RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, January 27, 2009) – Named to the 2008 USL-2 All-League Second Team, veteran goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale has agreed to terms to return for his 10th season with the Kickers in 2009, pending USL and USSF approval. 

“This will be Ronnie’s final season with the Kickers as he now has a full time position with Sportexe,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach.  “He has demonstrated that he is clearly one of the best Goalkeepers in USL and we look forward to one more spectacular season.” 

Pascale concluded his ninth season with the Kickers tied for second place in shutouts in the league, posting seven during the regular season and adding an eighth during US Open Cup play.  Keeping the opposition to just 17 goals allowed, his goals against average of 1.080 was good for fourth in the league while finishing second in goalkeeper wins at 12.  Named USL Second Division Goalkeeper of the Year twice (2006, 2007) during his tenure with the Kickers, Pascale has been Richmond’s starting goalkeeper starter since 2002.  Consistently one of the top netminders in the league, the Furman University product has led Richmond to three consecutive USL Championship appearances (2005, 2006, 2007).

Former Kickers Future Player Signs for 2009
The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that former Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) midfielder Ross MacKenzie has agreed to terms for the 2009 season, pending USL and USSF approval.  MacKenzie joins the Kickers pro team after one-year stints each with the Wilmington Hammerheads and Carolina RailHawks (USL-1).  Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Ross is a player we have observed for many years,” adds Cowlishaw.  “He is technically strong and will suit our style of play.  With two years of USL experience under his belt he is a great addition to our squad.”

A member of the 2005 Richmond Kickers Future squad that claimed the PDL Eastern Conference Championship en route to the National Semi-Finals, MacKenzie tallied a goal and an assist in 12 appearances. The following season, the native of Paisley, Scotland spent the 2006 campaign with the Virginia Legacy (PDL), adding three goals and three assists in 14 games played.  He registered four goals and four assists during his rookie professional season with the Wilmington Hammerheads before joining the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division in 2008.

A 2006 graduate of Old Dominion University, MacKenzie captained and led the Monarchs to the Sweet 16 his senior year.  Finishing third on the team in points with 13 that season, the 5’11” midfielder tallied 14 goals and added 13 assists for 41 points during his collegiate career.  Selected to the All-District, All-Metro, All-Region and All-State First Teams as a senior at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, VA, MacKenzie notched 29 goals and added 20 assists over two seasons.  Prior to moving to the United States, he scored a record 67 goals in the Scottish Youth League while playing for the U-16 and U-18 Scotland National Teams.  

#22 Ronnie Pascale      Goalkeeper      5’11”      180 lbs      Hometown: North Salem, NY
Professional Statistics

#16 Ross MacKenzie      Midfielder      5’11”      170 lbs      Hometown: Paisley, Scotland
Professional Statistics

Club	Year	GP	MIN	Goals	Assists	Points
Wilmington Hammerheads	2007	14	956	3	3	9
Carolina RailHawks (USL-1)	2008	1	24	0	0	0
Totals		15	980	3	3	9