Richmond, VA – (Monday, June 20, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers host the U.S. Open Cup Second Round on Tuesday, June 21, taking on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Richmond City Stadium at 7:00 p.m. Should the Kickers advance past their USL PRO opponents, they will face the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer at Columbus Crew Stadium on Tuesday, June 28. Wear red and purchase tickets for just $5.00 at the gate. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted at this match.
The Kickers advanced to the Second Round after handing USL PRO rivals Dayton Dutch Lions a 4-1 decision during the First Round on June 14. Kickers midfielder David Bulow recorded his second career hat trick, while midfielder Shaka Bangura contributed a pair of assists before adding a tally of his own in the 89th minute. The Riverhounds narrowly avoided penalty kicks in the First Round when a nail-biting overtime tally by Jeremy Deighton in the 99th minute boosted Pittsburgh to a 3-2 win.
Both the Kickers and the Riverhounds were held scoreless during regular season action last weekend, dropping three points on their home turf. The Kickers suffered their first home loss of the season to the Harrisburg City Islanders, who blanked Richmond, 1-0. Holding a narrow edge over Antigua Barracuda FC for second place in the USL PRO American Division standings, the Kickers post a regular season record of 7-3-2 and 23 points. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh suffered a 3-0 loss to National Division rivals Rochester Rhinos and reside in fifth place in the National Division standings with a 2-8-3 record and nine points.
The Kickers meet Pittsburgh for the second time this season, after coming away with a 2-1 win over the Riverhounds on April 9. Overall, the Kickers hold a record of 13-7-3 over the Riverhounds, with a rivalry dating back to 1999 when the two franchises competed in the USL First Division. Pittsburgh edged Richmond 2-1-1 during the 2010 regular season with the Kickers earning their eighth league championship bid in nine years after a decisive 2-0 win over the Riverhounds during last year’s semifinals.
The 2011 season marks the 13th time the Richmond Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 19 seasons and hold an overall record of 20-11 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the “Professional Era” in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round four times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007), ousting three Major League Soccer teams along the way including Colorado Rapids in 2000, DC United in 2004 and LA Galaxy in 2007. With 68 total goals scored during the Open Cup, the Kickers set several franchise records, as well as a Professional Era U.S. Open Cup record, for most goals (12) during the 8-4 rout over the Ocean City Barons in 2005.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years beginning in 1914. Like recent editions, the U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, with games tied after regulation extended by two 15-minute overtime halves. If a winner is not determined in overtime, advancement will be determined by kicks from the penalty spot. The 2011 champion will earn a $100,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will collect $50,000. The top Division III and Amateur Division clubs will each receive a $10,000 prize.
Tickets
Richmond Kickers regular admission prices will apply for the U.S. Open Cup Second Round match. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for youth ages 3-17. Avoid lines at the gate and click and print your tickets in advance at www.richmondkickers.com. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted for this match.
