaign, the defender was the first pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft for FC Dallas following a standout collegiate career at the University of Maryland. Discovered during a coaching staff scouting trip with reigning Brazilian Champions S.C. Corinthians in São Paulo last fall, midfielder Romulo Peretta (#12) made his first professional start on May 7 in the Kickers 1-0 win over Wilmington at City Stadium. Previously, he featured regularly for AA Flamengo, leading the club to a semifinal finish in the U20 Campeonato Paulista (State Cup). Following a season-ending injury to Kickers starting goalkeeper Ryan Taylor, Charlie Horton (#30) will make his first appearance in goal in Richmond on Wednesday, on loan from the club's Major League Soccer affiliate, D.C. United. The 21-year old was acquired from the New England Revolution prior to the 2016 season after a recent stint with English Championship side, Leeds United.

Café FC: Former Richmond Kickers Super Y-League and Premier Development League player, Jake Van Yahres (#16) leads the Aromas offense, adding a pair of goals against US Open Cup veterans Aegean Hawks in qualifying before his overtime game-winning goal against the Richmond Strikers boosted his side to Wednesday's Second Round matchup. Named Second Team All-District in 2005 and Second Team All-Region in 2004 for Charlottesville High School, he spent one season at American University before transferring to VCU. Midfielder Price Thomas (#6) also spent time with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club before making 79 appearances during his collegiate career at William & Mary where he amassed 19 goals and 13 assists for 51 points over four years. Former University of Delaware midfielder Luke Oostdyk (#20) made 22 appearances over three seasons, helping Delaware to its first-ever NCAA tournament game his senior year. A native of Lititz, PA, he recently contributed a goal for Aromas Café FC to oust the Aegean Hawks from qualifying and solidify Aromas' berth to this year's tournament.

Richmond Kickers Host Louisville City FC Saturday

The Richmond Kickers return to regular season action this Saturday, May 21 when they host Louisville City FC and Food Truck Fest. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music by Kurt Stemhagen and over a dozen craft beers and ciders on tap. RVA's iconic food trucks will headline the event with local favorites including Carytown Burgers & Fries, Sticks Kebob Shop, Continental Divide, Relay Foods, Bon Bon, Goatacado, Port 'o Call, Kava Kava Gourmet Food Truck, Grapevine and Mr. Softee, serving legendary tacos, mouth-watering burgers, authentic Greek fair, locally sourced produce and heavenly hand-made ice cream before the Kickers battle Louisville at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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