RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, May 25, 2015) – The Richmond Kickers return to U.S. Open Cup action this Wednesday, May 27 when they battle the Jacksonville Armada of the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the Third Round at City Stadium. The winner will earn home field advantage against Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in the Fourth Round. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and Wild Wolf Wednesday tickets, including admission and a craft beer, are on sale now for $12 at www.richmondkickers.com.
Last week, the Kickers ousted Virginia Beach City FC from the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-0 Second Round victory at City Stadium. Goals at either end of the second half by Nate Shiffman and Jason Yeisley punctuated a match otherwise marred by missed chances as the Kickers outshot their NPSL opponent 15-3 to progress to the next round of the tournament.
Established in 2015, the Armada are slated to make their U.S. Open Cup debut next week. The expansion side resides fourth in the NASL standings with a 3-3-1 record, most recently dropping a narrow 3-2 loss to Minnesota United to snap a three-game unbeaten streak.
The 2015 season marks the 17th time the Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 22 seasons, with an overall record of 27-15 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 five times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011) and the semifinal round twice (1995, 2011). Ousting five Major League Soccer teams along the way, including Colorado Rapids in 2000, D.C. United in 2004, LA Galaxy in 2007 and Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City in 2011, the Kickers became the first lower division team to defeat back-to-back MLS teams on the road.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Club Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 101 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. This year’s winner will earn $250,000, a berth in the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions’ League and have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, one of the oldest nationally contested trophies in American team sports. The runner-up will take home $60,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will earn a $15,000 cash prize.
Players to Watch
Kickers: Midfielder Nate Shiffman (#21) earned his first start and his first goal for his hometown team during last week’s U.S. Open Cup Second Round victory. The native of Midlothian, VA and former James River High School standout signed with the Kickers prior to the 2015 campaign, following his rookie season with OKC Energy. Midfielder Ricky Burke (#16) earned a pro contract with the Kickers in 2015 after impressing at the Pro Tryouts last spring. A former D.C. United Academy player, he previously spent time with Scottish Championship side Livingston FC and has since made a three appearances with the Kickers to start the 2015 campaign. Defender Hugh Roberts (#8) earned back-to-back starts last week, anchoring the back line in eight games during his sophomore season. Amassing nearly 1,800 minutes over two seasons, the native of Olney, MD was discovered at the Kickers’ 2014 Pro Tryouts after making 69 appearances at George Mason University.
Armada: Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo (#1) signed with Jacksonville after spending four seasons with former USL team Orlando City where he backstopped the club to four Championship titles. The 2011 USL Goalkeeper of the Year has since started six of the Armada’s seven inaugural-season matches. Forward Jemal Johnson (#11) leads the Armada with six points, most recently scoring his third goal of the season against Minnesota United last week. Brought up through the youth system with Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United, the New Jersey native saw stints in England and Bulgaria before signing with Jacksonville in 2015. Defender Matt Bahner (#13) joined Jacksonville after spending two seasons with USL side Harrisburg City Islanders. Making 52 appearances, the 2014 USL All-League Second Team selection led Harrisburg to one of its most prolific seasons in club history with an appearance in the USL Championship and a run to the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round.
Richmond Kickers Host New York Red Bulls II Saturday
The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, May 30 when they host the New York Red Bulls II at 7:00 p.m. The pre-game party starts at 6:00 p.m. with live music from Nick Faulconer & The Way, food trucks and craft beer on tap. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
