RICHMOND, VA – It’s make or break time for the Richmond Kickers this weekend as they enter the fun and games of the playoffs.
The Kickers (12-9-9) travel to Louisville (17-9-4) this Sunday (October 2nd, 7pm ET kick-off), in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2016 USL Playoffs.
Excitement has reached its capacity at City Stadium since the first ball was kicked in March, but competing in the playoffs is a whole new ball game, a fresh start almost.
That is according to head coach Leigh Cowlishaw, who is relishing the challenge at a strong Louisville outfit, who finished second in the regular season.
“Ever since we secured our position in the playoffs, we’ve been waiting for them and now the business end is finally here,” said Cowlishaw, whose side finished seventh in the regular season standings.
“Every time you are away from home it is a tough draw, but I think this group of players are just as good away from home as it is at City Stadium.
“It’s knockout soccer, one game at a time. I’m a big fan of the playoffs, they create a lot of excitement and I think the players are very eager and are very familiar with Louisville having visited a few weeks ago.”
Kickers were not so lucky in Louisville on September 10, losing 2-0, and in doing so seeing their unbeaten run of 10 previous games abruptly ended. Since then, Richmond have lost the previously-built momentum after a tie with Charlotte and defeats to Charleston and Wilmington.
But, Cowlishaw thinks his side could use this experience to their advantage.
“It was good to go there (Louisville) not long ago because it’s fresh in our minds and the one thing we said to the players (in the 2-0 defeat) was – ‘remember that feeling and make sure you take it all in because we could be back here’ – and it’s turned out that way,” explained Cowlishaw.
“That was in the back of our minds so we didn’t want to give too much away tactically in that game, and kept it pretty standard.”
“We have a lot of ideas going into the game (on Sunday). Louisville have been very good of late and they have a very deep squad. We are certainly going to have to play our best, but I think we have every chance (of progressing) if we do.”
The Kickers, who have made the playoffs in 22 (13 of which consecutive) of their last 24 seasons, lost out in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals last year following a 2-1 defeat (after extra time) at the Charleston Battery.
“We’re stronger from every experience and we could go all the way this year,” continued Cowlishaw. “There’s no question about that. I’m not concerned about playing on the road. In fact, in some ways, it’s better for us.”
Win on Sunday, and Richmond will advance into the Conference Semifinals and visit the winner of FC Cincinnati and Charleston Battery, on the weekend of October 7-9. The Conference Finals will be on the weekend of October 14-16.
Head to Fat Dragon (1202 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23230) this Sunday to watch the Louisville game! If you wear red, you will receive 15% off.
You can also keep up to date with all the action from Louisville City v Richmond Kickers live here: http://www.uslsoccer.com/match-center.
