Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Thursday, May 16, 2013
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers continue their two-month long home stand this Friday night when they host the Los Angeles Blues and Ladies Night at City Stadium. The fun begins when the gates open at 6 p.m. with live music from the Salted Dawg Blues Band, boutique vendors and prizes, with the pro game kicking off at 7 p.m.
“We are looking for an improved performance Friday night,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “We lacked intensity and work ethic last time out and that definitely needs to be on display versus LA. Those traits will be needed as we enter an important part of our season. We need to take advantage of our home stand so we can stay at the top of the standings and make sure we bring another MLS team to Richmond in the US Open Cup.”
The Kickers enter Friday’s match following a 4-1 win over Antigua Barracuda FC last week. Midfielder Joseph Ngwenya posted a first-half hat trick and midfielder Nate Robinson contributed three assists before Luke Vercollone rounded out the scoring early in the second half to carry the home side to a 4-0-2 record to start the season.
Meanwhile, the Blues are coming off a 10-day break after a dramatic 4-3 loss to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy Reserves. Conceding four goals before the hour mark, the Blues rallied after an own goal in their favor with Shay Spitz and Allan Russell cutting the deficit minutes before the fulltime whistle.
This weekend, the Blues travel to Richmond for the first game of the 2013 home and away series, facing the Kickers for the fifth time in history. The two clubs last met on July 3, 2013 when the Kickers narrowly defeated the Blues 1-0 at City Stadium to draw the series record even at 1-1-2. Previously, the Blues edged the Kickers 2-1 in Richmond before the two clubs battled to back-to-back scoreless ties in Los Angeles to conclude the 2011 campaign.
Players to Watch
Kickers: Midfielder Joseph Ngwenya burst onto the scoring scene last weekend, posting a first half hat trick over Antigua, earning USL PRO Player of the Week honors. With 10 points on the season, he now resides in fourth place in the USL PRO standings after making just four appearances.
Discovered at the Kickers combine and signing with the pro team just 24 hours before the season opener, Nate Robinson leads the league with five assists, contributing three against Antigua last week. Following his collegiate career at University of Detroit Mercy, the midfielder spent the 2012 season with the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League.
Anchoring the Kickers defensive unit to start the season, Conor Shanosky registered his first professional goal with a stoppage-time equalizer in the Kickers thrilling 3-3 tie with Charlotte earlier this month. The 6-foot-4 defender joined the Kickers in April on a season-long loan from D.C. United.
Blues: Forward George Davis continues to impress following a standout rookie campaign with the Dayton Dutch Lions in 2011 and a brief loan stint with Orlando City in 2012. He currently leads the team with three goals, including a lone tally in the Blues’ stunning 1-0 upset over Orlando City in April.
Mexican-American midfielder Rodrigo Lopez signed with Los Angeles following an extensive career with Chivas USA and the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. He made eight appearances with Orlando City last season before signing with the Blues, where he has contributed one goal and four assists in his first nine games.
Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski leads the league with four shutouts in eight appearances to start the 2013 campaign. He spent time with the Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew before signing with Los Angeles in 2012.
Ladies Night
This Friday, admission is $5 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, Yohman’s Garden, Mac’s Smack, Bath Fitter, BeautiControl, 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 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.