RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, September 10, 2007) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to name midfielder Matt Watson 2007 Player’s Choice MVP, and Captain Mike Burke Supporter’s Choice MVP, following the 2007 campaign. 

Selected Most Valuable Player by his teammates, Watson is a second-year pro and a first-time MVP honoree.  The Redditch, England native finished tied for the team lead in goals with 2006 USL2 MVP Robert Ssejjemba and Ricky Schramm with six.  He also tallied three assists in 17 regular season games played.  Leading the team to the USL2 regular season title and second USL2 final, he tied captain Mike Burke as co-leading scorer with 15 points overall.  As a rookie, Watson was the only Kicker to appear in every match during the 2006 campaign, becoming a regular starter early in the season and making 24 appearances overall.

The Supporter’s Choice MVP is chosen entirely by the fans and Burke was given the honors for the third consecutive season (2005, 2006, 2007).  The USL2 MVP and Assist Leader, Burke assumed the role of captain upon the mid-season retirement of veteran defender Kevin Knight.   Finishing the regular season tied for scoring on the team with three goals and nine assists for 15 points, he earned USL2 First Team honors for the second straight season.  Leading the team to two USL2 regular season titles and three consecutive Championship appearances (USL1-2005, USL2-2006, 2007), he garnered Most Valuable Player honors following the 2006 USL2 Championship game. In his eighth season with the Kickers, Burke eclipsed the all-time career assists leaders to hold the sole position in the franchise with 40 assists overall. He continues to reside in third place on the Kickers all-time career points list with 90 (26g, 40a).

The Supporter’s Choice MVP dates back to the 2000 season when veteran defender Kevin Knight took the honors.  That year, USL First Division Defender of the Year Scott Cannon and current Houston Dynamo forward Dwayne DeRosario shared the Player’s Choice Award.  In 2001, former Kickers forward Kevin Jeffrey secured both awards while current FC Dallas Assistant Coach Marco Ferruzzi did the same in 2002.  The 2004 Defender of the Year Finalist Peter Luzak was honored as Player’s Choice MVP while goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale received the Supporter’s Choice award for the second consecutive year in 2004.  Concluding the 2005 season, Burke earned Supporter’s Choice MVP honors and Pascale garnered the Player’s Choice award.  Last year, Burke took both the Supporter’s Choice and Player’s Choice awards.  

Supporter’s Choice MVP
2000: Kevin Knight
2001: Kevin Jeffrey
2002: Marco Ferruzzi
2003: Ronnie Pascale
2004: Ronnie Pascale
2005: Mike Burke
2006: Mike Burke
2007: Mike Burke

Player’s Choice MVP
2000: Scott Cannon/Dwayne DeRosario
2001: Kevin Jeffrey
2002: Marco Ferruzzi
2003: Kevin Jeffrey
2004: Peter Luzak
2005: Ronnie Pascale
2006: Mike Burke
2007: Matt Watson

Overall Statistics (Includes Open Cup and Playoffs)
#19 Mike Burke    Midfielder     5’7”     150lbs          Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
GP/GS: 23/23      Min: 1,955       Fouls: 16       Shots: 42     Goals: 3          Assists: 11          Points: 17

#8 Matt Watson    Midfielder     6’0”     180lbs           Hometown: Redditch, England
GP/GS: 23/22      Min: 1,999       Fouls: 29       Shots: 37     Goals: 9          Assists: 3            Points: 21