Richmond, VA – (Thursday, June 25, 2009) – The Richmond Kickers conclude their month-long road trip this Friday, June 26th when they head to Edinboro University to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 8:05 p.m. The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium next Saturday, July 4th to host the Charlotte Eagles and a Fourth of July Bash from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Admission is just $4.00 and parking is free. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.
Friday’s match in Pittsburgh ends a five-game road series that started with a First Round U.S. Open Cup loss in Carolina earlier this month. Since then, the Kickers have played three regular season games, going 1-1-1 in the last three outings, most recently battling the Charlotte Eagles to a 2-2 draw. D.C. United loan John DiRaimondo and midfielder Adrian Bumbut gave the Kickers a two goal lead by the 15th minute. Before the end of the first half, Charlotte forward Jorge Hererra cut the deficit with the Kickers conceding an own goal in the 60th minute. The tie dropped the Kickers down to fourth-place in the USL-2 standings with a 4-2-5 record and 17 points.
Meanwhile, the Riverhounds attempt to rally out of the USL-2 basement after picking up a point on the road in a 0-0 deadlock in Western Mass last weekend. The Riverhounds are winless in their last two matches and have not gotten on the scoreboard since a 1-0 win over Bermuda on June 11th. Currently in eighth place in the standings, the Riverhounds bring a 3-4-3 record and 12 points into this weekend’s match-up.
Kickers versus Riverhounds
The Kickers travel to Pittsburgh for the second time in two weeks to conclude a three game series. Last time out, the Kickers handed a 2-0 decision to the Riverhounds when forward Matthew Delicâte connected on a Sascha Görres feed to give the Kickers the lead seconds before the end of the first half while DiRaimondo sealed the victory with a 71st minute tally courtesy of Luke Vercollone. With five saves on the night, goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale held the opposition scoreless, posting his fourth shutout of the season.
The two clubs met in Richmond earlier in the season when they battled to a 1-1 stalemate on an unseasonably warm night in April. The Kickers took the lead on a Joey Worthen tally but four minutes later, the Riverhounds leveled the score when Randolph Jerome finished a rebound at point blank range. Jerome currently leads Pittsburgh with two goals and four points this season.
Veterans from each team earned USL-2 Team of the Week honors for their efforts in last weekend’s draws. Kickers midfielder and 10-year veteran Mike Burke garnered the honors after adding an assist in the Kickers 2-2 tie in Charlotte while Pittsburgh captain Nathan Salsi earned a nod for his defensive leadership in the Riverhounds 0-0 tie in Western Mass.
Overall, the Kickers hold a 9-4-2 record over the Riverhounds with a rivalry dating back to 1999 when the two franchises competed in the USL First Division. Following this weekend’s game, the Riverhounds head to Bermuda for the next two while the Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium for a pair of home matches.
Richmond Kickers Destiny Host Northern Virginia Thursday
The Richmond Kickers Destiny of the USL W-League are pleased to host the Northern Virginia Majestics this Thursday, June 25th. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. at Sports Backers Stadium. Click here to download a Buy One/Get One coupon for Thursday’s Destiny game.
The Destiny are still in search of their first win after an eight-game winless streak to start the 2009 campaign. They will get their chance to grab a victory as they meet the Majestics for the second time this season. The Destiny fell short on a 2-1 decision on the road earlier in the season and look forward to redemption later this week. Northern Virginia is currently in sixth place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 1-6-0 and three points.
A Pro-Am league comprised of 37 teams, the W-League provides the most complete women’s player pool in the world and is recognized as North America’s best women’s developmental organization. The W-League offers the best local college and club players the opportunity to play alongside established international players while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.
