Kickers Family Fest, Regular Season Final Saturday
Published on August 6, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, August 6, 2008) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host the first annual FAMILY FEST, presented by Ukrop's, on Saturday, August 9th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway). The Festival caps off the Kickers 15th anniversary season and will feature food, live music, activities for kids and fun for the whole family. The pro soccer game highlights the event as the Kickers host Crystal Palace Baltimore at 7:00 pm in the USL-2 regular season finale. Bring the family before 6:00 pm and purchase a $5.00 ticket that allows admission for the whole group. Richmond Kickers regular priced admission ($12/adults, $7/youth) will apply after 6:00 pm.
Richmond Kickers Family Fest
The festival will feature live music by local musicians, food, arts and crafts, an interactive fun zone, inflatables, video games, face-painting, a petting zoo, mascots and prizes. In addition, soccer fans of all ages will be invited to participate in small-sided soccer games, juggle-a-thons and soccer drills, to be held on the field at the stadium, throughout the day.
"FAMILY FEST commemorates our anniversary with an event that will provide an entertaining experience for the entire family," comments Tom Depcrynski, Richmond Kickers President. "We, as an organization just wanted to say âthank you' to the community for their support over the past 15 years. An afternoon of festivities, concluding with a professional soccer game, is a token of our appreciation."
Kickers vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore
The Kickers meet Crystal Palace Baltimore for the first time since dropping a 2-0 decision on the road on May 4th during a 4-4 stretch to start the season. Palace forward Gary Brooks added a goal and an assist to the scoreline and has since gone on to lead Baltimore with seven goals and one assist for 15 points. Overall, the Kickers hold a two-year, 1-1-1 record against Baltimore.
Last season, Crystal Palace Baltimore narrowly missed postseason play, finishing their inaugural campaign with a record of 9-6-5 and 32 points, just three points away from fourth-place Charlotte. In 2008, Crystal Palace currently resides in fourth place in the USL-2 standings with a record of 11-6-1 and 34 points, trailing third place Cleveland by just one point. Both Crystal Palace and Cleveland have two games remaining with Baltimore slated to face the Bermuda Hogges tonight, August 6th before their road trip to Richmond this weekend.
Meanwhile, a pair of back-to-back wins over Wilmington last weekend secured a first round bye for the Kickers who have guaranteed home field advantage in the Semifinals on Saturday, August 16th. With Charlotte (13-2-4, 43 points) leading the league by just two points, a win on Saturday could allow the Kickers (13-4-2, 41 points) to leapfrog the Eagles to claim the regular season title for the third consecutive season.
Last time out, Baltimore handed a 3-0 decision to the Bermuda Hogges. Midfielder Val Teixeira added a goal and an assist while forward Larry Mark recorded a pair of goals, his first of the season. One week prior, Baltimore narrowly edged the Real Maryland Monarchs 3-2. Meanwhile, the Kickers snuck by the Wilmington Hammerheads last Friday, 2-1, courtesy of a late goal by rookie forward Pat Viray. Twenty-four hours later, the Kickers came out on top of a back and forth affair, during which three goals were tallied within the last four minutes. Newcomer Fabian Dawkins broke a 1-1 stalemate in the 86th minute but the score was leveled in the last minute of regulation. Dawkins led the attack again, connecting with Sascha Görres for the game-winner during stoppage time.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 6, 2008
- Damon Ming Scores Twice for the Visiting Hogges in Shock 3-1 Victory, Mark Scores Again for Palace - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Kickers Family Fest, Regular Season Final Saturday - Richmond Kickers
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