USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host Rochester Saturday

April 17, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, April 17, 2013) - The Richmond Kickers continue their early-season home stand this Saturday, April 20 when they return to City Stadium to host the Rochester Rhinos at 7:00 p.m. The enhanced game day experience begins when the gates open at 6:00 p.m. with live music from The Third Degree, draft beer trucks, Richmond's legendary Food Trucks and a new and improved Family Zone. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

"The team is eager to build upon last week's positive performance but it doesn't get much tougher than facing the Rhinos," commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. "Last year they finished second in the regular season, took all three points off us at City Stadium and traditionally have one of the highest payrolls in the league. We will need to be at our best if we are to secure much needed points from the match up."

The Kickers return to City Stadium this weekend after handing a convincing 4-1 scoreline to the defending USL PRO Champions Charleston Battery on April 13. Newcomer, Zimbabwean International Joseph Ngwenya opened scoring just days after signing with the team while forward Casey Townsend registered a pair of goals while on loan from the club's MLS affiliate D.C. United. Meanwhile, the Rhinos are searching for their first win of the season, coming off a pair of losses to open the 2013 campaign, falling 3-0 to the expansion VSI Tampa Bay FC and 3-1 to Orlando City during the grueling road trip. This weekend, Rochester embarks on their second consecutive back-to-back road swing, first traveling to the Charlotte Eagles on Friday, April 19 before venturing to Richmond 24 hours later.

Saturday, the Kickers will be reunited with their former assistant coach, Jesse Myers, who was appointed Head Coach of their rival Rhinos in 2012 after a 15-year career in Richmond. With a rivalry dating back to 1999, the Rhinos hold the slight edge over the Kickers, leading the 9-6-6 series record. Most recently, the two clubs split the two-game series last season, each claiming three points on the road with the Kickers earning a 1-0 win in Rochester before conceding a dramatic 3-2 loss in Richmond in a hotly contested match that saw three goals in the final 10 minutes.

Players to Watch Kickers: Forward Casey Townsend (#16) is scheduled to appear on loan from D.C. United after leading the Kickers to a 4-1 victory over the Charleston Battery last week. The former Chivas USA player and University of Maryland standout registered a pair of goals on either side of the half to hand the Kickers their first win of the 2013 campaign. Midfielder Mike Callahan (#5) returned to the starting lineup last week after battling a persistent injury, which kept him sidelined through preseason. Over his first two seasons in Richmond, the former UNC-Chapel Hill player has made 35 appearances. Stalwart defender William Yomby (#2) earned back-to-back USL PRO Team of the Week nods after leading the Kickers to their first shutout of the season in a scoreless draw against Pittsburgh and a 4-1 win over Charleston. The four-time USL PRO All-League First Team honoree is in his fifth season with the Kickers.

Rhinos: Kristian Nicht (#24) returns to Rochester this season after posting a league-low 11 shutouts in 2012. Leading the Rhinos to a second place finish in the USL PRO standings, the former German Bundesliga goalkeeper finished second in the league with a 0.909 goals against average last year, allowing just 20 goals in 22 appearances. Forward Matt Luzunaris (#9) tallied 20 points for Orlando City last season, good for a third place finish in USL PRO with nine goals in just 18 appearances. The USL PRO All-League Second Team selection concluded the 2012 season on loan with the Carolina RailHawks (NASL). The Rochester roster features four players on loan from the New England Revolution, including defender Bilal Duckett (#22). Drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps during the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of Notre Dame, Duckett signed with the Revolution after extended trials with the MLS side last fall and a one-year stint with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

2013 Richmond Kickers Season Passes Don't miss a minute of exciting Kickers Pro action as their 21st season continues this Saturday, April 20. Richmond Kickers season passes offer unbeatable value, VIP benefits and incredibly low prices to all regular season home games. Guaranteed to see at least 12 USL PRO games for the best possible pricing, Kickers games are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable entertainment experience - order now!

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 17, 2013


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