D.C. United USL Affiliate Richmond Kickers Clinch Regular Season Championship

TAMPA, Fla. – The Richmond Kickers claimed the 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship on Wednesday night as they took a 2-0 victory against Orlando City at City Stadium. The victory gave Richmond the No. 1 seed for the upcoming USL PRO Playoffs, and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Meanwhile, in the battle for the final playoff position, the Wilmington Hammerheads kept their improbable playoff hopes alive as a late surge earned a 4-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Legion Stadium. The win moved Wilmington above VSI Tampa Bay FC into ninth position in the standings, just one point behind the Dayton Dutch Lions going to the final game of the season.

Richmond’s victory was keyed by veteran forward Matt Delicâte, who scored both goals in the Kickers’ victory. The club’s all-time leading scorer struck five minutes apart off assists by Joseph Ngwenya and Houston Dynamo loanee Brian Ownby. Orlando had chances to come back into the game in the second half, but a missed penalty by Kevin Molino and some outstanding goalkeeping by Andrew Dykstra, on loan from D.C. United, preserved the Kickers’ victory and the regular season championship.

Wilmington scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to get past the Riverhounds, who had taken an early lead on Jose Angulo’s 14^th goal of the season. The Hammerheads got back on even terms before the halftime break through Kyle Greig, however, and then put in a late push to take victory. Steven Perry scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 76^th minute, and that was followed by finishes by Bryce Taylor and Cody Arnoux to seal victory.

The Hammerheads still need help if they are to advance to the postseason, with the Dayton Dutch Lions still in control of the final playoff position. Should Dayton take victory against Harrisburg on Saturday night, the Dutch Lions would earn their first playoff berth in club history. Should Harrisburg either draw, or take victory, against the Dutch Lions, the Hammerheads would jump into eighth position with a victory against Antigua Barracuda FC. VSI Tampa Bay remains alive, but would need to take victory against Charlotte on Friday night, and have Harrisburg defeat Dayton and Wilmington draw with Antigua on Saturday to advance to the postseason.

Stay up to date with all of the action in the final week of the USL PRO regular season through the league’s free online streaming service, USLNation.com, and also follow the race for the playoffs via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+ for live updates from every game, plus news, previews and recaps of all the action.

VIDEO :: Richmond Kickers 5:2 Dayton Dutch Lions Highlights

Check out these video highlights from the Richmond Kickers 5-2 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions from this past weekend.

Kickers vs Tamba Bay FC ends with scoreless draw

Checkout video highlights from the +Richmond Kickers scoreless draw against Tampa Bay FC:

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers extended their lead at the top of the USL PRO standings with a scoreless draw against VSI Tampa Bay FC Sunday night.  Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra posted six saves for his league-high eighth shutout to keep the Kickers' record setting undefeated streak alive.

With their season-long unbeaten streak on the line, the Kickers pressed for an opening goal directly out of the gates when defender Sascha Görres faked a volley then teed up a shot that calmly slotted through traffic, forcing goalkeeper Alex Horwath to dive to his right to parry it wide in the 6^th minute.  Two minutes later, Horwath sprung into action again, denying a Michael Callahan strike to prevent the early break through.

Richmond Kickers 1-0 Harrisburg City Islanders Highlights

Read full game report after the break:

Kickers defeat Dutch Lions, 3-2

BEAVERCREEK, OH – The Richmond Kickers snapped the Dayton Dutch Lions’ 10-game unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Beavercreek High School Saturday night.  The end-to-end action saw Brandon Swartzendruber give the Dutch Lions a 4^th minute lead, which they carried through the first 45 minutes until a pair of Luke Vercollone tallies, followed by a Michael Seaton goal put the Kickers on top in the second half.  Dayton defender Greg Preciado pulled a goal back with three minutes remaining in regulation but the Kickers defense shut down the home side’s late-game attack to extend their undefeated streak to 15 games and put them within a point of league-leading Orlando City at the top of the USL PRO table.

With their unbeaten stretch on the line, the Dutch Lions jumped out to an early lead when midfielder Gibson Bardsley swept through the midfield, stole the ball and darted towards the box.  He laid off a square ball to Swartzendruber who was making a parallel run down the right flank, playing him in 1v1 with Kickers goalkeeper, Ryan Jones.  As Jones came off his line to challenge, the swift Dutch Lions forward buried a low ball into the far left corner.

