USL Richmond Kickers

Pair agree to terms with Kickers

Published on November 16, 2005 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, November 16, 2005) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that midfielder Mike Burke and defender/midfielder Tony Williams have agreed to terms to return to the 2006 lineup. Specific terms of the contracts will not be disclosed.

"It is fantastic news to be able to retain two of the Kickers most influential players since my tenure with the club," adds Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "They provide a solid foundation for our push to win a USL Championship."

In his sixth season with the Kickers, Burke earned Supporter's Choice MVP honors last season after finishing the 2005 campaign fifth on the team in scoring with three goals and four assists for 10 points. Fourth on the Kickers all-time assists career list with 24, Burke appeared in 31 matches during the 2005 season, starting 23 for 1,991 minutes. Two of his three goals this season were game-winners and he earned USL First Division Team of the Week honors on May 17th for two goals in two wins over Virginia Beach and Atlanta and again on June 14th for his assist in the 1-1 tie against Atlanta. In addition, Burke will continue his duties as Assistant Technical Director with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club.

"With the team realigning within the USL, I felt an obligation to the club and the fans to stay in Richmond and finish out my career with the Kickers," explains Burke. "My goal is to represent the Kickers and help make the professional team and the youth club one of the best organizations in the country."

"I can't say enough about Burkey's dedication and devotion to this club and to this city," states Richmond Kickers General Manager Paul Sterbenz. "He is an extremely talented player, a great personality and truly represents what the club embodies."

Williams completed his eighth season with the Kickers, in 2005, starting 27 of 28 games played. He became the Kickers career leader in the games played category with 236, surpassing forward Rob Ukrop's career high 222 games played. Logging 2,380 minutes this season, Williams has played a total of 18,885 minutes in a Kickers uniform, more than any other Kickers player. Although hampered with injury during the 2005 season, Williams tallied one assist in the 3-1 victory over Virginia Beach on May 11th for a career total of 30 assists, good for second in the club's career assists category.

"After eight seasons with the club, I feel that Richmond is home for my professional career," comments Williams. "I'm excited to start our new endeavor in the USL Second Division and I feel the club will continue its success on the field and in the community. I'm looking forward to reuniting with the solid defensive unit of years past."

"Tony has been a significant part of our success for the past eight seasons, as he has been the engine behind us," adds Sterbenz. "He works diligently and leads quietly and has done everything we have ever asked of him. We are overjoyed to have him back."

Mike Burke and Tony Williams will join the current group of contracted players, which includes Tim Brown, Chris Carrieri, McColm Cephas, Matthew Delicâte, Sascha Görres, Kevin Knight, Ruben Mingo, Kofi Nti, Ronnie Pascale and Robert Ssejjemba.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 16, 2005


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