USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers return home Saturday

Published on July 21, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Friday, July 21, 2006) - The Richmond Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium this Saturday, July 22nd after a three-game road stand to host the Western Mass Pioneers at 7:00 p.m. Join members of the elite coaching staff of the 2005 and 2006 English Premiership champion Chelsea FC for Chelsea FC/Eurosport Night with the Kickers. During halftime, a select number of participants from the Kickers Chelsea FC camp this week will be invited to train with Chelsea FC in London next spring and the first 50 kids through the gate will receive a free mini-ball courtesy of Eurosport. Fans are invited to bring their ticket stub from Wednesday's LA Galaxy vs. Crystal Palace FC match to purchase a $5.00 ticket at the gate!

Leading the USL Second Division, the Kickers stand nine points ahead of second-place Charlotte with a record of 10-2-3 and 33 points. After suffering their second loss of the season to Wilmington on the road (July 1st), the Kickers amassed four points with a win over Harrisburg (July 8th) and a draw in Charlotte (July 15th).

Meanwhile, the Western Mass Pioneers reside mid-table with a record of 5-7-3 and 18 points. The Pioneers most recently dropped a 3-1 decision to the New Hampshire Phantoms on the road five days after handing the Phantoms a 6-0 thrashing at home.

The Kickers shut out the Pioneers in the first match in Western Mass on June 25th by two goals, despite very wet weather conditions. The two teams meet for the second and final time this weekend.

Players To Watch

Kickers: League-leading forward Robert Ssejjemba (#14) (11 goals, 26 points) and forward Cristian Neagu (#10) each notched goals in the Kickers previous 2-0 win over Western Mass earlier in the season. The Kickers recently boasted several players on the USL Second Division Team of the Week, including Player of the Week (7/10/06) Chris Carrieri (#9) who tallied a goal and three assists in the Kickers 5-0 win over Harrisburg two weeks ago. Midfielder Sascha Gorres (#23) garnered Team of the Week honors consecutively for his two goals in the 5-0 win over the City Islanders, followed by a goal in the 1-1 draw at Charlotte last weekend. Defender Kevin Knight (#3) returned to the starting lineup after being sidelined through injury in time to be named to the Team of the Week for his defensive efforts in the 1-1 draw with the Eagles. Having allowed only 10 goals in 15 games, goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale (#22) posted his eighth shutout of the season recently, good for first in the league.

Pioneers: This week's USL2 Player of the Week, Jeff Deren (#13) tallied his first goals of the season, all against New Hampshire, including a hat trick in the 6-0 romp over the Phantoms, followed by the Pioneers' only goal in their 3-1 loss days later. Two-time Team of the Week honoree, midfielder Kyle Teixeira (#8) was honored for his two assists in New Hampshire and for notching the game-winner in Western Mass' recent 2-1 win over Long Island. Defender Federico Molinari (#7) displayed offensive pressure with a goal in the Pioneers win over Long Island, his first of the season while forward Omar McFarlane (#9) continues to lead the Pioneers with five goals and 10 points.

Sportable Strikers Power Soccer Team Demonstration Saturday

During halftime at the Kickers game this weekend, the Sportable Strikers Power Soccer Team will be holding a mini-game demonstration. Power Soccer is an exciting new sport designed exclusively for power wheelchair users, usually played on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four power chair users attack, defend and maneuver an oversized soccer ball in an attempt to score points on a goal. This action packed team sport combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed of the chair itself and is similar to the non-stop action of indoor soccer. Currently, there are teams across the US and Canada, England, Turkey, France, Japan, Korea and Portugal and the first-ever World Cup of Power Soccer is scheduled to be played in Japan 2007. For more information about Power Soccer, visit www.PowerSoccer.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 21, 2006


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