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Kickers Continue Road Trip Saturday at Greenville

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, April 19, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (0-2-1) will take their first trip south to take on Greenville Triumph SC (2-1-0) this Saturday night at Legacy Early College for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. This match will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online on ESPN+. 
 
This match will mark the first of three meetings between Richmond and Greenville. Along with several members of USL League One, Greenville is in their first season.
 
Richmond will be looking to avenge a 1-3 road defeat at the hands of Lansing Ignite FC last Saturday night at Cooley Law School Stadium. The Kickers were reduced to ten men after 35 minutes when Maxi Rodriguez received his second yellow card in an eight minute span. Lansing jumped ahead two minutes into the second half when Nick Moon scored after a run across the top of the Richmond box. Eight minutes later, Alex Bruce would put LIFC ahead 2-0 when Rhys Williams whipped in the ball for Bruce to meet at the back post for a tap in. Dennis Chin came on as a second half substitute and scored 12 minutes into his debut, putting away a ball that deflected off the Lansing keeper after a brilliant run by Eli Lockaby. Grant Stoneman sealed the victory for Lansing in the 70th minute for a final score of 3-1. 
 
Greenville is coming off their second straight victory at home, claiming a 1-0 win over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC last Saturday at Legacy Early College. Coming out of halftime scoreless, Jake Keegan was in the right place in the 74th minute to put away a cross from Carlos Gomez for his second goal of the season. 
 
The Kickers will return home to City Stadium next Saturday night, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. as they play host to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and Kickers K-9 Night, presented by Impawsible Pups. The party starts when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. with drink specials for the first 30 minutes, live music from the Dirty Runaways, $2 hot dogs from Papa John’s and the first 150 dogs through the gates will receive a free dog bowl. This match will be available to stream online on ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Forward Dennis Chin (#15) made his debut for the Kickers last Saturday night, scoring 12 minutes after coming onto the field. The Jamaican forward joined the Kickers during the off season after a season with USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Defender Eli Lockaby (#17) made the effort in the second half against Lansing that ended up setting up the goal for Chin. The rookie signed his first professional contract with the Kickers after a four-year career at Virginia Commonwealth University. Midfielder Alex Ainscough (#12) has made three appearances for the Kickers this season, including one start. Signed after a successful trial, Ainscough joins the Kickers after a stint in Germany with SpVgg Bayreuth II. 
 
Greenville: Forward Jake Keegan (#9) leads the Greenville attack with two goals through three matches this seaosn. Keegan signed with Greenville after making 32 appearances at St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland, scoring nine goals. Midfielder Carlos Gomez (#10) controls the center of the field for Triumph SC, notching two assists in his rookie season. Gomez featured in three seasons at Young Harris College before signing professionally with Greenville this season. Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye (#22) has posted one clean sheet through three matches this season. The Guam international goalkeeper was previously with Head Coach John Harkes during his time with then USL Championship side FC Cincinnati.

Kickers Take First Road Trip of 2019, Travel to Lansing Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, April 12, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (0-1-1) will take their first road trip of the season, heading to Cooley Law Stadium this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. to face Lansing Ignite FC (1-1-0) for the second time this season. This match will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online on ESPN+.
 
This match will mark the second of three meetings between the two clubs. Lansing took a 3-2 victory at City Stadium just two weeks ago in the season opener for both teams. LIFC went into halftime holding a 2-0 lead behind goals from Tumi Moshobane and Xavier Gomez. The lead increased to three goals for LIFC after Kevin Coiffic notched a goal just after halftime. Maxi Rodriguez pulled a goal back in the 68th minute set up by Daniel Jackson. Joe Gallardo converted a penalty in the 76th minute to get the Kickers within one, but Lansing was able to hold off the effort by the Kickers.
 
Richmond comes into this match after battling South Georgia Tormenta FC to a 0-0 draw at City Stadium last Saturday night. The Kickers out shot their opponents 9-7, including three massive first half chances by Charles Boateng, who made his first appearance of the season. Akira Fitzgerald and the Kickers backline held strong to earn the club’s first clean sheet of the 2019 season, behind the Kickers keeper making three saves. 
 
