Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Thursday, July 21, 2011
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Friday to host Dominion Green Power Night and the Los Angeles Blues for the first time in history at 7 p.m. With the assistance of Dominion Virginia Power, the Kickers are doing their part to reduce their environmental footprint by using renewable energy during Friday’s match. Avoid lines at the gate and click and print your tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.
In the home stretch of the 2011 regular season, both the Kickers and the Blues are in a battle for playoff position in the tightly contested American and National divisions respectively. The Kickers gained a crucial three points against division rivals Antigua Barracuda FC last weekend as forward Shaka Bangura notched the lone goal of the night in the third minute as the Kickers defensive unit held on for their sixth shutout of the season. The win boosted the Kickers back into second place in the American Division, with a 10-5-3 record, 33 points and a narrow edge over third-place Charleston Battery (9-6-4, 31 points).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles hosted the Dayton Dutch Lions for a pair of games last weekend, battling their division foes to a 1-1 draw on Friday night before handing the visitors a 4-1 defeat on Sunday. Blues midfielder Cesar Rivera tallied three goals on the weekend, including a stoppage time equalizer Friday and consecutive goals to open scoring on Sunday. With a 6-4-5 record and 23 points, the LA Blues reside in third place in the National Division, just seven points behind league-leading Rochester, with three games in hand.
Players to Watch
Kickers: Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale earned USL PRO Player of the Week honors after posting his sixth shutout of the season last weekend in the Kickers 1-0 win over Antigua. Pascale and the Kickers backline held their opposition scoreless for the second time in the last week, after also handing Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City their first-ever loss at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park during the 2-0 U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals win on July 12.
Forward Shaka Bangura also pulled double duty last week, notching game-winning goals against Sporting Kansas City and Antigua Barracuda FC within a four day span. Earning his first regular season start last Friday, Bangura posted his fourth goal of the season against Antigua, and is now tied for second on the team in scoring with 10 points.
Up-and-coming rookie midfielder Jamel Wallace has earned three starts in 10 regular season appearances. Drafted by the Seattle Sounders in the fourth round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, Wallace concluded a standout career at San Diego State University in 2009.
Blues: One of the expansion franchise’s first three signings, rookie midfielder Cesar Rivera earned USL PRO Team of the Week honors after registering three goals in two games against the Dayton Dutch Lions last weekend. With six goals and one assist on the season, he leads the Blues and ranks fifth in the league with 13 points.
Forward Chukwudi Chijindu joined the Blues on loan from Chivas USA of Major League Soccer prior to the 2011 season. He has made 11 appearances with Los Angeles, adding three goals and two assists for eight points on the season.
Former LA Galaxy and U-23 National Team defender Mike Randolph signed with the Blues after making 39 appearances with the Galaxy over two seasons. The only player to appear in all 15 matches this season, he has led the Blues' defense to three shutouts.
Dominion Green Power Night
In an effort to reduce their environmental footprint, the Kickers have partnered with Dominion’s Green Power Program to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), which guarantee that additional renewable energy will be delivered to the regional power pool, allowing the Kickers to claim the environmental benefits that result from producing electricity from renewable sources. Using 1 megawatt-hour of renewable energy prevents the release of 1,583 pounds of carbon dioxide, equivalent to driving a typical car 1,609 fewer miles or planting 18 trees. For more information about the Dominion Green Power Program, visit www.dom.com.
Scout Night
Scouts and families can purchase tickets for just $5 in advance for the Kickers versus Los Angeles Blues game, this Friday at 7 p.m. Scouts in attendance will be recognized over the PA, can participate in the halftime Scout Parade and meet the Kickers pro players after the game. Admission is $5 in advance, with $1 from each ticket directly benefiting the Boy Scouts Heart of Virginia Council. Visit www.RichmondKickers.com to order tickets in advance or call Ben Snyder at 804-644-5425 x 311.
Pro Pass Buddy Night
Youth Pro Pass holders are invited to bring a buddy, ages 3-17, for free to the Kickers game versus the Los Angeles Blues this Friday. Plus, the first 500 Youth Pro Pass holders through the gate will receive a free red Kickers t-shirt, courtesy of Northwestern Mutual.