USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers open 2007 season Saturday

Published on April 6, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Friday, April 6, 2007) - The Richmond Kickers open the 2007 season tomorrow, Saturday, April 7th with an exhibition match featuring the expansion USL First Division franchise Carolina RailHawks. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway). Five past Kickers players, Chris Carrieri, McColm Cephas, Kevin Jeffrey, Caleb Norkus and John O'Hara return to face off against their former club.

"The Railhawks have quickly assembled a very competitive and experienced team including many former Kickers players," comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "The team will no doubt be competing for the USL1 Championship this year. As the USL 2 Champions we look forward to representing our league against such strong opposition this early in the season. This will be an excellent test for our young players and we anticipate an entertaining and attacking game for our fans."

"The Richmond Kickers have a long history of success in the USL," said Chris Economides, President and General Manager of the Carolina RailHawks. "The way they develop their players from the youth level to the professional level is evident in their on-field success, culminating in the USL-2 championship last season. We are proud to have former Kickers on the RailHawks that bring championship experience to our team, one that is about to make its debut in the USL First Division. We are looking forward to this match in Richmond as it will be a good test for our team".

Join the Hunt! Spring Egg Scavenger Hunt

The Richmond Kickers would like to invite your child to join the Hunt! A Spring Egg Scavenger Hunt will be held during halftime at the Kickers season home opener, Saturday, April 7th when the Kickers host the Carolina Railhawks (USL1). Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway). Free to children ages four through nine, the Egg Hunt will take place on the field with candy, prizes and more! Registration will take place during the first half of the match, on the main concourse. Limited to first 50 registrants.

Tickets

Regular priced admission will apply for the Kickers vs. Railhawks exhibition match ($12/adult, $7/youth). This home game is included in the Kickers season flexi-pack packages. For season ticket information or to order tickets online, visit www.RichmondKickers.com.

About the Carolina RailHawks

The Carolina RailHawks are a United Soccer League expansion team that will enter the USL First Division this season. The squad will play 14 regular season home games and four additional home playoff and exhibition games each year, with all home games played at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, NC. Under Rochester Rhinos co-owner and USL Hall of Fame inductee Chris Economides, the RailHawks organization was formed in October 2005 and awarded the USL franchise in January 2006.

Players to Watch:

Kickers: Returning to captain the squad in 2007, Kevin Knight (#3) has been the iron man on the field for the past seven seasons, accumulating over 18,000 minutes in 205 games played with the Kickers, holding the third-place position on the Kickers career games played list. One of the top netminders in the league, Ronnie Pascale (#22) returns for his eighth season, sixth as starting goalkeeper after posting the league-low goals against average (0.99) during the 2006 campaign. USL2 Most Valuable Player and leading scorer Robert Ssejjemba (#14) rejoins the 2007 side after a brief stint with DC United (MLS) at the end of the 2006 season. The 2006 Supporter's Choice MVP and Player's Choice MVP Mike Burke (#19) will once again be a stalwart in the midfield after moving into the third-place position on the Kickers all-time career points list (75). An integral component of the Kickers defensive unit that notched nine shutouts during the 2006 season, Kelvin Jones (#5) will anchor the back line again while USL2 All-League First Team selection Sascha Görres (#23) will return to add firepower to the midfield. Newcomers Trey Alexander (#18) and 2006 USL2 Rookie of the Year Nowaf Jaman (#11) join the Kickers after spending the 2006 season with USL2 rival Cincinnati Kings.

RailHawks: New to the USL1 this season, the Carolina roster boasts several former Kickers players including 2006 USL2 All-League Second Team select Chris Carrieri (#11). After leading the league with nine assists, Carrieri finished third on the Kickers squad in scoring with five goals for 19 points in 19 games played. The 2000 ACC Player of the Year joined the Kickers prior to the 2005 season, notching eight goals and 12 assists for 28 points for Richmond over two years. Richmond fan favorite Kevin Jeffrey (#10) also takes the field with the RailHawks this season after five seasons with the Kickers, spending the 2006 season with the Toronto Lynx (USL1). A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Jeffrey tallied 52 goals and 32 assists for 136 points for Richmond while holding the second-place position on the Kickers all-time career goals and points lists and tied for first in career assists. Forward McColm Cephas (#9) played with the Kickers for two seasons after his collegiate career at VCU, making an immediate impact in his rookie season (2004), leading the team in points (28) and goals (12) and was a 2004 A-League Rookie of the Year Finalist. Midfielder Caleb Norkus (#14) made four appearances in a Kickers uniform in 2004.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 6, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central