Richmond, VA – (Thursday, June 23, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers return to regular season action this Friday, June 24 when they travel to Motamed Field on the campus of Adelphi University to face FC New York at 7:30 p.m. The Kickers take on the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer four days later in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round on Tuesday, June 28 at Columbus Crew Stadium.
“Three road games in eight days is clearly the toughest stage of our season so far,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. “Although we have won three of our last four games, we do need to regain our USL form and strengthen our playoff position. Three points on Friday versus FC New York will go a long way toward that goal and allow us to field a different formation versus the Columbus Crew.”
The Kickers and FC New York last met on June 12 when a pair of first half goals by forwards Edson Elcock and Matthew Delicâte boosted the Kickers to a 2-0 win at St. John’s University. Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale posted four saves to preserve his fourth shutout of the season as the Kickers reclaimed second place in the American Division standings.
Two weeks prior, the Kickers hosted FC New York, battling the National Division team to a 2-2 draw. Despite leading on two occasions, the Kickers were unable to seal a victory over their northern rivals, who rallied behind a pair of Graciano Brito tallies to earn a 2-2 draw. With a 3-5-4 record and 13 points, FC New York resides in fourth place in the National Division.
The Kickers are coming their first loss at Richmond City Stadium this season, dropping a 1-0 decision to the Harrisburg City Islanders on June 17. Rookie Jamel Wallace earned his first professional start, and USL PRO Team of the Week honors for his efforts in the midfield.
U.S. Open Cup Update
Both teams have found success in the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, each advancing to the Third Round on June 28. The Kickers ousted USL PRO rivals Dayton Dutch Lions and Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the first two rounds and face the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer next week. Midfielder David Bulow notched a hat trick in the First Round before adding a pair of tallies in the Second Round to bring his scoring tally in U.S. Open Cup play to 13 overall, tying him with Jaime Moreno and Johnny Menyongar for first place all-time in the scoring chart for the modern era.
Meanwhile, FC New York survived a 22nd minute red card in Round Two against the NY Pancyprian Freedoms, going nearly 100 minutes down a player in a scoreless draw against a fierce amateur side with veteran ex-professionals before advancing in seven rounds of penalties on a pair of surprising failed attempts from two Freedoms stars. FC New York travel to Red Bull Arena next week for a Third Round match up against the New York Red Bulls.
Fourth of July Fest
Kick off your Independence Day celebrations at the Richmond Kickers Third Annual Fourth of July Fest, presented by Northwestern Mutual. Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4 at Richmond City Stadium and will feature a Splash Zone, inflatables, delicious food, music, games and fun. The Kickers professional soccer game will highlight the event as the Kickers host the Dayton Dutch Lions at 1:00 p.m. Admission is just $4.00 per ticket before 12:00 p.m. and parking is free. Visit www.richmondkickers.com for more information.
