Richmond to face DC United.
“To host DC United’s first team is a wonderful way to kick-off our 15th anniversary celebration,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Vice President, Soccer Programs. “We are very honored to be able to play DC United a week before their MLS season opener. The exhibition will be challenging as our players will just have begun their preseason program but as always, I am sure they, along with our staff and fans, will be looking forward to the match up immensely.”
As a charter member of MLS, four-time MLS Cup Champion (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004) D.C. United enters its 13th season of play. This year’s exhibition will mark the ninth meeting between the two clubs with the Kickers and United splitting the series 3-3-1 (The 2006 exhibition match was terminated in the 20th minute due to lightning). United made their most recent appearance in Richmond last season for an exhibition, during which the defending USL2 Champions came away with a 3-2 victory over the MLS powerhouse. Previously, D.C. United traveled to Richmond during the U.S. Open Cup, coming away with a 3-1 victory in 2005 in the Fourth Round, one year after the Kickers ousted the Black-and-Red, 2-1, in the Third Round of the 2004 tournament.
With 11 major domestic and international trophies to the team’s credit, D.C. United is the most successful team in American professional soccer history. The club has won four MLS Cup championships (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), four Supporters’ Shields (1997, 1998, 2006 and 2007), a CONCACAF Champions’ Cup (1998), an InterAmerican Cup (1998) and a U.S. Open Cup title (1996). United has made the MLS Cup Playoffs nine of 12 seasons, winning 15 of 19 playoff series, and has an overall record of 24-8-2 in all playoff games.
Richmond Kickers: Celebrating 15 Years of Soccer Excellence
The 2008 season marks the 15th anniversary for the Richmond Kickers who have been a member of the United Soccer Leagues family since 1993. Over the past 15 seasons, Richmond has qualified for post-season play 12 times, including six league (seven overall) Championship appearances. The Kickers reached the league title match in 2007 for the fourth time in the past six seasons, narrowly missing their second consecutive league title after nine rounds of penalty kicks. Richmond’s previous Championship appearances (1995, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2006) include winning the “Double” with the Premier League title and US Open Cup title in 1995, a shoot-out loss to Seattle in the USL First Division final in 2005 and taking the USL Second Division crown in 2006.
Tickets
Season Passes, Pro Passes and Coach’s Passes will not be accepted at the DC United exhibition match. Normal discounts do not apply. Season Ticket holders and groups of 20+ can purchase tickets at a discounted rate ($13/person) by calling (804) 644-KICK. Children under three are admitted free and there is no charge for parking. Order your 2008 All-Access Pass and to enjoy all 2008 Richmond Kickers exhibitions, Open Cup matches and regular season action for one low price of $90. Visit www.RichmondKickers.com to order your 2008 season passes online.
Richmond Kickers Record Versus D.C. United
1999 Exhibition: Kickers 1, United 0 *
2001 Open Cup: United 2, Kickers 1
2002 Exhibition: United 1, Kickers 0
2003 Exhibition: Kickers 1, United 1
2004 Open Cup: Kickers 2, United 1
2005 Open Cup: United 3, Kickers 1
2006 Exhibition: Kickers 0, United 0 *
2007 Exhibition: Kickers 3, United 2
*Terminated due to lightning