USL News Release
Thursday, July 7, 2011
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL PRO Game of the Week on FOX Soccer will showcase a key American Division rivalry when the Richmond Kickers play host to the Charlotte Eagles live at 8 p.m. ET Friday night. After a slow start, Charlotte is on the outside of the playoff race, but a 6-1-2 run has the Eagles poised to move into playoff position. Richmond started the 2011 USL PRO season as the hottest team in the league, rattling off six consecutive wins to move to the top of the standings.
Things have leveled off for the Kickers (8-4-3), but they remain in second place in USL PRO’s American Division and a win Friday would help solidify their status. Richmond is led by striker Matthew Delicâte, whose seven goals and three assists place him second in the league in both goals and points.
Charlotte’s recent hot streak has been keyed by strong team defense, with the Eagles (6-5-3) allowing a league-low 13 goals and goalkeeper Eric Reed third in USL PRO with six shutouts. Midfielder Jorge Herrera and striker Sallieu Bundu key the Charlotte offense.
With the rivalry going back to both clubs’ inception in 1993, the Kickers lead the series with an all-time advantage of 18-8-9 against the Eagles.
Kenn Tomasch and Keith Tabatznik will call the action from Richmond, with former University of Maryland standout Jason Arnold will serving as sideline reporter.
Next week features a USL PRO Game of the Week doubleheader as the Los Angeles Blues welcome the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday, July 15 at 11 p.m. ET and Orlando City plays host to the Rochester Rhinos at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.
USL’s broadcast package with FOX Soccer in 2011 includes a total of 15 live game broadcasts – 10 USL PRO regular season games as well as a USL PRO quarterfinal and semifinal, the USL PRO championship game and the championship games for the Premier Development League and W-League.
The USL PRO Game of the Week is produced by Cultural Global Media Inc.