RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, May 14, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers travel to Western Mass this Saturday, May 17th for their third and final road game to start the season. The re-match between the Kickers and the Pioneers is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Lusitano Stadium. The Kickers return home to the University of Richmond Stadium one week later to host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, May 24th at 7:00 pm.
The Richmond Kickers lead the series 4-0-1 and last blanked the Western Mass Pioneers 3-0 to open the 2008 season at home. Defender Anthony Catalano registered his first goal in a Kickers uniform while 2007 USL MVP Mike Burke and forward David Bulow each converted a goal apiece. Since then, the Kickers look to break a two-game scoreless streak, during which they suffered 3-0 and 2-0 losses to Charlotte and Crystal Palace Baltimore on the road, respectively. Meanwhile, the Pioneers have gone unbeaten in the last three, topping the Real Maryland Monarchs twice by a margin of one goal and most recently, battling the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to a 1-1 draw last weekend. Forward Neil Krause, defender James Greenslit and 2007 leading scorer, Jeff Deren each tallied the vital goals for Western Mass.
Recently inducted into the USL Hall of Fame as a 10+ Club, the Western Mass Pioneers are in their 11th season in the USL-2. Falling just short of postseason play in 2007, the Pioneers concluded the season with a record of 7-7-6 and 27 points. Established in 1998, the Pioneers were a success from the start, making the playoffs in their first year and capturing the USL-2 title a year later with an 18-4 record through the season and playoffs. The club returned to the championship game in 2005, their fifth trip to the postseason, and fell short of a second title in penalty kicks.
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.
Next Home Game
Celebrate Military Appreciation Night at the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday, May 24th when the Kickers host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 pm. All active duty and retired military will be allowed free admission with the presentation of a military ID and all DoD Civilians can purchase $5.00 tickets at the gate. Don’t miss Fort Lee’s Color Guard and Trombone Quartet!
Additionally, all Colonial Cup participants can purchase discounted tickets in advance by calling 804-644-5425 x 304. The first 1,000 fans will receive a chip clip, courtesy of Party Perfect and all fans in attendance will be invited to participate in a Foosball tournament, held inside the stadium, presented by RichmondFoosball.com, GrayCo Company and Richmond Area YMCA.
