Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host the Mexico U21 National Team in an international exhibition at City Stadium on Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. The historic match will showcase top young talent from Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, as the team prepares for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. General admission tickets for $20 are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.
"Our previous Mexico match-up produced an electric crowd that was one, if not the best, fan atmospheres we have ever experienced at City Stadium,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “This is another fantastic opportunity for our fans and players to sample the energy, passion and authentic soccer atmosphere this Word Cup style event will bring to RVA.”
The El Tri U-21s is comprised mainly of players from Liga MX powers including Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), Club de Fútbol América S.A. de C.V. and Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club S.A. de C.V. The current U-21s will likely form the core of the squad Mexico sends to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Mexico is the reigning Olympic champion as they won their country’s first gold medal in soccer at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The match marks the second time in club history that the Kickers will face the Mexican Olympic National Team, having hosted an exhibition in April 2010 when the visitors posted a 3-1 win. Rain showers throughout the day did not deter nearly 4,000 eager fans that saw David Izazola claim an early lead for the Mexican side with a 22nd minute tally. Former Kickers midfielder Mike Burke notched the equalizer just after halftime, with the score remaining deadlocked until the waning minutes of the match. Two back-to-back goals during stoppage time by Isaac Acuna and Piccolo Rojo, respectively, broke the stalemate to finish the first of their three-game U.S. tour on top.
This year, Richmond will be the second stop on the Mexican U21 National Team’s 10-day U.S. tour, which also includes friendlies against San Antonio Scorpions on June 28 and Minnesota United on July 4.
Tickets
General Admission tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com for $20, youth and adult. Fans are encouraged to join the Kickers Red Army and experience an authentic World Cup atmosphere in Section O, located directly behind the Mexico bench for just $15 in advance. With the exception of the Richmond Kickers 2014 All-Access Pass, season passes will not be accepted at this match.