The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, May 13 to host the Harrisburg City Islanders and Deli Night to celebrate the retirement of one of RVA’s all-time greatest players, Matthew Delicâte. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music by The Folly, RVA food trucks and over 15 craft beers on tap that outline Deli’s prolific career.
The Kickers host the City Islanders for the second time this season, after defeating the visitors 1-0 in the 2017 home opener in March when Conor Shanosky nodded home Fred Owusu Sekyere’s free kick. The Kickers also swept the two-game series last season, edging Harrisburg 3-0 to open the 2016 campaign before winning 3-0 on the road in July.
Last time out, the Kickers battled to a 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati. Owusu Sekyere found the back of the net in the seventh minute, but Harrisburg answered in the 70th to level the score at 1-1.
Meanwhile, the Harrisburg City Islanders dropped their last match, 3-1 to New York Red Bulls II. NYRBII opened scoring when they converted a penalty in the 25th minute, but Aaron Wheeler answered back with a header for Harrisburg in the 39th. However, New York would prove too much for Harrisburg, as another penalty in the 57th and a header off the bench in the 75th sealed the 3-1 victory.
Saturday’s match is the second game of a three-game series between the two teams, who are slated to swap home-field advantage on July 15 at FNB Field. Following this matchup, the Kickers embark on a three-game road trip that kicks off at travel to Capelli Sport Stadium on May 21 against the Rochester Rhinos.
Players to Watch:
Kickers: Defender Braeden Troyer (#31) has started six games this season, playing 540 minutes and leading the team with 20 tackles and 18 interceptions. The Columbia, South Carolina native is also third on the team in passing percentage in the opponents’ half at 67.9. Forward Alhaji Kamara (#45) has appeared in five games, including four starts and scored a goal on April 22 against Pittsburgh. The Sierra Leone native is in Richmond on loan from the club’s official MLS affiliate, D.C. United, and is also second on the team in passing percentage in the opponents’ half at 69.9. Forward Oliver (#9) had two shots in his first start on Saturday, April 15 including one that hit the post. The Brazilian striker is yet to score despite four shots in five appearances.
City Islanders: Forward Aaron Wheeler (#11) has started all six games for Harrisburg and leads the team with eight shots and two goals, including one last time out against New York Red Bulls II. The Baltimore native is in his second full season for the City Islanders after two loan spells in 2013 and 2014. Defender Abbas Mohammed (#18) has started five games and leads the team with 23 tackles. The Ghanaian is in his first season with Harrisburg after three seasons with Inter Allies FC in his home country. Defender James Thomas (#17) leads all City Islanders in passes at 205 and also has an assist this season. The Silver Springs, Maryland native is in his second season with Harrisburg after a stint with New York Red Bulls II.
US Open Cup Second Round: Richmond Kickers vs Christos FC at City Stadium
The Richmond Kickers open the 104th edition of the Lamar Hut U.S. Open Cup with a Second Round match-up featuring Christos FC of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association (USASA) on Wednesday, May 17 at City Stadium. The pre-game party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music, and craft beer on tap. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.
