RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, April 23, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers take to the road this week for one of three away matches, traveling first to face the Charlotte Eagles on Friday, April 25th at 7:00 pm at Charlotte Christian School.
The Richmond Kickers lead the series 13-5-5, with a rivalry dating back to the club’s inception in 1993. The Kickers last faced the Charlotte Eagles in the 2007 USL2 Semifinals when the Kickers came away with a 2-1 overtime win, boosting Richmond to their third consecutive appearance in the finals. One year prior, the two clubs met in the Championship when the Kickers claimed the USL-2 title on a victory with the same scoreline.
Both teams opened the season with a bang, as the Eagles lead the league following a 6-0 blowout over the Bermuda Hogges last weekend. Forward Dustin Swinehart took home USL-2 Player of the Week honors for registering four of Charlotte’s six goals. Meanwhile, the Kickers also tasted victory with a 3-0 win over the Western Mass Pioneers last Saturday. A slow start led to a flurry of goals in the second half with defender Anthony Catalano, midfielder Mike Burke and forward David Bulow converting a goal apiece. Catalano earned Team of the Week honors for notching the game-winner while forward Ben Hunter was also recognized for his efforts with two assists.
Following Friday’s match, the Kickers and Eagles swap home field advantage when Richmond hosts the league leaders on Saturday, May 24th at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. The Kickers travel to Charlotte once more to close out the 2008 series on Tuesday, June 3rd.
The Kickers’ road stretch continues on Sunday, May 4th as the Kickers travel to Crystal Palace Baltimore. One week later, they head to Western Mass for a rematch against the Pioneers on Saturday, May 17th.
Richmond Kickers: Celebrating 15 Years of Soccer Excellence
The 2008 season marks the 15th anniversary for the Richmond Kickers who have been a member of the United Soccer Leagues family since 1993. Over the past 15 seasons, Richmond has qualified for post-season play 12 times, including six league (seven overall) Championship appearances. The Kickers reached the league title match in 2007 for the fourth time in the past six seasons, narrowly missing their second consecutive league title after nine rounds of penalty kicks. Richmond’s previous Championship appearances (1995, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2006) include winning the “Double” with the Premier League title and US Open Cup title in 1995, a shoot-out loss to Seattle in the USL First Division final in 2005 and taking the USL Second Division crown in 2006.
