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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Host Sacramento Saturday

July 9, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, July 9, 2014) - The Richmond Kickers (8-1-8, 32 points) return to City Stadium this Saturday, July 12 to host Sacramento Republic FC (9-5-2, 29 points) at 7:00 p.m. The first 200 fans to order $5.00 Section O tickets in advance* at RichmondKickers.com will receive an official Red Army t-shirt. *Offer expires at noon on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

The Kickers meet the expansion franchise Sacramento for the first time in club history and for the only time this season. Entering Saturday's match trailing the Kickers by just three points with a game in hand, the USL PRO newcomers edged the Orange County Blues 2-1 behind a stoppage time game-winner by Octavio Guzman earlier this week. Following Saturday's match, Republic FC continues south to face the Charlotte Eagles on July 14.

Undefeated through the last 14 regular season games, the Kickers are looking to snap the latest series of draws, ending even in their last two matches. Most recently, the Kickers battled the Real Salt Lake Reserves to a scoreless tie at City Stadium. Despite peppering the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper with 15 shots, the home side could not break through the stalwart defense as Kickers goalkeeper Joe Willis posted his sixth shutout of the season during the MLS/USL PRO interleague match-up.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Veteran midfielder Luke Vercollone (#4) earned USL PRO Team of the Week honors this week after commanding the midfield as the Kickers shutout the Real Salt Lake Reserves. Splitting time between the defense and the midfield, the 2013 Supporter's Choice MVP has amassed over 13,000 minutes in a Kickers uniform. Forward Tishan Hanley (#9) nearly stole victory over Real Salt Lake with a clever back-heeled flick that drifted just wide of the post in the 88th minute. The St. Kitts & Nevis native made his scoring debut with a pair of goals during this year's U.S. Open Cup run, signing with the Kickers after leading NSPL side RVA FC to the national title last season. On loan from the club's official MLS affiliate, D.C. United, goalkeeper Joe Willis (#31) recorded his sixth shutout last week to keep himself tied for the league lead. Making 17 appearances this season, the MLS veteran currently boasts a goals against average of 0.785, ranking second in USL PRO.

Republic FC: Defender Namanja Vukovic (#12) anchors the back line for Sacramento, bringing 11 years of professional experience, including a stint with the Columbus Crew, to the expansion club. The only player to appear in all 16 games this season, he has also contributed three assists. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez (#8) leads the team with five goals and five assists for 15 points. Making his professional debut with Chivas USA as a 17-year old in 2005, Lopez also spent time with USL PRO rivals Orlando City and Orange County Blues before signing with Sacramento this season. Forward Justin Braun spearheads the Republic FC attack, notching three goals for six points this season. The Major League Soccer veteran made 114 appearances and tallied 24 goals over five seasons with Chivas USA, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC.

Kickers Host English Premier League Side Crystal Palace July 28

The Richmond Kickers conclude this summer's Must See Games Series on Monday, July 28 when they host Crystal Palace of the world famous Barclay's Premier League at City Stadium. The historic match marks the first-time ever a team from England's top flight will appear in Virginia and a sell-out is expected. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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