RICHMOND, VA - (Friday, October 3, 2008) – Richmond Kickers Indoor of the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) recently announced the addition of Andy McIntosh, Rhodney Viela and Matt Cooper to bolster the 2008-09 roster. Last year’s leading scorers with the Richmond Rowdies, McIntosh and Viela reunite to add firepower while Cooper returns for his second PASL season.
"We are fortunate to have a solid core of veteran players returning from last season," comments Kyle Lessig, Richmond Kickers Indoor Head Coach. "They will be the heart and soul of the squad this winter."
A native of London, England, Andy McIntosh has been involved with the Kickers organization for the past seven years. In addition to coaching several youth teams and serving as the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club Classic Director, he was named Director of Soccer Camps in 2006 and was appointed Assistant Coach of the Richmond Kickers Future prior to the 2008 season. He brings five years of playing experience with the Future (2004-08) and one year of PASL experience to Richmond Kickers Indoor. A leader in the midfield, he has made 56 appearances with the Future, notching 13 goals and 10 assists. One of the Rowdies leading scorers last year, McIntosh recorded over 10 goals during the 2007-08 PASL campaign.
“I am very excited for the 2008-2009 Richmond Kickers Indoor Season,” comments McIntosh. “This is a great chance for the Richmond community to experience high level soccer throughout the winter.”
Leading the Richmond Rowdies in scoring last year, Brazilian forward Rhodney Viela looks to continue his scoring ways with the Richmond Kickers Indoor. Tallying more than 10 goals for the Rowdies last year, Viela was the only Richmond player to be named to the PASL All-Star team. Representing the Mid-Atlantic Division, he was selected to compete in the 2008 All-Star Game against the California Cougars.
Also returning to SCOR for the 2008-09 season, Matt Cooper adds strength to the midfield after spending last season with the Richmond Rowdies. Cooper is a 2006 graduate of Randolph-Macon College where he was a three-time All-ODAC selection, two-time regional All-American and a two-time Virginia Sports Information Directors’ all-state choice. In his third season as assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney College, Cooper has compiled a 21-12-5 record under head coach Josh Laux. Last season, he helped guide Hampden-Sydney to an 11-6-3 overall record and the number 2 seed in the ODAC Tournament.
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.
