RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, July 17, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers Destiny of the W-League conclude their 2008 home campaign this Saturday, July 19th at 3:30 pm when they host the Bradenton Athletics at the University of Richmond Stadium. Saturday’s match kicks off a doubleheader with the Richmond Kickers pro team who take the field that evening at 7:00 pm. Tickets are just $5.00 per person before 5:00 pm and are valid for both games. The Destiny’s season comes to an end on Sunday, July 20th on the road, against the Carolina RailHawks.
The Destiny meet Bradenton for the second time this season, swapping home field advantage since a 4-3 loss in Florida on June 1st. Destiny forward Jess Varela recorded Richmond’s first goal of the season to give the Destiny an early lead over the Athletics. After Bradenton tied the score, Varela notched a second goal on the night to reclaim the lead but with three second-half goals, the Athletics rallied past the Destiny for the final scoreline. Athletics forward Martha Hall was responsible for two goals while midfielder Erika Tymrak added three assists.
Varela continued her scoring ways last weekend, notching three goals and an assist during a pair of back-to-back wins. A late goal in West Virginia edged the Illusion 1-0, before a 3-2 affair against the Carolina Dynamo two days later. Leading the Destiny with five goals and 11 points, she earned W-League Team of the Week honors this week for her offensive efforts.
After a slow start to the season, the Destiny is currently in a four-game unbeaten streak, netting eight goals while allowing just two, to improve their record to 5-8-0. Destiny goalkeeper Chantel Jones posted 15 saves over three consecutive shutouts. Meanwhile, the Athletics reside nine points behind the Destiny in the Atlantic Division basement with a 2-10-0 record. Bradenton is winless in their last eight fixtures, conceding 16 goals in their last three. Most recently, the Athletics suffered a 5-1 loss to the Hampton Roads Piranhas. Forward Madison Solow tallied Bradenton’s lone goal of the night to avoid the shutout.
The Richmond Kickers Future finish up their Premier Development League season tomorrow, Friday, July 11th in Northern Virginia, facing the Royals at 7:30 pm. The Future enter their final match with a 2-8-5 record, most recently battling the division leading Reading Rage to a 1-1 draw on a last second Stephen Laws tally.