VIDEO :: Kickers defeat Orlando City, 2-0

Richmond remains unbeaten in league play as they pick up the 2:0 win in Orlando, giving them their first loss at home this season. Michael Seaton and Brian Ownby had the goals for the Kickers.








via RichmondKickers:

Video :: Kickers vs Hammerheads Game Highlights

Check out highlights from the match between Richmond and Wilmington this past weekend. The Kickers kept their unbeaten streak in tact with a draw.

Kickers draw Hamerheads, 1-1

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers kept their unbeaten streak alive, battling the Wilmington Hammerheads to a 1-1 draw Saturday night on a pair of second half goals in rapid fire succession.  Scoreless through the first half, the Kickers broke the ice on a Philippe Davies strike in the 78^th minute before conceding a Steven Perry goal thirty seconds later.

In a defensive battle riddled with set pieces, the Kickers nearly capitalized on a free kick in the 12^th minute. Dangerously positioned near the top of the 18, midfielder Nate Robinson drilled a determined strike on target, forcing Hammerheads goalkeeper Troy Hernandez to leap to tip it over the bar.

Kickers Ranked No. 3 this week, Reckless Rankings

Thanks in large part to their current unbeaten streak, the +Richmond Kickers  have been ranked 3rd in this weeks Reckless Rankings by RecklessChallange.net. +USL PRO
 
Full Rankings: Reckless Rankings: USL PRO Week 10

Video:: US Open Cup 3rd Round Preview

Will D.C. United continue to struggle this season by losing to the Richmond Kickers in tonight's third round US Open Cup action?

The Richmond Kickers host Major League Soccer’s D.C. United in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, May 28, presented by Chicken Fiesta.  The gates open at City Stadium at 6:00 p.m. with food trucks, draft beer trucks and live music from The Fender Benders and kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now for $15, youth and adult, at RichmondKickers.com.  The winner of Tuesday’s match will host the winner of the Philadelphia Union (MLS)/Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) game in the Fourth Round on Wednesday, June 12.
 

Video:: Richmond Kickers vs Harrisburg City Islanders match preview

via USL Pro
 
Nicholas Murray and David Wagner look ahead to  this weekend's USL PRO matchup as Richmond Kickers host the Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday night.

Video :: 2013 U.S. Open Cup 2nd Round: Richmond Kickers vs Icon FC Highlights

via RichmondKickers

Check out the highlights for the 4:1 draw with Icon FC on May 21, 2013 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Kickers will battle D.C. United in 3rd round U.S. Open Cup action.

Kickers to face MLS Affiliate D.C. United in U.S. Open Cup 3rd Round

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers claimed a 4-1 win over Icon FC in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night, en route to the Third Round where they will face the club’s MLS affiliate D.C. United on Tuesday, May 28.  After conceding a 9^th minute Argjent Duka goal, the Kickers rallied behind a Joseph Ngwenya penalty kick and a pair of Stanley Nyazamba tallies to oust their USASA opponent from tournament action.  Kickoff for the U.S. Open Cup Third Round match-up is set for 7:00 p.m. at City Stadium and tickets are on sale now for $15, youth and adult, at RichmondKickers.com.

Searching for their second upset in as many weeks, Icon grabbed an early lead, capitalizing on their first chance of the night when defender Kevin Garcia eluded defenders on the left wing and fed the ball into Duka’s path.  Duka dummied the ball as Nelson Becerra played him in behind the defense as Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra came off his line to challenge the charging forward.  He beat his last mark and slotted the ball through to the far right corner inside the first 10 minutes of the opening whistle.

Kickers settle for draw against LA Blues

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers extended their unbeaten streak, battling the Los Angeles Blues to a 1-1 draw Saturday night.  In a tale-of-two halves, the Kickers held a first half advantage on an early Joseph Ngwenya tally until Blues midfielder Juan Perez buried an 88^th minute equalizer to steal a point at City Stadium.

Following several ill-fated attempts on both sides of the field, the Kickers nearly broke through in the 34^th minute when midfielder Luke Vercollone stole the ball in the midfield and fed it to Ngwenya.  The Zimbabwean international swiftly maneuvered past his mark and played a square ball across the top of the box to an awaiting Michael Seaton.  The 17-year old forward’s low shot was blocked by a staunch Blues defense but Nate Robinson attempted to scoop up the rebound near the endline, only to see his shot from a difficult angle cleared off the line.

