USL Richmond Kickers

USL-2 champion Richmond Kickers host D.C. United

Published on August 28, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Monday, August 28, 2006) - The USL Second Division Champion Richmond Kickers are pleased to host D.C. United of Major League Soccer (MLS) in an exhibition match this Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway). General admission tickets are $15/person and can be ordered in advance via www.RichmondKickers.com.

"It is always an honor to host D.C. United, the most storied club in U.S. history," comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "It is an exciting occasion for our team, fans and community and this will be a great finale to our season."

As a charter member of MLS, four-time MLS Cup Champion (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004) D.C. United enters its 11th season of play. This year's exhibition will mark the seventh meeting between the two clubs, with D.C. United leading the series 3-2-1 over the Kickers. United made their last appearance in Richmond during the 2005 U.S. Open Cup, defeating the Kickers 3-1 in the Fourth Round. One year prior, the Kickers ousted the Black-and-Red, 2-1, in the Third Round of Cup play.

"We are pleased to be playing the Kickers again this year," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "The atmosphere at the University of Richmond Stadium is always a good one and we look forward to a competitive match."

"For years, whether it has been in the U.S. Open Cup or in friendlies, we have had many memorable battles with our friendly rival D.C. United," comments Richmond Kickers Vice President & General Manager Paul Sterbenz. "We are pleased to once again offer to the Richmond community and our fans an entertaining evening of high-level professional soccer."

Scheduled to appear with D.C. United are stars Freddy Adu, Ben Olsen, Brian Carroll, Christian Gomez, Jaime Moreno and former Kicker Clyde Simms, among others (barring any injuries or US Men's National Team call-ups).

No season tickets or Pro Passes accepted at the DC United exhibition match. Normal discounts do not apply. Season Ticket holders and groups of 20+ can purchase tickets at a discounted rate ($13/person) by calling (804) 644-KICK. Children under three are admitted free. Parking is FREE.

Players To Watch:

Kickers: Forward Robert Ssejjemba (#14) consistently led the team and the league in scoring this season, notching 17 of the Kickers 50 goals in 19 games played and was a USL2 All-League First Team selection. The USL2 Scoring Champion and Goal Scoring Champion, Ssejjemba was awarded USL2 Most Valuable Player and notched a goal during the Kickers 2-1 win over Charlotte in the Championship match. USL2 Assists Leader (9) and a USL2 All-League Second Team selection, midfielder Chris Carrieri (#9) finished third on the team in scoring with five goals for 19 points in 19 games played and registered the Kickers game-winning goal in the USL2 Championship last weekend. In his seventh season with Richmond, midfielder Mike Burke (#19) finished second in the league in scoring behind teammate Robert Ssejjemba with 23 points on nine goals and five assists and was a USL2 Most Valuable Player finalist. A USL2 All-League First Team honoree, Burke notched the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the Kickers 2-1 win over Cincinnati during the first leg of the USL2 Semi-Final round on August 18th, eventually sending the Kickers to their second consecutive USL Championship final. Kickers netminder Ronnie Pascale (#22) earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors with a league-low goals against average of .99. Additionally, he led the league in goalkeeper wins with 13 and finished second in the league with six shutouts, garnering USL2 All-League First Team honors.

DC United: Former Kickers midfielder Clyde Simms (#19) returns to Richmond to face his previous team after joining the Black-and-Red prior to the 2005 season. Starting 14 of 19 games played in his second year with DC United, Simms has registered one goal and one assist this season. A veteran of Major League Soccer since its inception, forward Jaime Moreno (#99) surpassed the 100-goals mark in May and currently leads the team with 10 goals and six assists on the season. Teen soccer sensation Freddy Adu (#9) has appeared in all 24 games so far this season, starting 21 and has tallied one goal and six assists. Midfielder Ben Olsen (#14) returned to DC after appearing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany this summer. Making 12 starts in 13 games played, Olsen is currently sixth on the team with two goals and two assists.

Richmond Kickers Record Versus D.C. United

1999 Exhibition Kickers 1, United 0 *Terminated due to lightning

2001 Open Cup United 2, Kickers 1

2002 Exhibition United 1, Kickers 0

2003 Exhibition Kickers 1, United 1

2004 Open Cup Kickers 2, United 1

2005 Open Cup United 3, Kickers 1

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 28, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central