RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, September 24, 2008) – The inaugural Richmond Kickers Indoor roster will feature former Richmond Kickers forward Greg Simmonds for the 2008-09 PASL season. Simmonds brings nine years of professional experience to Richmond Kickers Indoor, set to take the field this fall at SCOR, Sports Center of Richmond.
"Greg is a proven goal scorer and has played for big clubs over several years of professional soccer," comments Kyle Lessig, Richmond Kickers Indoor Head Coach. "We are delighted to have such a quality and experienced player to bolster our roster."
Simmonds began his career with USL First Division side Hershey Wildcats in 1999, taking Rookie of the Year honors that season, notching 16 goals and six assists for 38 points. After adding another 16 goals for the Wildcats the following year and earning the team MVP award, he was invited to play in the CONCACAF Club Championship with DC United. With the opportunity to sign with DC United as a discovery player on the table, Simmonds was drafted by the Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer in 2001. Following his stint in MLS, he headed to Rochester (USL-1) where he led the Rhinos with nine goals and six assists, one season before joining the Richmond Kickers for the 2003 season. While in a Kickers uniform, the 6’3” forward tallied four goals and three assists in 27 appearances before moving on to Charleston where he led the Battery in scoring for the next two seasons (2004-2005). Finishing as the Virginia Beach Mariners top scorer one year later, Simmonds ended his professional career with the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2007.
The all-time leading scorer at Howard University with 54 goals, Simmonds received Most Valuable Player honors three times and was named Mid-Continent Player of the Year in 1997. He also boasts international experience, having played with the Jamaican National Team in 1999.
Following his professional soccer career, Simmonds returned to Richmond to lead the soccer program at U-TURN Sports Academy as Director of Soccer/Futsal. Since 1992, U-TURN has successfully connected youth from Richmond, VA’s inner-city and suburban neighborhoods for high-performance athletic development, team competition, fellowship events and Bible-based guidance. For more info about U-TURN soccer program visit www.u-turn.org or call 385 2775. U-TURN WHATS YOUR PASSION.
About Richmond Kickers Indoor
Entering its 10th year, PASL is the largest international indoor/arena soccer league in the world with 54 teams in the United States. Teams play regionally with the season running November through March. PASL is an affiliated member of the FIFRA (Federation International Futbal Rapido Association). Richmond Kickers Indoor will consist mostly of Kickers professionals plus select amateur players and will take the field during the 2008-09 season. Competing in the Mid-Atlantic division, Richmond Kickers Indoor will face regional opponents in approximately 10 matches, with home matches taking place at SCOR, Sports Center of Richmond. Stay tuned to RichmondKickers.com for game schedules and ticket information.
