RICHMOND, VA - (Monday, June 05, 2000) - The Richmond Kickers (6-3-0, 24 points) have qualified for the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as the A-League wildcard. On Saturday night the Minnesota Thunder decided the Kickers fate by silencing the Milwaukee Rampage with a 4-1 victory. Milwaukee was the only other team eligible for the A-League wild card spot and needed a win against the Thunder.
The U.S. Open Cup draw was announced today live on U.S. Soccer's web site, www.us-soccer.com. This year 32 teams have qualified for an expanded second round of the cup, including all 12 MLS teams, 9 A-League teams, 7 D3 Pro-League teams, and the four first round winners (PDL or USASA teams). The Kickers have been placed in the west bracket and will play host to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS) on Wednesday, June 14th at U of R City Stadium at 7pm. Ticket prices will be the same as they have been for regular season A-League games, however no season tickets will be accepted.
This is the first time that Richmond has qualified for the U.S. Open Cup since 1997. That year the Kickers defeated the Philadelphia Freedom in the second round by a 6-1 score and then went on to face MLS' NY/NJ Metrostars in a third round match-up. Richmond lost 3-0 to a powerful Metrostars squad that contained Roberto Donadoni, Tab Ramos, Mike Sorber, Tony Meola and Miles Joseph.
In 1995 the Richmond Kickers were the first United Soccer Leagues (USL) team to win the prestigious U.S. Open Cup. That year Richmond was also the first team to win the so-called "double" by winning the USL premier league championship as well. The only other USL franchise to ever claim the U.S. Open Cup is the Rochester Raging Rhinos, who won the title last season by overcoming four MLS opponents.
Friday Night Game Summary
The Kickers defeated division-rival Charleston Battery 1-0 on Friday night in front of 5,462 fans. The win put the Kickers in second place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points, 1 point behind the Hampton Roads Mariners. The lone goal was scored in the 36th minute off of a Charleston defender for an own goal. Defender Chris Fox picked up a loose ball on the left flank and swerved a great cross into the Battery box. The ball just missed the head of forward Kevin Alvero and the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Dusty Hudock and bounced off the shin of Battery defender Dean Sewell into the net.
Midfielder Peter Luzak, who was on a four-game goal-scoring streak, had two great chances in the second half to try to continue his streak. In the 67th minute Dwayne DeRosario fought his way into the left side of the box and somehow got a pass off to a wide open Luzak on the 6 yard line. Luzak stumbled a bit and missed the sitter for an easy save by the Battery goalkeeper. In the 89th minute, Luzak missed an even easier chance. This time Darrell Etienne broke free and was on a one-on-one with the goalkeeper Hudock, but because of his angle he dished the ball off to a charging Luzak on the left side. Luzak had an open net but one-timed his shot just over the bar from 16 yards out.
The win on Friday night was the Kickers fifth straight and also the fifth straight shutout for goalkeeper Mike McGinty (a club record). McGinty currently holds the sixth best goals against average in the league with a 0.87. In 1998 McGinty finished with the second best GAA with a 0.77.
The Weekend Ahead
This weekend the Kickers will compete in a back-to-back home and away series against the Hershey Wildcats (2-6-1, 11 points). On Saturday night, June 10th the Kickers will travel to Hersheypark Stadium to take on the Wildcats at 7:35pm. Then on Sunday, June 11th the two teams will come to Richmond to battle for the final time in the regular season. Richmond is currently 2-0 against Hershey this year and leads the all-time series with a 6-5 record.
Sunday, June 11th is American Family Fitness night, the first 1000 fans will receive a free Koozie courtesy of American Family. Sunday's game is also a Richmond Times-Dispatch "Press Pass" night. Admission will be 2-for-1 for all press pass holders.
For more information regarding the 2000 Richmond Kickers check out our web-site at www.richmondkickers.com. For season ticket information, please call 644-KICK. The Richmond Kickers are an A-League franchise and a developmental team for D.C. United, Tampa Bay Mutiny, and Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer.
