RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, April 20, 2016) – The Richmond Kickers conclude a two-game road stand when they take on the Charlotte Independence this Friday, April 22. The match will be broadcast live from Ramblewood Soccer Complex through the league’s official Match Center, uslsoccer.com/match-center, at 7:00 p.m.
The Kickers meet the USL sophomore club for the first time this season after narrowly leading the four-game series in 2015, 2-1-1. The two clubs split home and home 3-0 wins early in the season before the Kickers claimed the series advantage with a 2-1 victory at City Stadium. The Kickers and the Independence last played in Charlotte in late June when violent thunderstorms terminated the scoreless match following the 45th minute.
Friday’s match follows the Kickers’ first loss of the 2016 campaign, dropping a 2-1 defeat to expansion club Bethlehem Steel FC last week. Conceding goals on either side of the half, the Kickers pulled one back before the hour mark behind Yudai Imura’s third goal in four games to cut the deficit but could not rally for the equalizer to carry a 2-1-1 record into the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Independence most recently picked up their second win of the season with a 3-2 win over the Charleston Battery. Enzo Martinez converted a penalty kick and Brian Brown quickly added a second tally to give the Independence an early lead. Longtime USL veteran Jorge Herrera seemingly solidified the victory with 20 minutes remaining but a pair of late Charleston goals tested the Charlotte defense who held on for the full three points.
The Kickers and the Independence meet again at Ramblewood Soccer Complex on June 18 before finishing the three game series at City Stadium on Wednesday, September 14.
Following Friday’s match, the Kickers return home to host Toronto FC II and Bike RVA Fest on Saturday, April 30. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with live music by Jive45, food trucks and a dozen craft beers and ciders on tap. Fans that bike to City Stadium can purchase tickets for just $8.00 and are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet courtesy of I Am RVA, visit the 3Sports pop-up shop for free tune-ups and enjoy an array of cycling and bike safety vendors before the Kickers versus Toronto FC II match kicks off at 7:00 p.m.* Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