Lansing will be looking to avenge a 1-2 road defeat at the hands of Greenville Triumph FC. LIFC jumped ahead in the 27th minute with a goal from Ricky Lopez-Espin, taking the 1-0 lead into the break. Jake Keegan leveled the score for Greenville in the 53rd minute. Things became chippy in the match, with both Ricardo Perez and Tumi Moshobane seeing red cards, reducing Lansing to nine men. With five minutes to go, Greenville capitalized on their advantage as Kevin Politz headed away the game winner. 
 
The Kickers are back on the road next Saturday night as they make the trip south to take on Greenville Triumph FC at Legacy Early College. Kickoff for that match is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be shown live on WTVR CBS 6.3 and online through ESPN+. Stay up to date with the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) picked up his first clean sheet of the season behind three saves last Saturday in the 0-0 draw with Tormenta FC. The native of Chiba, Japan joined the Kickers after spending the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship. Forward Joe Gallardo (#10) has one goal in two starts this season, scoring in the season opener against Lansing. Gallardo signed with the Kickers after last joining Orlando City B in the USL Championship. Midfielder Matt Bolduc (#11) has played every minute for the first two matches for the Kickers this season. Bolduc is in his third season in Richmond, coming off 14 appearances for the Kickers in 2018.  
 
Lansing: Defender Kevin Coiffic (#17) scored the game winner in the first meeting between the two clubs back on March 30 at City Stadium. The Lorient, France native is in his first professional season after playing at Young Harris College. Midfielder Xavier Gomez (#10) has a goal and an assist this season for LIFC, both of which coming against the Kickers. Gomez signed his first professional contract with Lansing after four years at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Goalkeeper Michael Kirk (#1) has manned the nets for Lansing’s first two matches of the season. Kirk brings two years of USL Championship experience to Lansing after stints with Rio Grande Valley FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Kickers Host Tormenta FC Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, April 4, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (0-1-0) return to City Stadium Saturday night to host South Georgia Tormenta FC (2-0-0) for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff. Saturday night is College Night where all college students can get tickets for just $10 with a valid student ID. The party starts with drink specials for the first 30 minutes when the gates open at 3:30 p.m., plus live music from the Hit List. The Kickers take the field at 5:00 p.m. to face Tormenta. This match will be streamed live on ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
This will be the first ever meeting between the Kickers and Tormenta FC. Tormenta are in their second year of existence, having played the 2018 season in USL League Two, claiming the division title in their first season. 
 
The Kickers will look to bounce back from last Saturday’s defeat to Lansing Ignite FC, 2-3 at City Stadium. Lansing netted a pair of goals Robinson Moshobane and Xavier Gomez to take the 2-0 lead into the halftime break. Four minutes into the second half, Lansing scored their third goal of the night through Kevin Coiffic. Maxi Rodriguez pulled a goal back in the 68th minute as Daniel Jackson controlled a deflected Lansing pass, and put it in the perfect spot for Rodriguez to smash it home for the first goal of the 2019 season. Eight minutes later, Joe Gallardo converted a penalty kick after a handball was called in the box. Despite the Kickers efforts late in the match, they could not complete the comeback. 
 
Tormenta played their second of three matches in eight days Wednesday night, picking up a 3-1 home victory over the visiting FC Tucson. Tucson took the lead in the 55th minute through Devin Vega. Tormenta responded two minutes later as Lucas Countinho started the comeback tying the game up. One minute later and Tormenta was in the lead from Alex Morrell. Marco Micaletto sealed the victory in the 74th minute to ensure the three points. Conner Antley assisted on all three goals for Tormenta.
 
Richmond will hit the road for the first time this season, making the trip to Cooley Law School Stadium to take on Lansing Ignite FC Saturday, April 13. Kickoff for that match is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and can be streamed live on ESPN+. Stay up to date with the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Scoring the first goal of the 2019 season, midfielder and team captain Maxi Rodriguez (#21) made his mark on Kickers fans with a rocket of a shot to get the Richmond back into last Saturday’s match. The San Antonio native joined the Kickers this season after two seasons with San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. Midfielder Joe Gallardo (#10) netted his first professional goal Saturday night against Lansing, converting a penalty kick in the 76th minute. Developed through the United States Youth National Teams, Gallardo last played with Orlando City B in the USL Championship. Defender Jannik Eckenrode (#22) will be going against his brother, Lars Eckenrode this Saturday night against Tormenta FC. The George Mason University product will face his brother for the first time as professionals. 
 