The Kickers attack could not be stifled three minutes later when Robinson struck a low driven ball through traffic from the top of the 18.  The Blues defense once again redirected the ball from harm’s way, but this time the ricochet found a well-positioned Ngwenya.  Taking two steps around his defender, he lofted the ball over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Steve Gonzalez and into the back of the net.

Hat Trick earns Ngwenya Player of the Week honor

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week Eight of the season on Tuesday, with the Richmond Kickers’ Joseph Ngwenya earning Player of the Week honors after recording a hat trick in the Kickers’ 4-1 victory against Antigua Barracuda FC on Saturday night. The victory allowed the Kickers to remain undefeated this season, while giving Ngwenya five goals.


Ngwenya teamed with fellow Team of the Week selection Nate Robinson on a pair of goals, including the Kickers’ opener in the 18^th minute. Robinson, who had three assists, found space down the left before sending a low ball across the top of the six-yard box that Ngwenya met at the far post.

Five minutes later Ngwenya added a second, heading home a finish after Brian Ownby kept an attack alive with a looping overhead cross that found the midfielder near the right post. Ngwenya then completed his hat trick in the 44^th minute, finishing a free kick by Robinson to give his side a 3-1 halftime lead.

Hey Ladies...Kickers host Ladies Night Friday, May 17

RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, May 13, 2013) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host Ladies Night at City Stadium on Friday, May 17 when the Kickers take on the Los Angeles Blues.  The fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 p.m. with live music from the Salted Dawg Blues Band, boutique vendors and prizes, with the pro game kicking off at 7:00 p.m.

Admission is $5.00 off at the gate with the donation of household items, personal items, canned and dry goods and gift cards, benefiting Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter.  Founded in 2000 in Henrico County, Safe Harbor offers comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence, including 24 hour helpline, children/youth services, community education and training, counseling, court advocacy, emergency shelter, and hospital accompaniment. 

In addition to a variety of food and beverage options, boutique vendors will be on site, such as Pandora, Deux Amis Med Spa, Mary Kay, Sona Med Spa, Mac’s Smack, Bath Fitter, Relay Foods and more, with Bikram Yoga and Vitality Massage providing demonstrations on the main concourse.  Included in the more than $500 in raffle prizes are tickets to the Goochland Wine & Heritage Festival and all ladies in attendance will receive a $5.00 off coupon to the Kickers retail trailer at City Stadium.

The Loveland Distributing expansive outdoor bar area, located on the south side of the concourse, provides the perfect gathering place with a distinct vantage point of the field for fans before and during the game.  Then, meet and mingle with the Richmond Kickers pro players at Gus’ Bar & Grill for the official post-game party.  Conveniently located at 2701 W. Broad Street, Gus’ Bar & Grill will offer 10% off for all ladies in attendance after the game on May 17.

Visit RichmondKickers.com for all ticket information.

Video:: Joseph Ngwenya nets Hat-Trick for Kickers

via RichmondKickers


Check out video highlights of Joseph Ngwenya scoring his first hat-trick for the Kickers in the 4:1 win over Antigua Barracuda FC on May 11, 2013.

Kickers battle Barracuda FC Saturday at City Stadium

RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, May 8, 2013) – The Richmond Kickers continue their eight-game home stand this Saturday, May 11 when they host Antigua Barracuda FC at City Stadium.  The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and the gates open at 6:00 p.m. with live music from Sunbox, draft beer trucks, food trucks and family zone.  Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

Antigua travels to Richmond this week for the first of two match-ups at City Stadium.  The two clubs met three times during the 2012 campaign, with the Kickers holding a slight 2-1 edge over their Caribbean rivals.  After claiming a 2-0 win in Richmond and narrowly edging the Barracuda 1-0 in Antigua, the Kickers dropped their final regular season match, 2-1, last season.

VIDEO:: Richmond Kickers vs Charlotte Eagles

Check out the highlights from Saturday's 3:3 draw with the Charlotte Eagles.

Kickers beat Hammerheads, draw Eagles in weekend action

Kickers 2-0 Hammerheads

WILMINGTON, NC – The Richmond Kickers claimed a 2-0 win in Wilmington Friday night during their first road trip of the season and the opening leg of a back-to-back weekend.  Veteran midfielder Luke Vercollone converted a second half penalty to give the visitors the lead before 17-year old forward Michael Seaton notched the decisive goal in stoppage time in his professional debut.

Wilmington saw the first good chance of the night when defender Uriah Bentick whipped in a cross from the left side of the box.  Midfielder Will Heaney tested Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra early when he won the ball in the air but his header whizzed just wide of the target.