RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, January 28, 2009) – The Richmond Kickers Destiny of the USL W-League will open the 2009 campaign on the road to expansion franchise Cary Lady Clarets on Friday, May 22nd. Entering their sixth season in the W-League, the Destiny will begin their home season one day later, Saturday, May 23rd when they play host to the Charlotte Lady Eagles at 2:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. The twelve-game regular season schedule will conclude on Wednesday, July 15th at the Hampton Roads Piranhas.
The W-League will feature 37 teams in 2009, playing in five divisions that comprise the Central, Eastern and Western conferences. The Destiny will once again compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference alongside the Atlanta Silverbacks, Cary Lady Clarets, Charlotte Lady Eagles, Hampton Roads Piranhas, Northern Virginia Majestics and Tampa Bay Hellenic. The twelve-game, balanced schedule will pit the Destiny against each of the Atlantic Division opponents home and away once during the regular season.
This season, the Destiny will take home field advantage at one of two venues in Richmond. While half of the home games will take place at Sports Backers Stadium, the Destiny will be featured as the first leg of doubleheaders with the Richmond Kickers pro side three times during the season at the University of Richmond Stadium (just off the Downtown Expressway).
Tryouts
The Richmond Kickers Destiny will offer the opportunity of the W-League to local Richmond players, both current and former collegiate soccer standouts and to outstanding high school seniors. Players interested in participating with the Destiny in 2009 should contact Jesse Myers at jmyers@richmondkickers.com and include a soccer resume.
Playoffs
The W-League postseason will be extended to three weeks with the league semifinals and Championship being split into two separate weekends. Eleven W-League teams will qualify for the postseason tournament in 2009 with the league’s Regular Season Champion (based on point percentage) receiving a bye to the league semifinals.
The remaining teams will compete in three conference tournaments in playoff week one July 24-26 to determine the other three league semifinalists for the weekend of July 31-August 1 at two locations. The top two teams each from the Atlantic and Northeast Divisions will meet at the Eastern Conference tournament. The top seed will have the first right to host or the host will be determined by bid. The divisional top seeds face the lower seed from the opposite division in the conference semifinals.
The regular season champion will face the lowest remaining overall seed unless they have played during the season, which would result in a pairing with the next lowest seed. The championship game will be August 7-8, and will air on Fox Soccer Channel.
About the W-League
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.
2009 Richmond Kickers Destiny Schedule [+]