Tormenta: Forward Alex Morrell (#14) leads the team in scoring with two goals in two matches this season. Morrell is coming off two season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, scoring two goals in 33 appearances for the USL Championship side. Wearing the captain’s armband, defender Lars Eckenrode  (#4) will be matched up against his brother Jannik Eckenrode Saturday night. Drafted by Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Eckenrode made 18 appearances for Toronto FC II in the USL Championship. Defender Conner Antley (#3) picked up a trio of assists in Tormenta’s 3-1 against FC Tucson Wednesday night. A product of Mercer University, Antley helped Tormenta clinch the USL League Two division title in 2018.

Kickers Open 2019 USL League One Season Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, March 29, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers will open their 27th professional season this Saturday night at 5:00 p.m. as they host Lansing Ignite FC in their first-ever match, presented by Woodfin. This match will mark the start of the 2019 USL League One season. The party starts when the gates open at 3:30 p.m. with live music from the VCU Peppas and craft beer on tap with specials right when the gates open! The Kickers take the field at 5:00 p.m. to face Lansing. The first 1,000 fans through gates will receive a 2019 schedule magnet, courtesy of WTVR CBS 6. Catch this match streaming online through ESPN+ and on the Kickers Official Television partners WTVR CBS 6. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
Saturday’s match will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, with Lansing fielding a team for the first time. The Kickers were announced as a founding member of USL League One in September 2018, joining nine other clubs for the league’s inaugural season: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, FC Tucson, Forward Madison, Greenville Triumph SC, North Texas SC, Orlando City B, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Toronto FC II and Saturday’s opponent, Lansing Ignite FC. 
 
Richmond will have a new look for the 2019 season, following an ownership change that saw 22 Holdings, LLC purchase the pro team. With David Bulow returning at the helm for his first full season in charge of the Kickers, the Kickers only return five players from the 2018 squad, which includes Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen and Braeden Troyer. Bulow made it a point to bring in USL Championship calibre talent, adding veteran players such as Dennis Chin, Akira Fitzgerald and Daniel Jackson. 
 
Heading into their first-ever match, Lansing finished their preseason with a record of 3-1-0 behind head coach Nate Miller. Haitian youth international Steeve Saint-Duc lead the way for LIFC in scoring during preseason with four goals. LIFC announced this week that former Charlotte Independence and Des Moines Menace defender Brandon Fricke will be the first captain for the new club. 
 
The Kickers will be back in action next Saturday night, April 6 to host South Georgia Tormenta FC for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff. It’s College Night at City Stadium, with students getting tickets for just $10 at the gate with a valid student ID. Tickets for this match are on sale right now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Forward Daniel Jackson (#9) is set to lead the Kickers attack Saturday night after joining the Kickers over the off season. The Pittsburgh native returns to the U.S. after a stint in Finland with Bollklubben-46. Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) brings veteran leadership to the Kickers defense. The Wake Forest product brings in a wealth of USL Championship experience split between North Carolina FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Returning to the Kickers backline for 2019, defender Conor Shanosky (#5) will play in his fifth season in Richmond. Over the last two seasons, Shanosky has made 42 appearances, starting in 38 matches and scoring one goal and notching an assist.
 
Lansing: Coming off an international match with the Trinidad and Tobago national team taking on Wales, midfielder Nathan Lewis (#27) joins Lansing for the start of the USL League One season. Lewis comes to Lansing following 11 appearances for USL Championship side Indy Eleven in 2018. Defender Nick Moon (#14) impressed at a closed-door tryout in January, earning himself a professional contract with Lansing. A product of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Moon scored 13 goals and notched 12 assists over 71 appearances during his four-year collegiate career. Forward Steeve Saint-Duc (#11) brings his Haitian youth national team experience to the Ignite for the USL League One Season. He most  recently featured for the Haiti U20 national team during the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship in November.

