Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are back on the road this Saturday to take on the Harrisburg City Islanders. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Skyline Sports Complex.
“We are pleased with our performance so far but recognize Harrisburg is much improved from last season,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. “They are always difficult opponents and have found their fair share of success against us. We are looking forward to continuing our positive start to the season against very tricky opposition.”
The Kickers continue to lead the American Division with a 6-0-0 record to start the season. Last time out, the Kickers rallied to a 2-1 win over division rivals Wilmington at City Stadium. After conceding a goal in the third minute, the Hammerheads staunch defense held onto the advantage until midfielder Gerson dos Santos unleashed an unstoppable low drive past rookie goalkeeper Brock Duckworth to tie the score at one apiece in the 65th minute. With the momentum shifting in favor of the home side, it was the Kickers inexhaustible goal-scorer Matthew Delicâte who pulled through with an 80th minute game-winner.
Meanwhile, inclement weather forced a late start for Harrisburg as they saw their first two home games of the USL PRO campaign postponed. Opening the season unexpectedly on the road, the City Islanders dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and battled to a 1-1 draw against F.C. New York last month.
With their first home game against the Rochester Rhinos rescheduled for nearly a month later, the City Islanders reversed their fortunes on Tuesday night to pick up three points over their division foes with a 1-0 victory. Forward Jose Angulo’s 26th minute lone goal was his second of the season to get the City Islanders back on track.
Over the past five seasons, the Kickers hold a 9-2-4 record over the City Islanders. The heated rivalry continues as Richmond has not forgotten the 2007 USL-2 Championship match when Harrisburg stripped the defending champions of the title after nine rounds of heart-wrenching penalty kicks. The two clubs met four times during the regular season last year, with the Kickers coming away with 3-0-1 record. Opening the 2010 campaign with a 2-2 stalemate in Richmond, the Kickers served the City Islanders a trio of shutouts later that season with Delicâte tallying four of the Kickers’ six goals.
Team of the Week
The Kickers placed a pair of goal scorers on the USL PRO Team of the Week, with Delicâte and dos Santos earning the honors following their offensive efforts last weekend. The credit for the Kickers 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Wilmington Hammerheads is due to dos Santos, who notched the 65th minute equalizer and Delicâte, who registered his fourth game-winning goal of the season in the 80th minute. Japanese international, Nozomi Hiroyama, earned an Honorable Mention after anchoring the midfield in his first start for the Kickers.
Next Up
The Richmond Kickers continue their three-game road stand next week, with a tough back-to-back stretch against Charleston and Orlando on May 24 and May 25, respectively. The Kickers return to Richmond City Stadium on Saturday, May 28 to host F.C. New York at 7 p.m. Click and print your tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.