From the Richmond Kickers…
Richmond, VA – (Tuesday, April 28, 2009) – The Richmond Kickers travel to Western Mass on Saturday, May 2nd for their first road trip of the season. The match is slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The Kickers head to Bermuda one week later before returning to the University of Richmond Stadium for a four-game home stand, starting with Faith & Family Night on Friday, May 15th. The Kickers will host Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 23rd, SPCA Dog Night on Saturday, May 30th and School’s Out Night on Saturday, June 6th.
The Kickers hold the advantage over the Western Mass Pioneers, leading a 6-0-1 record against their northern rivals. The two teams last met during 2008 US Open Cup play where the Kickers came away with a 2-1 victory to boost them to the Third Round against the New England Revolution. During regular season action, the Kickers swept the two-game series with a 3-0 home opening win on April 19th while edging the Pioneers 1-0 on the road on May 17th. Following this weekend’s match-up, the teams will swap home field advantage when the Pioneers travel to Richmond on Saturday, May 30th.
Last season, the Pioneers rounded out the field of six teams to qualify for postseason play for the first time since their Championship appearance in 2005. Seeded sixth in the standings, the Pioneers battled the eventual USL-2 Champions Cleveland City Stars to a 4-2 loss in the first round. Western Mass looks to improve upon last year’s playoff run with the return of defensive ironman Jay Willis and fan favorite Neil Krause. The Pioneers also welcome USL-2 standout Almir Barbosa who joins the lineup after spending the 2008 season with Harrisburg as well as defender Chris Brown who anchored the defense for UMASS Amherst during their Final Four run.
Established in 1998, the Pioneers were a success from the start, making the playoffs in their first year and capturing the USL-2 title a year later with an 18-4 record through the season and playoffs. The club returned to the championship game in 2005 and fell short of a second title in penalty kicks.
Last Time Out
The Kickers followed a 1-0 home opening exhibition over the Carolina RailHawks (USL-1) with a pair of draws against the Harrisburg City Islanders and Pittsburgh Riverhounds on April 18th and April 25th, respectively. Kickers scoring sensation Matthew Delicâte made his homecoming known, notching the 90th minute game-winner over Carolina and adding a goal and an assist during the next two games. Most recently, his well-placed cross connected with midfielder Joey Worthen to give the Kickers an early lead over the Riverhounds last weekend. Meanwhile, the Pioneers opened the 2009 season on the road, dropping a 3-1 decision to Harrisburg last Saturday. Avoiding the shutout, the Pioneers cut the deficit in the 76th minute when towering striker Krause finished a Ben Clark corner.
Team of the Week Honors
The Kickers placed two players on this week’s USL-2 Team of the Week following two draws to open the season. Midfielder Mike Burke was honored for adding an assist during the Kickers 2-2 tie against Harrisburg while defender Sascha Görres was nominated for leading the team to a 1-1 tie against Pittsburgh one week later.
Next Up
Following the next two road matches, the Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium on Friday, May 15th to host Faith & Family Night and the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 p.m. Faith groups can purchase discounted group tickets in advance by calling 804-644-5425 x 304. Additionally, discounted tickets can be purchased at the gate with the donation of new and gently used clothing and sports equipment, to benefit the children of Gulu, Northern Uganda. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive free soccer stress balls and cups, courtesy of Sports Outreach Initiative.
The USL Second Division consists of nine (9) teams from mostly the East Coast and is the second highest level in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) system. For more information please visit www.RichmondKickers.com.
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