KICKERS CLOSE OUT SEASON AT ATLANTA SATURDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, October 12, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-23-4) will finish off the 2018 USL regular season Saturday night on the road against Atlanta United 2 (6-17-9) at Coolray Field. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. This match will be available on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online on ESPN+. 

Saturday night’s match will be just the second meeting between the two clubs. Atlanta made the trip up to City Stadium back on July 21, where the teams battled to a 1-1 draw. Brian Shriver put the Kickers ahead in the 38th minute, curling in a free kick from just outside the Atlanta box. The visitors leveled the score from a solo effort by Jon Gallagher in the 67th minute. 

Richmond will be looking for just their second win on the road this season following a 0-3 home defeat to Nashville SC last Saturday night. Nashville got on the board after 20 minutes when Tucker Hume headed in a deflected save from Trevor Spangenberg. Michael Reed doubled the Nashville lead after Ropapa Mensah sent in a cross that Mekeil Williams looked to play away, but ended up hitting Reed and deflected into the goal. Matt LaGrassa picked up a loose ball and played it up for Alan Winn for the third goal of the night in the 56th minute. 

Atlanta took a point Wednesday night at home against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC after a 1-1 draw. Pittsburgh went ahead in the 27th minute as Christiano François sent in a free kick that Thomas Vancaeyezeele headed into goal. Laurent Kissiedou scored his third goal of the season in the 52nd minute to salvage the home point for Atlanta. This draw extended Atlanta’s unbeaten streak to three matches.

Keep up to date with the Kickers online at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Forward Heviel Cordovés (#16) returns to action after a one-match red card suspension, co-leading the club in scoring with seven goals this season. The Havana, Cuba native has made 23 appearances, including 15 starts since joining the Kickers in the off season from the Charleston Battery. Defender Austin Yearwood (#3) has been getting into the attack, notably setting up the first goal against North Carolina FC back on September 29, along with three assists this season. Yearwood was lead the team with seven crosses in their last outing against Nashville SC. Defender Mekeil Williams (#55) has been solid at the back for the Kickers this season. The Trinidad and Tobago international had eight clearances and three interceptions last Saturday against Nashville

Atlanta: Midfielder Laurent Kissiedou (#11) netted his third goal of the season Wednesday night against Pittsburgh. On loan with the Charleston Battery in 2017, Kissiedou made just one appearance, playing 10 minutes against the Kickers in a 1-3 loss. Defender A.J. Cochran (#3) leads Atlanta in clearances (137), blocks (33) and interceptions (58) this season with 29 appearances. Cochran signed with Atlanta after two seasons with Saint Louis FC, where he made 49 appearances and scored one goal. Forward Jon Gallagher (#26) leads the scoring for Atlanta with six goals in 29 games this season. Drafted by Atlanta United, the Dundalk, Ireland native made 84 appearances over four seasons at the University of Notre Dame and scored 39 goals.

KICKERS HOST NASHVILLE IN HOME FINALE SATURDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, October 5, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-22-4) will close out the home portion of their 2018 schedule Saturday night as Nashville SC (11-9-11) comes to City Stadium. Saturday is RVA is RED Night when the party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music from The Cary Street Ramblers, RVA food trucks and over 20 craft beers on tap. Fans that wear red to the game, the Kickers will buy their first drink. The match will be available to stream through ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com. 

This match will be the second meeting between the two clubs, and the first at City Stadium. The Kickers made the trip to Nashville back on August 24 at First Tennessee Park. Tucker Hume put Nashville ahead three minutes before halftime from Michael Reed. Bradley Bourgeois scored the second for the home side in the 48th minute. A third goal would come from Matt LaGrassa in the 57th minute. A brace from Tucker Hume would round out the scoring for Nashville three minutes later.

