Minnesota Thunder Storms Into Richmond This Weekend
Published on May 19, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA â (Thursday, May 19, 2005) â The Richmond Kickers will return to the University of Richmond Stadium this Saturday, May 21st when they host the Minnesota Thunder at 7:00 p.m. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a special gift courtesy of RISE. Richmond and Minnesota last met on August 2, 2002 when the Kickers defeated the Thunder 3-2 in overtime. Overall, Richmond holds a 1-0-1 record over Minnesota.
The Kickers continue to lead the league with a record of 6-1-1, 19 points after finishing with 10 points out of a possible 12 over the past week. After a scoreless tie against Montreal on May 8th, Richmond defeated Virginia Beach home and away on May 11th and 13th to reclaim the James River Cup title and then took the Silverbacks 2-1 in Atlanta last Sunday. With only two games under their belt, Minnesota (0-0-2, 2 points) is looking for their first win of the season, having tied Portland home and away so far during the 2005 campaign. The Thunder will travel to Virginia Beach on Friday night before the Richmond match the following night.
"Minnesota is an extremely dangerous team and one we should take care not to overlook," comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "They have several classy goal scorers and always play an open, attacking style of play. We will certainly continue in our same attacking mentality and go all out for the win."
Players To Watch:
Kickers: Richmond Kickers forward Matthew Delicâte continues to lead the league and the Kickers in goals (5) and points (11) and earned Team of the Week honors for the second time this year for a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win over Virginia Beach on May 11th. Also named to the Team of the Week, midfielder Mike Burke tallied his first points of the season over the weekend with the game-winner over Virginia Beach on May 13th and a second goal in Atlanta two nights later. Rookies Robert Ssejjemba and Sascha Görres each recorded their first professional goals during the Kickers matinee game on May 11th over the Mariners while goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale continues to make heroic saves and is ranked second in the league with 28.
Thunder: Returning this year are Minnesota's 2004 leading scorers forwards Melvin Tarley (8g, 1a, 17p) and John Menyongar (6g, 2a, 14p). Both recorded goals in the Thunder's season opening 2-2 draw in Portland while Menyongar tallied his second goal of the season against Portland at home on May 7th. Midfielder Jeff Matteo has recorded one assist for the Thunder and finished the 2004 season as Minnesota's fourth-leading scorer. After recording a 0.69 goals against average in 27 games played in 2004, goalkeeper Joe Warren was an All-League Second Team selection last season and has made four saves so far this year.
Richmond Kickers Future and Destiny Host Season Home Openers
The Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) kicked off its fourth season last week with a 3-0 shutout over the West Virginia Chaos and will face the Carolina Dynamo tonight in Greensboro. The season home opener will take place this Saturday, May 21st when the Future take on the Williamsburg Legacy at 3:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium as the first part of a doubleheader with the Pro team. Entering his fourth season as head coach, Martin Dell has amassed an overall record of 33-17-5 with the Future, including finishing with a 10-5-4 record in 2004.
Forward Cristian Neagu returns after spending the first part of the 2004 season with the Syracuse Salty Dogs (USL First Division), then tallying five goals and two assists in four games played with the Future. He earned PDL Team of the Week honors this week for his two goals and one assist in the 3-0 victory in West Virginia. Also returning this season are midfielder Armando Corralles (Liberty University), defender Hugh MacDonald (VCU), midfielder Francis McCardle (GMU) and defender Ian Holder (UVA).
The Richmond Kickers Destiny (W-League) finished their inaugural season (2004) with a record of 5-7-2 and will take the field in 2005 under the guidance of new head coach Jesse Myers. The Destiny dropped the season opener 2-0 to the Hampton Roads Piranhas last week and will travel to the Northern Virginia Majestics tomorrow, Friday, May 20th. The Destiny's season home opener will take place this Sunday, May 22nd at Sports Backers Stadium, taking on the Northern Virginia Majestics at 6:00 p.m.
Returning to the Destiny roster is 2004 leading scorer and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) standout Jenn Parsons. Recording 14 goals and six assists for 34 points with the Destiny, Parsons led the CAA for four seasons while at VCU and is the Rams career leader in goals (58) and points (131). In addition, U17 U.S. Women's National Team players Kristin Stannard and Chantel Jones join the Destiny roster for the 2005 season. Stannard tallied two goals and three assists for seven points in nine games played with the Destiny in 2004. Also returning is former San Diego Spirit (WUSA) midfielder Missy Wycinsky, who recorded 15 points in 10 games with the Destiny in 2004 and holds school records at William & Mary in points (202) and assists (52). Former WUSA and University of Richmond graduate Jaclyn Raveia will act as the Destiny assistant coach/player.
USL First Division Stories from May 19, 2005
- Lynx acquire two from Impact - Toronto Lynx
- Minnesota Thunder Storms Into Richmond This Weekend - Richmond Kickers
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