Kickers face Riverhounds Friday

KICKERS TRAVEL TO PITTSBURGH FRIDAY

Watch the Champions League Final with the Kickers on Saturday, May 19

Richmond Kickers

RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, May 15, 2012) – The Richmond Kickers head north to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this weekend before returning to Richmond to host a UEFA Champions League Final game-watching party on Saturday, May 19 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Midlothian.  Previously scheduled to play on Saturday, the Kickers versus Riverhounds match will take place on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Chartiers Valley Stadium. 

“Our long term goal is simple,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer.  “Improve each day, qualify for the playoffs then perform at our best when it matters. A strong performance on Friday is definitely needed if we are to accomplish that feat.”

The Kickers meet the Riverhounds for the first time this season, after posting a 2-1 record against their USL PRO rivals in 2011.  The two clubs last faced off in Pittsburgh on July 30, 2011 when the Riverhounds avenged two earlier season losses by shutting out the Kickers 2-0 on their home turf.  Notching a 2-1 victory at City Stadium early in the season, the Kickers later ousted the Riverhounds from the 2011 U.S. Open Cup.  Midfielder David Bulow and forward Matthew Delicâte each added a pair of goals to the 4-1 scoreline to send the Kickers through to the next round, en route to a historic Semifinals finish.

With an early season record of 1-2-3, the Kickers have posted three consecutive ties during regular season action.  Last time out, back to back goals on either side of the half saw the Kickers battle the Harrisburg City Islanders to a 2-2 draw.  The Kickers took an early lead when Delicâte and USL PRO Team of the Week honoree Christopher Agorsor teamed up in the 8th minute before conceding a goal to Harrisburg seconds later.  The teams went back and forth once more in the second half when Agorsor recorded his first goal of the season before City Islanders newcomer Yann Ekra notched the equalizer two minutes later.

Meanwhile, the Riverhounds are searching for their first win since a 2-0 victory over Dayton on April 21.  Dropping narrow losses to three of the league’s toughest teams on the road, Charleston, Wilmington and Orlando, the Riverhounds most recently conceded a 3-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Blues last weekend.  Prior to Friday’s match-up against the Kickers, the Riverhounds must first travel to Harrisburg on Wednesday, May 16.

Overall, the Kickers hold a 13-8-4 record over the Riverhounds, with a rivalry dating back to 1999 when the two franchises competed in the USL First Division.  Swapping home field advantage on Friday, July 13, the Kickers host the Riverhounds at 7 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium to conclude the two-game regular season series.

UEFA Champions League Final Viewing Party

The Richmond Kickers pro players, coaches and staff are pleased to host a Viewing Party at Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday, May 19 to watch two of Europe’s greatest teams compete for club soccer’s biggest prize when Germany’s FC Bayern Munich host Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League Final.

With 34 high definition TVs and eight 10-foot projection screens, Buffalo Wild Wings is conveniently located at 12056 Southshore Pointe Drive in Midlothian. Fans and players are encouraged to wear a Kickers jersey and join the pro team to watch this historic match up when it kicks off at 2:30 p.m.

The Kickers Viewing Party Series will continue on June 10th for the Spain versus Italy match at Buffalo Wild Wings 7801 W. Broad Street and will conclude on July 1st for the Euro 2012 Championship at Buffalo Wild Wings 1090 Virginia Center Parkway.  Learn more at RichmondKickers.com.