Richmond is coming off a narrow 2-3 defeat on the road to North Carolina FC last Saturday night. The Kickers got on the front foot with Prince Agyemang putting away a defected pass from Austin Yearwood in the 30th minute. NCFC responded nine minutes later with Kyle Bekker leveling the score. Just before halftime, Heviel Cordovés scored his seventh goal of the season, tying him with Brian Shriver, who assisted on the goal. Despite the halftime advantage, goals from Austin da Luz and a brace from Bekker downed the Kickers at Sahlen’s Stadium.

Nashville battled to a 1-1 home draw with New York Red Bulls II at First Tennessee Park Saturday night. Amando Moreno gave NYRB II an early lead, scoring just five minutes into the match. The visitors drew a penalty after Taylor Washington is called for a foul on Andrew Tinari. Tom Barlow stepped up and had his penalty saved by Nashville keeper Matt Pickens in the 14th minute. NYRB II were reduced to ten men when José Aguinaga sees a straight red card for a studs up tackle in the 24th minute. Nasvhille immediately responded and Michael Reed scored the game tying goal two minutes later. 

The Kickers will close out the 2018 USL season next Saturday night as the team heads down to face Atlanta United 2 at Coolray Field. This match will be available locally on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online on ESPN+. Keep up to date with the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Midfielder Prince Agyemang (#38) score his first goal for the Kickers last Saturday at North Carolina FC. The Right to Dream Academy product signed with the Kickers late in the season, having made eight appearances and made five starts since joining the club. Defender Mekeil Williams (#55) made five critical blocks against NCFC. The Trinidad and Tobago international has made 26 appearances and recorded 103 clearances and 19 blocks this season. Defender Austin Yearwood (#3) made an incredible run up the left side of the field to set up for the goal for Prince Agyemang. Yearwood joined the Kickers this season from the Charlotte Independence and has played in 19 matches, all of which were starts. 

Nashville: Midfielder Michael Reed (#17) scored his first goal of the season last Saturday as Nashville drew New York Red Bulls II 1-1. Reed has played in 28 matches this season and has added five assists, including three in the 4-0 victory over the Kickers back on August 28. Defender Liam Doyle (#5) was named to the USL Team of the Week after 22 clearances, three blocks and an assist against NYRBII. Doyle joined Nashville for their inaugural season, going on to play in 29 matches with one goal and two assists. Forward Brandon Allen (#32) is tops in Nashville in scoring with eight goals this season in 26 appearances. Allen came in after the start of the season from Bethlehem Steel FC, where he scored two goals on the Kickers in the 2018 season opener.

KICKERS TRAVEL TO NORTH CAROLINA SATURDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, September 28, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-21-4) head down to Raleigh, N.C. this Saturday night to face North Carolina FC (11-11-8) at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kick off for this match is 7:00 p.m. and will be available stream online through ESPN+. 

This match will mark the third and final meeting of the 2018 season, with the record in all-time meetings level at 3-3-0. North Carolina FC made the trip to City Stadium back on March 31 in the first meeting. Stephen Miller set up Daniel Ríos in the 43rd minute to put NCFC ahead before halftime. Yudai Imura converted from the penalty spot to level the score in the 77th minute. Brian Shriver sent in a ball in the 83rd minute for Raul Gonzalez to score the game winner. NCFC returned to City Stadium June 30, this time picking up a 3-1 victory over the Kickers in David Bulow’s first match as head coach. The Kickers looked to be on the front foot after just four minutes with Scott Thomsen setting up the early goal for Heviel Cordovés. Three second half goals from Austin da Luz, Ulrich Ewolo and an own goal gave the visitors all three points. 

Richmond will be looking to get back in the win column after a 1-4 defeat at City Stadium to FC Cincinnati Wednesday night. Nazmi Albadawi put Cincinnati up in the 16th minute. Heviel Cordovés leveled the score for Richmond in the 32nd minute from a through ball from Luiz Fernando. A pair of goals by Emmanuel Ledesma before halftime gave Cincinnati a 3-1 lead at halftime. Following a lightning delay that lasted over an hour, Emery Welshman tacked on a fourth goal for the visitors.

North Carolina returns home after falling on the road to the Charleston Battery, 0-2. Both teams headed into second half stoppage time deadlocked at 0-0. Victor Mansaray scored a lone effort first for the Battery. Ian Svantesson doubled the Charleston lead right after set up from Kotaro Higashi. This match ended a two match road winning streak.

