USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Sure Up Defense for 2005

Published on February 21, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, February 21, 2005) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that goalkeeper, Ronnie Pascale, 2004 Defender of the Year Finalist, Peter Luzak and 2004 All-League Second Team selection and former MLS star Richie Williams will be returning for the 2005 campaign. Terms of each contract were not disclosed.

Luzak and Pascale rejoin forces with Kevin Knight, Chris Fox and Matt Bobo in what proved to be one of the top defensive units in the USL First Division in 2004. Tied for third in goals against, this solid back line contributed to nine shutouts last season.

In his third season as starting goalkeeper in 2004, Pascale recorded his lowest goals against average of .98, allowing just 29 goals during the regular season. He was ranked in the USL First Division top five in six of seven goalkeeper categories including second with 2,662 regular season goalkeeper minutes, first with 17 goalkeeper regular season wins, fifth with eight shutouts, second with 138 saves, tied for first with 28 games played, and fifth for goals against average. Overall, Pascale started and played all but one minute in 33 games for a total of 3,146 minutes, earning an overall record of 20-10-3, including two victories in the 2004 U.S. Open Cup tournament and nine shutouts. Selected 2004 Supporter's Choice MVP for the second consecutive year, Pascale holds an overall record of 53-32-15 with the Kickers over five seasons total.

Luzak was one of only two Kickers players to start and play every minute of every game in 2004, totaling 2,663 minutes during the regular season and 3,147 minutes overall. The University of Richmond graduate earned USL First Division Team of the Week honors for his assist in the 2-1 win over Atlanta, proving to be dangerous both offensively and defensively. In his fifth year with the Kickers, Luzak was named to the 2004 All USL First Division First Team for the first time and was a finalist for the 2004 USL First Division Defender of the Year award.

Joining Mike Burke, Tony Williams, Joey Worthen and Tim Brown, Williams returns in 2005 adding strength and experience to the midfield. In his fourth season with the Kickers in 2004, first since 1995, Williams tallied two goals and three assists for seven points in 30 games played overall and was a 2004 All-League Second Team selection. A member of the Richmond Kickers during the club's first three seasons (1993-1995), Williams tallied four goals and eight assists in 1995 to help lead the team to the "Double" with the Kickers only two championships, a USISL Premiership title and the U.S. Open Cup Championship. Prior to his return to the Kickers in 2004, Williams spent eight seasons in Major League Soccer (D.C. United, NY/NJ Metrostars). The defensive center midfielder made his debut on the U.S. Men's National Team in 1998 and played a total of 15 games in four seasons (1998-2001).

"We are excited to be able to bring back the pedigree, experience, and talent associated with these three players," comments General Manager Paul Sterbenz, "I can't say enough about these guys as they have become the backbone of our squad. Peter has developed into one of the best defenders in the USL, Ronnie is at the point of possibly becoming the best goalkeeper in the USL, and Richie's leadership and ability raises everyone's level another notch."

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USL First Division Stories from February 21, 2005


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