Islanders Make First Appearance In Richmond
Published on July 28, 2004 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
RICHMOND, VA â (Wednesday, July 28, 2004) â The Richmond Kickers (11-7-3, 36 points) are pleased to welcome the expansion Puerto Rico Islanders (4-12-6, 18 points) to the University of Richmond Stadium for the first time this Friday, July 30th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Bring canned goods to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank and receive $3 off regular admission and the first 500 fans through the gate will receive a checkbook cover courtesy of First Market Bank!
The Kickers first met the Islanders earlier this season in Puerto Rico. A scoreless draw on May 13th was followed by a 3-0 Kickers shutout on May 15th. With only one loss in the past seven games (3-1-3), the Islanders have recently avenged a rocky season, including victories over Atlanta, Charleston and Virginia Beach. Defeating D.C. United 2-1 and Rochester 4-1 last week, Richmond enters this weekend ranked third in the A-League standings, 18 points ahead of eighth-ranked Puerto Rico.
"Puerto Rico will be a very difficult opponent and one vastly different from the team we last faced with a new coach, new goalkeeper and new goal scorer," says Richmond Kickers head coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "The Islanders are playing with all of their confidence. Fortunately, so are we and we are looking forward to a great match!"
Players to Watch
Kickers: The only Kickers player to appear in every game in 2003, defender/midfielder Tony Williams garnered Team of the Week honors for the first time this season for an assist in the 4-1 win over Rochester last weekend. Kickers leading scorer in 2003, forward Kevin Jeffrey has recently turned up the heat, earning Team of the Week honors for tallying two goals and an assist against Rochester. Rookie forward McColm Cephas continues to dominate in scoring and has tied Matthew Delicâte for regular season point leader (6 g, 4 a, 16 points).
Islanders: Concluding the 2003 season fourth in points (2 g, 1 a, 5 points) for the Richmond Kickers Future (PDL), midfielder Carlos Garay has appeared in 14 games for the Islanders. Goalkeeper Michael Ueltschey also has Kickers experience after starting two games for Richmond in 2002. Currently, Ueltschey is ranked fifth in the league for six shutouts in ten games, tied with Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. The Islanders recently acquired forward Raúl DÃaz Arce of D.C. United (MLS) and the Charleston Battery. DÃaz Arce is currently the Islanders second-leading scorer with 6 goals and 12 points.
U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals
Following this weekend's A-League match-up, Richmond will host the Chicago Fire (MLS) in this year's U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium brought to you by Kraft Foods and Ukrop's Super Markets. The Kickers join three A-League teams (Rochester, Charleston, Minnesota) in the next round, marking the first time four teams from the United Soccer Leagues have qualified for the Open Cup quarterfinals since the inception of Major League Soccer in 1996. Unable to qualify for the Open Cup tournament in 2003, last week's victory is the farthest the Kickers have advanced since 2001 when they were defeated by D.C. United 2-1 at RFK Stadium in the quarterfinals. The Kickers won the Open Cup Championship in 1995.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 28, 2004
- City Islanders Announce Rescheduled Game Date - Penn FC
- Islanders Make First Appearance In Richmond - Penn FC
- Rough Riders Week Ahead - Long Island Rough Riders
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