USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host Charlotte Saturday

Published on May 22, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, May 22, 2014) - The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, May 24 to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 p.m. Fans that purchase tickets in advance for Saturday's USL PRO game at RichmondKickers.com will be entitled to exclusive access to the private pre-sale for tickets to the Kickers vs Crystal Palace match on July 28.

With an extensive rivalry spanning two decades, dating back to the clubs' inception in 1993, the Kickers hold an all-time series record of 22-13-10 over the Eagles. The Kickers will look to avenge their only loss of the season following a 2-1 defeat in Charlotte on April 12. Despite taking an early lead on a Michael Seaton tally, the Kickers conceded the equalizer in the second half before Jorge Herrera's last minute game winner stole three points for the home side.

The two clubs last met at City Stadium in August 2013 when the Eagles dashed the Kickers' hopes of a USL PRO Championship appearance, handing a 2-1 loss to the Regular Season Champions in the Semifinal round.

The Kickers return to City Stadium following a grueling three-games-in-five-days road trip, which began with a 6-1 rout over RVA FC in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round. Moving westward, the Kickers then handed USL PRO expansion franchise OKC Energy FC a 4-1 defeat last Friday before goalkeeper Joe Willis saved a 90th minute penalty to preserve a scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire Reserves two days later.

Meanwhile, the Eagles travel to Richmond this weekend after suffering a 3-1 road loss to Orlando City Wednesday night. Following a Kevin Molino hat trick, Eagles forward Giuseppe Gentile pulled a goal back to prevent the shutout.

The Kickers and the Eagles close out this season's three-game series back at City Stadium on Saturday, August 9.

Players to Watch

Kickers: On loan from the club's official MLS affiliate, D.C. United, goalkeeper Joe Willis (#31) posted his second shutout of the season, saving a 90th minute penalty against the Chicago Fire Reserves during last Sunday's 0-0 draw. Over his past three seasons with D.C. United, Willis has made 23 appearances, starting 22, posting six wins and four shutouts. Forward Tishan Hanley (#9) made his Kickers' scoring debut during last week's U.S. Open Cup Second Round game, notching back-to-back goals in the 6-1 win. The St. Kitts & Nevis native joined the Kickers after leading NPSL side RVA FC to the national title last season. Midfielder George Davis IV (#11) ranks second the USL PRO scoring charts with five goals and two assists during the regular season, adding a sixth during the U.S. Open Cup tournament. The Lima, OH native signed with the Kickers after spending two seasons with the Orange County Blues.

Eagles: In his eighth season in Charlotte, veteran Jorge Herrera (#10) has made over 100 appearances in an Eagles uniform. The Colombian midfielder leads the team with 10 points, including a last-minute game winning tally against the Kickers in Charlotte last month. On loan from the Chicago Fire, Giuseppe Gentile (#28) has made seven appearances with the Eagles and recently scored his first goal for Charlotte during the club's 3-1 loss in Orlando this week. Drafted by Major League Soccer out of UNC Charlotte, the Charlotte native scored 27 goals and tallied 12 assists in 67 career matches over three seasons. Defender Ben Newnam (#5) signed with the Eagles in 2013 out of Wake Forest University, making an immediate impact with the starting lineup. In his sophomore season, he has played every minute of every game, recently recoding his first professional goal in the Eagles' 2-0 win over Orange County while also contributing to a pair of shutouts on the season.

Kickers Host English Premier League Side Crystal Palace July 28

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host Crystal Palace of the world famous Barclay's Premier League in an international exhibition at City Stadium on Monday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m. The historic match marks the first-time ever a team from England's top flight will appear in Virginia. Following a seven-day private pre-sale, general admission tickets for $30 will go on sale on Monday, May 26 at RichmondKickers.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 22, 2014


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