RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, August 27, 2015) – The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, August 29 to host the Charleston Battery and Bark & Brew Fest, presented by PetSafe. The pre-game dog-friendly craft beer festival starts at 5:30 p.m. with over a dozen craft beers on tap, live music by The Folly and RVA food trucks. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and festival tickets including two tickets and two beers for $20 are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
Rivals for over two decades, Saturday’s match marks the 55th meeting between the Kickers and the Battery with the Kickers taking the slight advantage on the 24-22-8 all-time series record. The two clubs conclude the 2015 three-game series this weekend after swapping home and home draws earlier this season. Last time out, the Kickers battled to a 1-1 tie in a mid-week clash in June. Conceding an early goal to Battery midfielder Ricky Garbanzo, the Kickers rallied for the equalizer just before the break, courtesy of Samuel Asante, to escape Charleston with a point on the road.
Previously, the two clubs played to a 2-2 draw at City Stadium in May. Midfielder Brian Ownby gave the Kickers a first half lead but the Battery responded with two quick goals by Zach Prince and Garbanzo after the break, forcing Richmond’s all-time leading scorer, Matthew Delicâte, into action to tally the late equalizer.
Most recently, the Kickers earned a much-needed three points against Saint Louis FC at City Stadium last week. Midfielder Yudai Imura notched his second goal in as many games to give the home side a late lead before Jason Yeisley solidified the victory minutes later.
Meanwhile, Charleston dropped points on a back-to-back road trip to Saint Louis FC and Louisville City. First, the Battery conceded a two goal advantage to Saint Louis who rallied behind an improbable three-goal comeback, courtesy of a last-gasp stoppage time game winner. Forty-eight hours later, the Battery suffered a 3-1 loss to second place Louisville to conclude the long-distance road trip.
Players To Watch
Kickers: Midfielder Yudai Imura (#14) earned USL Team of the Week honors this week after scoring the game-winning goal against Saint Louis FC. Notching his first professional goal one week earlier in Toronto, the Richmond newcomer was discovered at the Kickers 2015 Pro Tryouts, and has since made 14 appearances in a Kickers uniform. Forward Jason Yeisley (#17) leads the team in goals and points through the 2015 regular season and U.S. Open Cup campaigns, most recently notching his 14th goal of the season at City Stadium last week. Signing with the Kickers in 2012, the former FC Dallas forward has amassed more than 6,000 minutes over four seasons. In his seventh season in Richmond, 2009 Defender of the Year William Yomby (#2) has anchored the backline to 11 shutouts and recently became the third player in USL history (2011-present) to surpass the 10,000 minute mark. The native of Bafoussam, Cameroon has earned six consecutive USL All-League First Team nominations since his Kickers debut in 2009.
Battery: Cuban goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper (#0) returned for his third season with the Battery after defecting from the Cuban National Team before a World Cup Qualifier in 2012. Making over 40 appearances in Charleston over the past two seasons, he posted nine shutouts during 2014 campaign, and currently boasts a league second-best goals against average of 1.07. Forward Dane Kelly (#9) is in his fifth season with Charleston, on loan from Jamaican Premier League side Tivoli Gardens. A 2014 USL All-League First Team honoree, he has tallied 31 goals and 5 assists over the past four seasons, adding nine goals and two assists during the 2015 campaign. Returning to Charleston following an injury-blighted first year in 2013 that restricted him to just six games played, Cuban midfielder Maikel Chang (#12) has started 19 of the Battery’s 23 matches this season. Leading the team with six assists, he recently added his second goal of the season in Louisville to avoid the shutout.
