1. The Good and the Bad
The good: The Kickers advanced to the Fourth Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup behind Luiz Fernando’s two goals. The bad: Richmond missed out on an opportunity for points in USL action from City Stadium this past Saturday, losing 3-2 to the Charlotte Independence.
2. Disappointing Draw
The Red Army was hoping for a home game against an MLS opponent for the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, but instead Richmond will have to travel to the Philadelphia Union on June 5. The Kickers and the Union have never met before.
3. Happy Hours Vibes
Join the Red Army and 2018 Season Ticket Holders tonight from 4-6:00 p.m. at The HofGarden (2818 W Broad St Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230) for Happy Hour! Enjoy drink specials during Trivia Night with Kickers prizes up for grabs, including tickets to Saturday’s Food Truck Fest and game against Pittsburgh!
4. Food Truck Fest
Speaking of Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh, RVA’s iconic food trucks will headline the event with local favorites including Carytown Burgers & Fries, Sticks Kebob Shop, Freekin’ Rican, Backyard Grill, Intergalactic Tacos, Opa, Goatacado and Gelati Celesti, serving legendary tacos, made-to-order burgers, island flavors, authentic Greek fare, and heavenly hand-made ice cream. Then, get loud when your Richmond Kickers battle the Riverhounds at 7 pm! Tickets on sale now!
5. Kicking it with Juice
Ever want to see a behind the scenes look at your favorite Richmond Kickers’ players? Forward Giuseppe Gentile gives you that chance with the newest video series, Kicking it with Juice. Check out last week’s episode where Giuseppe and Trevor Spangenberg did a little coffee taste testing around RVA.
6. Newest MLS Addition
On Tuesday it was announced that the USL’s FC Cincinnati would be the next expansion team set to join Major League Soccer. FC Cincinnati will become the 26th team in the MLS and start play next immediately next year in 2019. They have been in the USL since 2015.
7. Legen…wait for it…Dary
Last time we highlighted Didier Drogba’s incredible free kick goal from 40 yards out. This time we want to honor the legendary forward for tallying his 500th club appearance this past Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC. Drogba has racked up 212 goals over those 500 appearances.
8. Champions of EUROPE
Real Madrid was crowned this past Saturday, winning its third consecutive UEFA Champions League Title. Gareth Bale scored two goals off the bench, including an immaculate bicycle kick, to lead Real Madrid past Liverpool 3-1. Los Blancos have now won 13 UEFA Champions League Titles, six more than the next best (Milan – 7).
9. USMNT Offers Hope
While not making the 2018 World Cup still stings, the U.S. Men’s National Team offered a glimmer of hope in Monday night’s 3-0 win over Bolivia in a friendly. Dave Sarachan started seven players under the age of 22 and two 18-year-olds (Josh Sargent and Tim Weah) scored their first international goals. These players are the future of the USMNT.
10. Who to root for?
The World Cup is fastly approaching in just over two weeks and that begs the question, who do Americans root for? Sports Illustrated labeled Mexico as “America’s Other Team” with Carlos Vela, Hirving Lozano and Javier Hernandez on the cover of the World Cup Preview issue.
11. United for a Cause
Richmond’s pro sports teams and its mascots are battling to see who can raise the most money for the Special Olympics Virginia at the Solar Plunge. For more information, CLICK HERE!
