Kickers host Dayton Dutch Lions - Opening round 2011 U.S. Open Cup

Richmond, VA – (Monday, June 13, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers open the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 14, hosting the Dayton Dutch Lions at Richmond City Stadium at 7:00 p.m. Should the Kickers advance past their USL PRO opponents, they will host the winner of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds versus Chattanooga FC (NPSL) game in the Second Round on Tuesday, June 21. Wear red and purchase tickets for just $5.00 at the gate. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted for this match.

The Kickers meet the expansion USL PRO franchise, Dayton, for the second time this season, after coming away with a 6-0 victory against the Dutch Lions on April 30. Scoring early and often, the Kickers left their mark at Miami Valley South Stadium when Matthew Delicâte registered in the 5th minute. The Kickers leading scorer added two assists on the night, while midfielder, David Bulow, notched a pair of goals in the second half. Midfielders Edson Elcock and Ryan Heins each contributed their first goals of the season and newcomer Shaka Bangura rounded out the scoreline.
Off to a slow start this season, the Dutch Lions trail in the National Division standings with a 1-6-2 record. Recently recording their first professional win, Dayton stunned division foes Pittsburgh with a 2-1 victory earlier this month. Most recently, they suffered a pair of losses to Harrisburg and FC New York, conceding seven goals, during their first road trip of the season last week.

Meanwhile, the Kickers continue to reside in second place in the American Division standings with a 7-2-2 record. Returning to regular season action last weekend after the removal of the Puerto Rico Soccer League teams from the 2011 schedule left the Kickers with a two-week midseason break, the Kickers handed FC New York a 2-0 decision at Belson Stadium Sunday night, courtesy of two first half tallies by Elcock and Delicâte.
The 2011 season marks the 13th time the Richmond Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 19 seasons and hold an overall record of 19-11 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the “Professional Era” in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round four times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007), ousting three Major League Soccer teams along the way including Colorado Rapids in 2000, DC United in 2004 and LA Galaxy in 2007. With 64 total goals scored during the Open Cup, the Kickers set several franchise records as well as a Professional Era U.S. Open Cup record for most goals (12) during the 8-4 rout over the Ocean City Barons in 2005.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years beginning in 1914. Like recent editions, the U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, with games tied after regulation extended by two 15-minute overtime halves. If a winner is not determined in overtime, advancement will be determined by kicks from the penalty spot. The 2011 champion will earn a $100,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will collect $50,000. The top Division III and Amateur Division clubs will each receive a $10,000 prize.

Tickets:

Richmond Kickers regular admission prices will apply for the First Round match. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for youth ages 3-17. Avoid lines at the gate and click and print your tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted for this match.