Former D.C. United striker Ngwenya scores in Kickers 4-1 win over Rhinos

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers earned three points Saturday night with a dramatic 4-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos. A crowd of 2,270 saw a pair of red card ejections in between a barrage of goals as Rochester was forced to play two-men down after earning an early lead on a Matt Luzunaris tally. The Kickers retaliated with four unanswered goals as Mike Callahan, Joseph Ngwenya, Jason Yeisley and Stanley Nyazamba led the Kickers to their second consecutive victory at City Stadium.

The Rhinos claimed the lead inside the first three minutes of the opening whistle when Luzunaris stole the ball at midfield and carried it down the left wing on a breakaway, taking on Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra 1v1. As Dykstra charged off his line to challenge the streaking forward, Luzunaris swiftly drove a low ball into the far right corner.

Searching for the equalizer six minutes later, defender Sascha Görres threaded the ball through a crowded midfield, connecting with Brian Ownby who served a long ball over the Rhinos back line to find Nate Robinson deep on the left flank. The Kickers newcomer delivered the ball to the far post, finding Jason Yeisley in the air but the forward’s header soared just wide.

2008 Rookie of the Year Re-Signs with Richmond after MLS Stint

RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, February 14, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that midfielder Stanley Nyazamba will return to Richmond for the 2011 season, pending USSF and Visa approval.

“It is our pleasure to welcome Stanley back to Richmond,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. “He made an immediate impact in his brief time with us in 2008 and I know he is eager to make a similar impact second time around. Our fans loved Stanley's style, passion and enthusiasm for the game and there is no doubt Kickers fans will be excited about his return.”

Named 2008 USL-2 Rookie of the Year, Nyazamba quickly became one of the Kickers top scorers, tallying eight goals and two assists overall for 18 points. Picking up Team of the Week honors on two occasions, he concluded his rookie campaign third on the team in scoring, and finished in the top 10 in goals and points in the league. Following the Kickers 2008 campaign, Nyazamba became the 22nd Kicker to advance to Major League Soccer, signing a developmental contract with the Columbus Crew. Most recently, the native of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe spent the 2010 season with the NASL side FC Tampa Bay where he posted over 1,000 minutes in 25 appearances, adding two assists.
Drafted in the second round of the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League College Draft by the now-defunct Detroit Ignition, Nyazamba joined the Kickers professional squad upon graduating from Lee University of the NAIA Conference. The three-time All-Conference First Team honoree earned a place on the 2007 All-American First Team and was named a NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete his senior season. During his tenure at Lee, the Flames posted a record of 53-14-2 and made two NAIA National Tournament appearances. Adding 12 goals and 20 assists his senior year, the 6’1” midfielder finished with 28 goals and 44 points over three seasons, eclipsing the All-Time Assists Leader at Lee University with 60 assists overall.

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 19th 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 of the 24-game season. Visit RichmondKickers.com for schedules and ticket information.

#27 Stanley Nyazamba Midfielder 6’1” 172 lbs Hometown: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe