Reigning USL-2 Champion Richmond Invades Manchester
July 5, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
HAMPSTEAD, NH - (July 5, 2007) - Defending United Soccer League Second Division Champion Richmond Kickers invade Manchester Friday night to do battle with the NH Phantoms at Joe Chabot/Hubie McDonough Stadium at Manchester Memorial High School.
The Kickers, currently atop the standings with a 9-0-2 record and 29 points, are one point ahead of the Charlotte Eagles. For Richmond, this game looms big as the Kickers will play host to Charlotte next week in a re-match of the 2006 title game.
Richmond defeated NH in Virginia earlier in the season, 4-0.
For NH, it is the start of a 6-game home stretch and its final six games of the season. The Phantoms' record (1-9-4) is not indicative of how well it has played this season. The Phantoms have had six games decided by one goal, and five of those have gone the way of their opponent. Four other matches have been draws.
"A little luck here, a better bounce there, or even the goalpost or crossbar being an inch smaller and we would be right in the hunt for a playoff spot," says Jim DeDeus, acting coach for the Phantoms.
"Believe it or not, the team spirit is high," adds Phantoms midfielder Romelle Burgess added. "It's been a tough season, but the guys are still sticking together. Maybe Richmond will look past us to their next couple of games."
Burgess referred not only to the Kickers' upcoming game against second place Charlotte, but the fact that Richmond will be hosting Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy and possibly international star David Beckham on Tuesday, July 10, in a 2007 Lamar Hunt United State Open Cup third round tournament game.
Phantoms' players to watch include 4-year veteran forward Almir Barbosa who is in the top 10 in several USL-2 statistical categories including games played (tied for 1st - 14); most points (tied for 10th - 8); most shots (2nd - 30); and most fouls (1st - 36). Teammate and iron man defender James Greenslit leads the league in minutes played with 1260.
Also, two recent signees from the New England Revolution reserve squad will make their debuts Friday night. Midfielder Miguel Rodriguez (three U-20 U.S. National Team appearances, 3 goals) and forward Chris Loftus (All-ACC, Duke University) hope to light it up for the home crowd.
Meanwhile, the Kickers bring to town a hefty portfolio of its own. Richmond defeated Charlotte in 2006 for the title after having advanced to the finals the year prior. The visiting team will take the field with four players ranking in the top 15 in scoring in the league including Michael Burke (13 points), Robert Ssejjemba (12), David Bulow (8), and Sascha Gorres (7). Burke and Bulow have 6 and 4 goals, respectively, while Burke's 7 assists lead the league in that category.
To add more firepower, the Kickers recently signed forward Freddy Smith of the Jamaican National Team who received international clearance last week. Smith spent time in the Jamaican National Premier League, the first division soccer league in Jamaica with Seba United FC, and was the league's top scorer in 2006.
The Phantoms are 1-2-1 at home with its only win coming against rival Western Mass, and its tie versus Harrisburg. Kickoff is 7:30 PM with the gates opening at 6 PM. Tickets remain available for all of the remaining home games. Call 603-329-4422 to purchase or reserve tickets.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 5, 2007
- July 7th Charlotte Eagles Doubleheader Preview - Charlotte Eagles
- Reigning USL-2 Champion Richmond Invades Manchester - New Hampshire Phantoms
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