This Kickers come home to City Stadium October 6 for the final home game of the season for RVA is RED night as Nashville SC comes to town. Wear red and have a drink on us when the party starts at 5:30pm with live music by The Cary Street Ramblers, RVA food trucks and over 20 craft beers on tap. Kickoff for that match is at 7:00 p.m. and will be available live on ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Forward Heviel Cordovés (#16) scored his sixth goal of the season Wednesday night against FC Cincinnati. The Havana, Cuba native has made 22 appearances, including 14 starts since joining the Kickers in the offseason from the Charleston Battery. Forward Luiz Fernando (#71) recorded his third assist this season to set up Cordovés’ goal against Cincinnati. Fernando has played in 25 games this season and scored three goals to go along with his three assists. Defender Shaun Russell (#34) made his Kickers debut against Cincinnati Wednesday night. The Saint Francis University product played 90 minutes and recorded three tackles.

North Carolina: Forward Daniel Ríos (#14) leads NCFC in scoring this season with 17 goals, which puts him third overall in the USL. Ríos is on loan this season to North Carolina FC from C.D. Guadalajara, where he started in the club’s youth system before joining the senior roster. Midfielder Kyle Bekker (#10) has 11 assists for NCFC this season, which leads the club and is third in the USL overall. The Canadian international has four goals for the club since joining NCFC from the San Francisco Deltas. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis (#1) has played in all 30 matches for North Carolina this season, recording seven shutouts this season. Tamabakis signed with NCFC after spending the 2017 season with Atlanta United, playing most of his games on loan with the Charleston Battery.

KICKERS HOST FC CINCINNATI WEDNESDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, September 25, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-20-4) will host the Eastern Conference leaders, FC Cincinnati (21-3-6) at City Stadium Wednesday night for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music, RVA food trucks and Happy Hour specials on over 20 ciders and craft beers on tap. This match will be featured as the ESPN Game of the Week live on ESPN3 as well as locally on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466). Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com. 

Since the inception of FC Cincinnati in 2016, these two clubs have battled to a 0-1-3 record over the last three seasons. The last meeting came earlier this season, as the Kickers made the trip to Nippert Stadium back on June 16, with Cincinnati taking a 2-0 victory. The home side took a 2-0 lead into halftime with goals from Emmanuel Ledesma and Nazmi Albadawi. A goal from Danni König and a second from Ledesma in the second half finished off the scoring for Cincinnati in the first victory for either club in the series. 

Richmond is coming off a 0-3 road defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. The Kickers held Tampa Bay scoreless in the first half. The Rowdies broke the deadlock in the 49th minute as Hunter Gorskie put away a quick cross by Georgi Hristov. Jaime Chavez doubled the lead in the 57th minute. Junior Flemmings added a third for Tampa Bay three minutes into stoppage time to seal the victory for the Rowdies. 

Cincinnati picked up a 2-1 road victory at Penn FC Saturday night, extending their unbeaten streak to 19 matches. Paulo Júnior gave Penn FC the lead in the 33rd minute behind an assist from Harri Hawkins. Emmanuel Ledesma put away a deflected shot from Emery Welshman that the Penn goalkeeper could not control in the 68th minute. Corben Bone scored the game winner in the 84th minute after Nazmi Albadawi won the ball in the midfield. 

The Kickers are back on the road this Saturday night as they head down to face North Carolina FC at Sahlen’s Stadium. This match will be available to stream online on ESPN+. Richmond come home to City Stadium October 6 for the final home game of the season for RVA is RED night as Nashville SC comes to town. Wear red and have a drink on us when the party starts at 5:30pm with live music by The Cary Street Ramblers, RVA food trucks and over 20 craft beers on tap. Kickoff for that match is at 7:00 p.m. and will be available live on ESPN+. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Goalkeeper Brandon Barnes (#33) has made his first two professional starts in the last two matches for the Kickers, having made six saves over those matches. Barnes signed with the Kickers after spending the beginning of the 2018 season with the Laredo Heat in the NPSL, where he helped the club to an undefeated season with 10 wins. Forward Brian Shriver (#21) leads the club in both goals and assists this season, with seven apiece in 29 appearances this season. Shriver joined Richmond from the Jacksonville Armada during the off season. Defender Conor Shanosky (#5) played in his 22nd match, and made his 21st start at Tampa Bay, leading the team in six interceptions and two blocks. Shanosky is in his fifth season in Richmond, having made 79 appearances and scored five goals. 

