Richmond, VA – (Wednesday, May 19, 2010) – The Richmond Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium to host the Charlotte Eagles under the lights this Friday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m. The first 100 fans through the gate will receive a Richmond Kickers seat cushion, courtesy of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods. Save on admission and order tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.
The Kickers host the Eagles this Friday for the second time in a month after dropping a 1-0 decision to their long-time rivals on April 24th. The two clubs previously met in the 2009 Championship final when the Kickers claimed their second USL-2 crown over the Eagles last August. Charlotte avenged the loss last month by handing the Kickers their first regular season defeat at UR Stadium since 2006, having gone undefeated at home for three consecutive seasons. The Kickers hold an all-time series advantage of 16-8-6 against the Eagles, with a rivalry dating back to the club’s inception in 1993.
Currently tied for second place in the league standings with nine points apiece, the Kickers (2-1-3) recently gained three points on the road in a 2-0 victory over Real Maryland last weekend. Forward Edson Elcock led the attack, posting a goal and an assist to boost the Kickers to their second win of the season. Meanwhile, the Eagles (3-2-0) narrowly edged the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-1 when midfielder Debola Ogunseye notched his third goal of the season.
Players to Watch
Kickers: Fan favorite Mike Burke (#19) was honored on this week’s Team of the Week for his solid performance in last week’s 2-0 win in Maryland. The Kickers all-time career leader in assists with 57, Burke is five games away from eclipsing the all-time career leader in games played. Forward Matthew Delicâte (#7) continues to lead the team and the league with five goals and until recently, was the only Kickers player to have scored this season. Edson Elcock (#11) broke Delicâte’s streak last week when his goal and assist lifted the Kickers to a 2-0 win in Maryland. A late-season addition in 2009, Elcock burst onto the scoring scene last weekend after a series of close calls to start the season. A stalwart on the back line, William Yomby (#2) continues to anchor the Kickers defensive unit after earning USL-2 Defender of the Year honors last season.
Eagles: Forward Gustavos Bentos (#9) was responsible for the Kickers demise at UR Stadium in April, notching the lone goal of the night to edge the home team. Playing professional soccer since he was 16, the native of Uruguay is in his third season with the Eagles. Midfielder Debola Ogunseye (#12) is second in the league in points and two goals behind Delicate with three on the season. Most recently, his tally in Pittsburgh lifted the Eagles to their third victory of the season. In his eighth season with the Eagles, Josh Rife (#30) anchors the defense with his natural leadership abilities and has recorded one assist this season. Towering 6’6” goalkeeper Steward Ceus (#1) joined the Eagles midseason on loan from Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids in 2009 and posted 42 saves en route to an unbeaten streak to conclude the regular season.
Team of the Week Honors
The Kickers and the Eagles ruled the USL-2 Team of the Week, placing a combined six players this week. Charlotte defender Brady Bryant was honored for his game-winning goal against Pittsburgh last weekend alongside defender Greg Dalby and midfielder Jorge Herrera. Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors after posting five saves against Maryland for his second shutout of the season. Mike Burke’s assist and solid performance earned a nod while forward Edson Elcock was the league leader, taking Player of the Week honors.
Sign Up For Soccer
It has never been easier to sign up for soccer. Registration is now live for Richmond Kickers soccer camps and recreational soccer programs at RichmondKickers.com. Learn from the pros at a Kickers summer camp at the state-of-the-art facility, Ukrop Park, or beat the heat at an indoor soccer camp.
The Richmond Kickers recreational soccer program provides a fun and safe environment for children ages 3-19 to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer. With affordable registration fees and locations throughout Richmond, the emphasis is on fun, participation and acquiring positive life skills.
For talented U-7 and U-8 players, sign up for the Kickers Advanced Development Program (ADP). An instructional program dedicated to athletic and enthusiastic youth players, Kickers ADP provides unbeatable value and an enjoyable soccer environment that will enhance their skills, coordination, and understanding of the game. Kickers ADP is the perfect transitional link between recreational and competitive soccer.
Sign up for soccer at RichmondKickers.com.
