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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host Crystal Palace Baltimore Saturday

May 24, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, May 24, 2007) - The Richmond Kickers (5-0-0, 15 points) host USL2 Expansion Franchise Crystal Palace Baltimore (1-4-0, 3 points) this Saturday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium. Tickets can be purchased in advance via RichmondKickers.com.

The Kickers host Palace, new to the USL2 this season, for the first time. The two teams first met in Baltimore on May 12th when Richmond narrowly escaped a scoreless draw on the road. The score remained nil-nil until a 90th minute goal by midfielder Trey Alexander broke the stalemate.

Both teams found success last week as the Kickers edged the Charlotte Eagles 1-0 while Palace recorded their first win in franchise history, shutting out Wilmington 3-0. Richmond forward and 2006 USL2 Rookie of the Year Nowaf Jaman notched his first goal of the season with a 74th minute tally to gain three points from the Eagles. Meanwhile Crystal Palace Baltimore forward Sergio Flores ended Palace's scoring draught, opening the match in Wilmington with an 11th minute goal. Later midfielder Andrew Marshall doubled the lead, with midfielder Josh Alcala netted the third goal of the night.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Midfielder Mike Burke (#19) moved into sole position as Kickers leading scorer, adding an assist during last weekend's 1-0 win over Charlotte. Now with six points (1 g, 4a), Burke earned USL2 Team of the Week honors for the second week this season. USL2 Rookie of the Year (2006) Nowaf Jaman (#11) notched his first goal of the season with the Kickers lone goal over Charlotte last week while defender Kelvin Jones (#5) continues to anchor the defensive unit that shut down the Charlotte attack. Goakeeper Ronnie Pascale (#22) posted his fourth shutout in five games last week, making four saves against the Eagles. Allowing just one goal this season, Pascale was named to the USL2 Team of the Week this week as well.

Crystal Palace Baltimore: Midfielder Matthew Mbuta (#12) led Palace to victory over Wilmington, notching three assists during their 3-0 win. Earning USL2 Team of the Week honors for his efforts, Mbuta now leads the team with three points. Midfielder Sergio Flores (#11) tallied the game-winner during last week's win in Wilmington, ending the winless streak and was also named to the USL2 Team of the Week. Defender Ibrahim Kante (#4) notched the first goal in franchise history during Palace's season opening, 4-1 loss in Charlotte. Defender Alex Ughiovhe (#2) spent the 2005 season with the Richmond Kickers Future of the Premier Development League (PDL), making eight appearances for 655 minutes.

Future and Destiny Doubleheader Monday

The Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) and the Richmond Kickers Destiny (W-League) will play a doubleheader on Monday, May 28th. The men's game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. as the Future hosts local rivals Fredericksburg Gunners with the Destiny vs. Atlanta Silverbacks Women beginning directly afterwards at 6:00 p.m. at Sports Backers Stadium (just behind the Diamond).

The Future picked up the first win of the season on an 88th minute goal by Jay Barlow in West Virginia last Friday. Meanwhile, the Destiny defeated the Charlotte Lady Eagles 3-2 last Saturday, marking the first win over the Lady Eagles in Destiny history. An own goal in the 1st minute, followed by goals by Jenn Parsons and Sarah Curtis led to the Destiny's success.

Tickets for the Future/Destiny doubleheader on Monday are just $5.00/person and are available for purchase at the gate on game day.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 24, 2007


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