Kickers Open U.S. Open Cup Tuesday at City Stadium
RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, June 14, 2010) – The Richmond Kickers are two wins away from Major League Soccer, with U.S. Open Cup action kicking off this Tuesday, June 15th. The Kickers host Crystal Palace Baltimore in the First Round at City Stadium at 7:00 p.m. with a home berth on the line in the Second Round on June 22nd. Should the Kickers advance, they will face a team from Major League Soccer in Round Three on June 29th. Regular admission prices will apply ($12/adults and $7/youth ages 3-17) and Pro Passes will be accepted for the First Round match-up on June 15th. Save on admission by ordering tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.
Baltimore realigned with the newly formed USSF Division II league prior to the 2010 season after three years in USL-2. The former I-95 rivals last met on July 18, 2009 when the Kickers edged Baltimore 2-1. Overall, the Kickers hold a series record over Crystal Palace Baltimore of 3-1-2.
Last time out, the Kickers dropped a devastating 4-1 loss to the Charleston Battery last weekend. Conceding two goals early in the first half, Kickers forward Matthew Delicâte pulled a goal back seconds after the break to put the visiting team back in contention but another pair of Battery tallies dashed any hopes for recovery.
Meanwhile, Baltimore gave up a 3-1 lead in the final seven minutes of regulation last week to come away with a disappointing 3-3 draw in Miami. Randi Patterson scored twice for Palace, the goals coming two minutes into the beginning of each half. Lucio extended Baltimore’s lead to 3-1 midway through the second period, but back-to-back tallies late in the game by Miami left Palace with a record of 3-5-2.
All 32 lower division teams will enter the U.S. Open Cup in the First Round when it kicks off for the 97th consecutive year. First-round pairings were determined by dividing the clubs geographically into eight groups of four, with match-ups within each group determined by random draw. In the Second Round, the 16 first-round winners will face off, with eight victors moving into the third round to square off against eight Major League Soccer teams.
The 2010 season marks the 12th time the Richmond Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 17 seasons, posting an overall record of 17-10 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title in 1995, which introduced the first year of the “Professional Era” and have made it through to the quarterfinal round four times. Richmond has defeated three Major League Soccer clubs in the process; the Colorado Rapids, D.C. United and LA Galaxy.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship. A single-elimination format is used with the tournament open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. Along with financial compensation, the winner will have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy; the oldest trophy competed for nationally in American team sports.