Cincinnati: Forward Fanendo Adi (#9) joined Cincinnati as their first-ever MLS designated player signing ahead of the club’s move next season. Adi has scored two goals in seven games for FCC since joining the club from the Portland Timbers. Leading Cincinnati in scoring and the USL in assists, midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma (#45) comes into Wednesday’s match with 14 goals and 15 assists. He came to Cincinnati after making 21 appearances for the New York Cosmos in 2017, scoring ten goals. Defender Forrest Lasso (#3) recorded 14 clearances to help Cincinnati to a 2-1 victory over Penn FC. Lasso signed with Cincinnati this season after four seasons with the Charleston Battery, where he made 53 appearances and scored seven goals.

KICKERS MAKE THE TRIP TO TAMPA BAY SATURDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, September 21, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-19-4) return to action Saturday night as they travel down to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies (10-12-7) at Al Lang Stadium for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The Kickers will host an official watch party at the Hof Garden, located at  2818 West Broad Street, Suite A, Richmond, Va. 23230. This match will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online through ESPN+. 

Saturday’s match against Tampa Bay will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs, with a series that is all even at 1-1-1. Earlier this season, the Rowdies made the trek to City Stadium back on May 12, with the Kickers coming out on top with a 1-0 victory. Austin Yearwood connected with D.C. United loanee Dane Kelly to score the only goal of the match, giving Richmond the full three points and first victory over the Rowdies. 

Richmond enters Saturday’s match coming off a 0-2 loss from Ottawa Fury FC at City Stadium last Saturday night. Ottawa jumped ahead in the 10th minute as Carl Haworth whipped in a cross. Mallan Roberts dove to head it away from danger, but instead directed into the Kickers net for an own goal. Haworth finally struck in the 38th minute, curling in a corner kick into the goal for the second of the night for Ottawa. 

Tampa Bay made the midweek trip to face Nashville SC at First Tennessee Park Wednesday night, walking away with a 2-1 victory on the road. Georgi Hristov converted a penalty kick after just six minutes to put the Rowdies ahead early. Lebo Moloto finished off a cross from Kosuke Kimura in the 20th minute to level the score for Nashville. The Rowdies had a break in the 69th minute when a cross from Junior Flemmings was put in the Nashville goal by defender London Woodberry for the own goal. 

The Kickers return to City Stadium to host the Eastern Conference leading FC Cincinnati and Cider Fest. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with live music, RVA food trucks, and Happy Hour specials on over 20 ciders and craft beers. Kickoff for the game is at 7:00 p.m. This match is the USL Game of the Week and will stream online on ESPN3 and will be available locally on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466). Tickets for the FC Cincinnati match are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Midfielder Oscar Umar (#14) lead all players last Saturday night with 120 passes, and a pass accuracy percentage of 94.5%. The Right to Dream Academy and Villanova University product is in his second season in Richmond, making 30 appearances and scoring one goal. Defender Scott Thomsen (#10) made his return to the Kickers lineup against Ottawa, making five tackles and recording three clearances in the backline for the Kickers. Thomsen returned to the Kickers this season, after spending the 2017 season with Orlando City B, where he made 15 appearances. Goalkeeper Brandon Barnes (#33) made his first professional start having made three saves in his first outing. Barnes spent the 2018 season with Laredo Heat SC in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), helping the club to an undefeated season with 10 wins. 

Tampa Bay: Forward Georgi Hristov (#10) leads the Rowdies in scoring with seven goals this season, scoring his latest in the club’s 2-1 road victory at Nashville. The Bulgarian native has been with the Rowdies since the 2013 season. Midfielder Junior Flemmings (#7) has recorded five assists this season to lead the club. In his first season with Tampa Bay, the Jamaican international joined the club after spending two seasons with New York Red Bulls II, where he scored 16 goals in 52 matches. Midfielder Joe Cole (#26) has four goals in 25 games this season. The England international brought Premier League experience to the Rowdies after spending time with Chelsea FC and West Ham United.

