KICKERS SHAKE THINGS UP WITH NEW SIGNING

RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, March 15, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Shaka Bangura for the 2011 season after identifying him at the Kickers 2011 Combine earlier this month.

"We were impressed with Shaka's power, pace and ability to open up defenses,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer.  “We were equally impressed with his enthusiasm and desire to play for the Kickers. We look forward to him joining the squad this week for preseason training.”

Bangura joins the Kickers 2011 squad after a one-year stint with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the USSF Division II.  Making his professional debut on April 21 against the Minnesota Stars, Bangura made 14 appearances with the Islanders en route to the 2010 Pro League Championship and the Caribbean Football Union Club Champions titles.

A native of Sierra Leone, Bangura attended Montreat College in North Carolina where he notched 58 goals over four seasons.  Consistently earning Appalachian Athletic Conference First-Team honors, he was named conference player of the year his senior season.  The AAC Freshman of the Year was named Montreat College “Male Athlete of the Year” in 2007 and earned NAIA All-Region Team honors in 2008.

Over 100 players representing 15 countries participated in the 2011 Richmond Kickers Pro Combine, March 4-6.  Past Kickers trials have produced such prominent players as Clyde Simms (D.C. United and US Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL-2 MVP and Ugandan National Team). 

Reserve your 2011 Season Passes and join the Richmond Kickers when they open the USL PRO campaign, hosting Orlando City on Saturday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium.  Taking the field for their 19^th season, the Kickers will compete alongside American Division rivals Charlotte Eagles, Charleston Battery, Orlando City and Wilmington Hammerheads and will also face National and International opponents Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, FC New York, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Rochester Rhinos, Antigua Barracuda FC, Los Angeles Blues, Puerto Rico United and Sevilla FC Puerto Rico during the 24-game season.  Visit RichmondKickers.com for schedules and ticket information.