RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, May 4, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (2-3-1) are finally back in action after an 11-day break this Sunday evening as they travel to face Bethlehem Steel FC (1-3-2) at Goodman Stadium for the second time this season. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. with the game available live on the Kickers Official Television Partners WTVR CBS 6 via their 6.3 sub channel (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) as well as streaming online through ESPN+.
The Kickers will be looking for revenge after falling in the first meeting this season with Bethlehem, a 1-4 loss at Goodman Stadium. Eric Ayuk opened the scoring for Steel FC in the 24th minute, with Derrick Jones notching another goal in the 40th minute giving the home side a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Oscar Umar pulled one back for Richmond in the 57th minute, set up by Brian Shriver. Just seven minutes later, Brandon Allen scored the first of two goals in the match to give Bethlehem the decisive 4-1 victory over Richmond. In the overall series, the Kickers trail with a record of 1-2-2.
Richmond comes into the match this Sunday following an 11-day layoff after their second win of the 2018 season, a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC II at City Stadium back on April 25. Aidan Daniels opened the scoring in the 9th minute, giving the visitors an early lead on the road. Yudai Imura leveled the score only two minutes later as he was set up by D.C. United loanee Dane Kelly, making his first appearance for the Kickers. An own goal sealed the victory for Richmond after Raul Gonzalez whipped in a cross trying to pick out either Brian Shriver or Giuseppe Gentile, as the ball took a bounce off the shins of Brandon Onkony and into his own net.
Bethlehem were handed a 1-3 loss on the road at Louisville City FC in their last outing April 28. Three goals in nine minutes behind a Cameron Lancaster brace gave the home side the lead early on. Marcus Epps was able to net a consolation goal just before halftime assisted by Mike Catalano. Steel FC are coming into this match winless in their last five outings.
The Kickers return to City Stadium next Saturday night, May 12 to host the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Bark and Brew Fest. The pre-game party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music by Rear View Mirror, pet-centric vendors and RVA food trucks including legendary burgers from Carytown Burgers & Fries, Mediterranean-inspired kebobs and sandwiches from Sticks Kebob Shop and all-natural smoothies from Pulp Fiction. The Kickers then take the field for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff against the Rowdies. This match will be available to stream online through ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