KICKERS RETURN TO CITY STADIUM, HOST OTTAWA SATURDAY

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, September 14, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers (6-18-4) return home to City Stadium after a three-match road trip to host Ottawa Fury FC (11-13-5) and Oktoberfest presented by the Hof. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with authentic German oompah music by The Sauerkrauts, stein-hoisting competition, and seasonal craft beers on tap.Then, the Kickers will take on Ottawa at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.

Saturday night’s match will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs, with Richmond looking for their first victory as Ottawa has taken a victory in all of the prior meetings. Just a month prior, the Kickers made the trek to TD Place Stadium, falling to the Fury 0-2 on August 15. Carl Haworth put the home side ahead after eight minutes, scoring on a free kick just outside the Richmond box. Steevan Dos Santos pounced on a loose ball and squared a pass to Tony Taylor in the 84th minute to double the Ottawa lead late. 

Richmond will look to bounce back after a narrow 1-2 defeat on the road at the hands of the Charlotte Independence Saturday night. Alex Martinez slotted a ball through for Éamon Zayed in the fifth minute to put the Independence ahead early in the match. A mistake by Trevor Spangenberg in the 58th minute allowed Jake Areman to get the second goal for Charlotte. Raul Gonzalez was able to pull a goal back for the Kickers in the 72nd minute, when Prince Agyemang fed the ball through for Yudai Imura. As he was going to be tackled, Imura laid the ball off for Gonzalez to run onto and get the goal. 

Ottawa is coming off a thrilling 4-3 road victory over Toronto FC II last Thursday night. Tony Taylor opened the scoring after just four minutes for Ottawa. Cristian Portilla scored a second for the Fury in the 37th minute. Toronto leveled the score in the 47th minute with goals coming from Jon Bakero and Tsubasa Endoh. Thomas Meilleur-Giguère put Ottawa ahead again in the 69th minute, just as Toronto would draw level again through Jordan Hamilton from the penalty spot five minutes later. Adonijah Reid netted the game winner for Ottawa in the 78th minute to seal all three points for the visitors. 

The Kickers are back on the road next Saturday night, heading down to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies September 22. Four days later, the Kickers return to City Stadium to host the Eastern Conference leading FC Cincinnati and Cider Fest. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with live music, RVA food trucks, and Happy Hour specials on over 20 ciders and craft beers. Kickoff for the game is at 7:00 p.m. Both matches will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming online on ESPN+. Tickets for the FC Cincinnati match are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Midfielder Raul Gonzalez (#27) has scored in two-straight matches, bringing his tally for the season to three goals and one assist. The University of Memphis product is in his second season in Richmond has five goals and two assists over 49 appearances. Midfielder Yudai Imura (#14) picked up his first assist of the season, to go with his two goals this season. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Imura signed with the Kickers after a successful tryout in 2015 and has gone on to make 92 appearances over four seasons, scoring 15 goals and adding five assists. Midfielder Brandon Eaton (#25) slotted into the right back role last Saturday night, and contributed seven tackles and a passing accuracy of 80%. Eaton is in his second professional season, after making one appearance for the Kickers in 2017. 

Ottawa: Forward Carl Haworth (#9) added his third assist of the season last Thursday in Ottawa’s 4-3 victory on the road against Toronto FC II. The Canadian international scored his second goal of the season in the last meeting between these two clubs August 15. Forward Tony Taylor (#99) leads Ottawa with five goals this season in 27 games, including a goal in their last outing against Toronto. Taylor joined the Fury after spending the 2017 season with the Jacksonville Armada where he scored three goals in 12 games. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (#16) is tied for first in the USL for clean sheets this season with 12, along with Matt Pickens at Nashville SC. On loan from the Montréal Impact, Crépeau made three league appearances and four Canadian Championship appearances for the first team in 2017.

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