RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, June 4, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers head to Harrisburg for a USL-2 Championship rematch against the City Islanders this Friday, June 6th. Kickoff is set for 7:05 pm at the Skyline Sports Complex.
The two teams have not met since last year’s USL Second Division Championship match, during which the City Islanders stripped the Kickers of the title. A 1-1 stalemate in regulation last August led to 30 minutes of overtime, followed by nine rounds of nail-biting penalty kicks. Each goalkeeper made a save during the first five rounds but the score was settled when City Islanders defender Ryan Pierce converted his chance and Kickers defender Evan Harding just glanced the woodwork.
Overall, Richmond leads the two-year regular season series with a record of 3-1-0 over Harrisburg, including two wins in 2006, during which the Kickers registered 10 goals on the Islanders on a 5-2 win at home and a 5-0 romp on the road. Last season, the pair split the series, each picking up three points at home. The Kickers edged the Islanders 1-0 on June 30th at the University of Richmond Stadium with the City Islanders avenging their loss with a 2-1 victory at home on July 28th.
The Kickers travel to Harrisburg, coming off a 2-1 loss in Charlotte on Tuesday. Richmond rallied back from a two goal deficit in the 83rd minute when forward Freddie Smith found the back of the net, minutes after entering the match. Despite offensive pressure in the final minutes, the Kickers could not find the equalizer, bringing home their second loss to the Eagles this season. Despite this week’s loss, the Kickers are closing the gap between the league leaders, climbing to fourth place in the USL-2 standings with a 4-3-0 record and 12 points.
Meanwhile, the City Islanders reside four points behind Richmond in the standings with a record of 1-1-5 and eight points. Plagued with draws so far this season, Harrisburg recently nabbed their first win of the 2008 campaign with a 3-0 romp over the Real Maryland Monarchs last weekend. Forward Ryan Heins and midfielder David Schofield each put one away before the end of the first 45. Heins struck again later in the match, this time connecting on a Mo Oduor tally midway through the second half.
Next time out, the Kickers and City Islanders are slated to swap home field advantage, meeting once more in Richmond on Saturday, June 21st to close out the regular season series.
Next Home Game
The Kickers return home to open the 2008 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 10th, slated to face the PDL side Fredericksburg Gunners at 8:00 pm at Sports Backers Stadium. Richmond returns to regular season action the following weekend, hosting the Bermuda Hogges on Saturday, June 14th at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. Visit RichmondKickers.com for all ticket information.
