RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, March 24, 2016) – The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, March 26 when they host the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 2016 regular season home opener, presented by Woodfin, at 5:00 p.m. The pre-game party starts at 3:30 p.m. with live music from The Folly, RVA food trucks, over a dozen craft beers on tap and free Woodfin replica jersey t-shirts for the first 500 fans. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
With a rivalry spanning more than a decade, the Kickers hold an all-time series record of 16-5-8 over the City Islanders. The two clubs split the three-game series last season, battling to a 1-1 draw at the conclusion of the 2015 campaign in Harrisburg. Earlier in the year, the Kickers edged the visiting City Islanders 4-2 behind a pair of goals by Jason Yeisley before dropping a 3-2 loss in Harrisburg one week later.
Established in 1993, the Richmond Kickers begin their 24th season this weekend. The club finished with a 10-7-11 record and qualified for postseason play for the 12th consecutive time in 2015 before suffering a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Charleston Battery in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Harrisburg just fell short of a playoff berth following a 2-1 loss in the regular season finale.
Saturday’s match kicks off the home and away series between the clubs, swapping home field advantage in July. Following this weekend’s home opener, the Kickers travel to Wilmington on Friday, April 1 before returning to City Stadium to host the Rochester Rhinos and the first annual I Heart Carytown Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, April 9.
Players to Watch
Kickers: Forward Jason Yeisley (#17) led the team with 15 goals and two assists in 2015, earning three USL Team of the Week nods and the 2015 Supporter’s Choice MVP award. Signing with the Kickers in 2012, the former FC Dallas forward has amassed more than 6,000 minutes over four seasons. Defender Braeden Troyer (#31) anchored the Kickers’ backline in 28 games during his debut season, compiling over 2,200 minutes in 2015. Signing with the Kickers days before the start of the 2015 season, he was discovered at the Kickers 2015 Pro Combine, earning his first contract out of the University of South Carolina. Newcomer Lucas Paulini (#15) joins the Kickers after making 55 appearances over four seasons with North American Soccer League side Atlanta Silverbacks. Impressing at the Kickers pro tryouts in January, the Argentinean midfielder spent his senior season at VCU, making 19 appearances and earning CAA All-First Team honors.
City Islanders: A late-season addition in 2015, Craig Foster (#22) made an immediate impact for the City Islanders, tallying three goals in his first three USL appearances. A key contributor to the Jamaican National Team that won the Caribbean Cup in 2014, the forward led Harrisburg with eight goals and two assists last season. Former Richmond defender Shane Johnson (#5) made 60 appearances in a Kickers uniform over three seasons before joining the City Islanders on loan in 2015. The Longwood University graduate made 22 appearances in Harrisburg and contributed to five shutouts last season. Goalkeeper Nick Noble (#1) returns for his fifth season after appearing in every match and backstopping the City Islanders with nine shutouts in 2015. Making 104 appearances in Harrisburg over four seasons, he helped lead the City Islanders to the 2014 USL Championship match.
Richmond Kickers Season Tickets
Experience the authentic atmosphere at City Stadium when the USL season kicks off on Saturday, March 26. Richmond Kickers Season Tickets include 15 USL matches guaranteed, 50-75% off match day prices, exclusive invitations, merchandise discounts and VIP benefits. Guaranteed to see all regular season, US Open Cup and playoff games for the best possible pricing, Kickers Season Tickets are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable entertainment experience. Order now at www.richmondkickers.com.
