USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Return to UR Stadium Saturday

Published on May 21, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, May 21, 2008) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host the Charlotte Eagles on Military Appreciation Night this Saturday, May 24th. The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway) after a three-game road stretch and kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm. All active duty and retired military personnel will receive free admission while DoD civilians can purchase discounted tickets at the gate*. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a chip clip courtesy of Party Perfect and all fans in attendance will be invited to participate in a foosball tournament, to be held inside the stadium.

The Richmond Kickers lead the series 13-6-5, with a rivalry dating back to the club's inception in 1993. This weekend, the Kickers look to avenge an earlier season loss to the Eagles, who came away with a 3-0 win in Charlotte on April 25th. Last month's loss marked the first for the Kickers against Charlotte since a 4-2 upset on August 23, 2002.

Last season, Richmond faced Charlotte in the 2007 USL-2 Semifinals when the Kickers came away with a 2-1 overtime win, boosting Richmond to their third consecutive appearance in the finals. One year prior, the two clubs met in the Championship when the same scoreline fell to the home side, granting the Kickers their third league title in franchise history.

After a one-week hiatus, the Kickers rebounded from a two-game scoreless streak to defeat the Western Mass Pioneers, 1-0 last Saturday on the road. Meanwhile the league-leading Eagles have yet to be defeated, outscoring the opposition 14-3 while winning four of the last five matches. The Harrisburg City Islanders gave the Eagles a run last weekend, taking an early lead and forcing Charlotte to play catch-up with a second-half equalizer.

The Eagles travel to Crystal Palace Baltimore next weekend before returning home to host the Kickers for their third and final regular season match-up this season on Tuesday, June 3rd. Richmond plays host to the Wilmington Hammerheads for Free Youth Night in the meantime, on Saturday, May 31st at the University of Richmond Stadium.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Rookie midfielder out of Lee University, Stanley Nyazamba (#27), clinched the win for the Kickers in Western Mass last weekend with the essential lone goal of the night, earning USL-2 Team of the Week honors. Two-time USL2 Goalkeeper of the Year, Ronnie Pascale (#22), posted his second shutout of the season, thanks to last weekend's 1-0 scoreline. The first shutout of the season also was recorded against the Pioneers to open the 2008 campaign. Forward David Bulow (#10) is in Richmond full-time as of last week, after completing his coaching duties in Colorado. Bulow notched six goals and two assists last season, overall, and converted a penalty kick during this year's home opener. Captain and last year's USL-2 MVP, Mike Burke (#19), continues to anchor the midfield while adding firepower with two goals against DC United on March 22nd and one against Western Mass in April.

Eagles: Forward Dustin Swinehart (#18) made eight appearances on loan with the Kickers USL-1 Finalist squad during the 2005 season and tallied one assist for Richmond that year. He currently leads the Eagles and the league with seven goals and two assists for 16 points in just five games played. Former Kicker Robert Ssejjemba (#11) spent the last three seasons in Richmond, taking 2006 USL-2 MVP honors while leading the Richmond squad and the league in scoring. He notched his first goal in a Charlotte uniform on May 3rd during a 3-2 affair over Wilmington. Former Virginia Beach Mariners (USL-1) defender Steve Shak (#20) earned USL-2 Team of the Week honors this week after leading the Eagles to the 1-1 draw against Harrisburg, alongside teammate Jorge Herrera (#10) who was also recognized for recording the equalizer. The Colombian native is currently second on the team with three goals, one of which was notched over the Kickers in April.

Pro Pass Drawing

All activated Pro Pass members in attendance are eligible to win a fully customized Richmond Kickers replica uniform at the Kickers next home game, this Saturday, May 24th. The winner can choose to have his/her name and number OR the name and number of his/her favorite Kickers pro player printed on the back. Also, the lucky winner will sign a pro contract for the day and warm up with the team at a regular season game during the summer. Other prizes and drawings include a free 2008 Richmond Kickers soccer camp, valued up to $150. Drawings will be held at halftime on the field on Saturday. Pro Pass holders must be present to win. Visit RichmondKickers.com to activate your Pro Pass!

Next Home Game

The Richmond Kickers host Free Youth Night one week from Saturday when the Wilmington Hammerheads come to town, Saturday, May 31st. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium and free youth tickets can be downloaded in advance via RichmondKickers.com. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a new 2008 team poster.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 21, 2008


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