1. Philadelphia Here We Come
The Kickers are heading north to Talen Energy Stadium to face the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Richmond will be looking to repeat history and knock off an MLS opponent just like its runs in 1995 and 2011. The game can be streamed on ussoccer.com.
2. Fernando Mania
Luiz Fernando knocked in his third overall goal of the season in the 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Fernando used his scoring touch to bolster the Kickers to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup with two goals in the win over Penn FC on May 23.
3. Rivalry Renewed
The Kickers will renew its long-time rivalry with the Charleston Battery on Saturday, June 9th. Richmond and Charleston have met every season since 1993 for a total of 61 meetings. The Battery holds a slight lead in the series with a 27-25-9 record. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from City Stadium.
4. Fiesta Night
Want to get your party on? It’s Kickers Fiesta at City Stadium on Saturday, June 9th! The party starts at 5:30 pm with live Salsa music, all-you-can-eat Chicken Fiesta Taco Bar and Modelo on tap for just $22 ($16 for Season Ticket Holders). Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
5. Kicking it with Juice
Calling all sneakerheads, you’re not going to want to miss the last episode of Kicking it with Juice. Giuseppe Gentile and Alex dive into their sneaker collections and take a look at some of their favorites.
6. Who’s the next giant killer?
Nine USL teams, including the Kickers, get their chance to knock off an MLS opponent in the U.S. Open Cup this week. There’s a lot at stake as the furthest advancing USL team not only gets to stake a claim as giant killers, but they also earn a cash prize.
7. MLS History
Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez made history when he collected his fifth career hat trick in the MLS at home against the Philadelphia Union. Martinez’s hat trick tied the record for most career MLS hat tricks. The Venezuelan professional matched the record set by Stern John and Diego Sterna.
8. USMNT Update
After a promising 3-0 friendly win over Bolivia on May 28, the U.S. Men’s National Team faltered 2-1 to Ireland from Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Bobby Wood gave the U.S. the 1-0 lead right before the end of the first half. However, Ireland struck for two goals in the second half including Alan Judge’s game-winner in the 90th minute.
9. Zidane did what?
Zinedine Zidane shocked the soccer world when he stepped down as manager of Real Madrid less than a week after leading Los Blancos to its third consecutive UEFA Champions League Title. Real Madrid is still continuing its search for Zidane’s successor.
10. 10 Days
The 2018 World Cup begins play in just 10 days on June 14 and is set to run all the way through July 15. Russia begins the group stage by facing Saudi Arabia, while Germany and Brazil enter the field as +450 co-favorites to win the World Cup according to Bovada.
11. Two Superstars in Danger
Perhaps the biggest World Cup storyline is the health of Brazil’s Neymar and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. Neymar eased the nerves of Brazil’s fans when he appeared in a friendly on Sunday after being sidelined with a foot injury since February and scored a goal off the bench against Croatia. Salah was named to Egypt’s squad, but his overall health still remains in question. Salah injured his shoulder during a controversial tackle from Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos in the UEFA Champions League Final.
