Destiny Notch First Win

Following a difficult opening half of the season, the Richmond Kickers Destiny recorded their first win Thursday, June 25, against the Northern Virginia Majestics. The victory came at a time when many teams would have thrown in the towel, but the Destiny showed remarkable strength of will to deliver an inspired all-around performance.

The Destiny came out strong in the first half, nearly scoring on multiple occasions. Becca Wann was particularly effective in front of goal in the first half. The striker from Cosby High School latched onto a cross early in the game, but her header missed just wide. Wann had the ball in the back of the net on 18 minutes after beating the Majestics keeper to a well-placed long ball from Kimmy Cummings. However, Wann was adjudged to have used her hand rather than her head and the goal was called back. Wann was shown a yellow card for her troubles.

The Destiny kept up the offensive pressure throughout the game, but the team’s defensive effort was also strong, leading to their first clean sheet of the season. Allie Albright was in inspired form between the posts for the Destiny, recording five saves on the night, including a stop on a second half Majestics breakaway.

The defensive pressure continued throughout the second half, with the Destiny forcing the Majestics into numerous turnovers. Their efforts paid off in the 70th minute when left back Sarah Hilt stripped possession from the Majestics and looked up field to find second-half substitute Colleen Schohl with a diagonal ball. Schohl settled the ball and beat a defender before firing a left-footed strike toward the Majestics goal. Majestics keeper Olivia Brown got her hands on it, but could not do enough to keep the ball out of the net.

The Majestics turned up the pressure after Schohl’s tally, but the Destiny met the challenge admirably, with Albright rising highest to claim a long ball played into a box full of Majestics players eager to tie the game. The Destiny (1-7-1, 4 pts.) moved out of last place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference with the win. The team will look to add to their points tally on the road against Tampa Bay Hellenic on Friday, July 3 before the return fixture at the University of Richmond Stadium on July 11.

Poll: Player of the Season

Who do you think has been the player of the season so far? Is it Deli or Bulow with their 5 goals a piece? Has Yomby impressed in his rookie season at the back? Or is it one of the old guard members like Ronnie or Burkey continuing his solid Kickers performances? Somebody we overlooked? You decide!

Online Surveys & Market Research

Kick for 1,000 Update

At the time of publication, the fan page had more than 550 fans. We're well on our way to 1,000 free tickets for fans of the page. Hope to see you there for our game on the Fourth of July!

Destiny Update!

The past few weeks have been busy ones for the Destiny. While the ladies have unfortunately been unable to obtain the elusive first win, it has been an adventure all the same. Through practices, games, and long bus rides, there have already been some memorable moments this season.

1. The final goal of the opening game against the Cary Lady Clarets by Erin Liberatore off a rebound from Katie Carr’s shot in the 90th minute to give the Destiny the 3-3 tie.
2. The Atlanta Bread Company giving the Destiny a case of cold bottled water for the day when they stopped there for lunch prior to the May 30 game against the Silverbacks.
3. One of the players falling out of her bunk on the way back from Atlanta. The Destiny girls laughed at that one for awhile. (Don’t worry, she wasn’t hurt.)
4. Kimmy Cummings honking the bus’s horn to try and hurry Coach Jen Woodie up and scaring the girl sitting in the car next to the bus.
5. Some of the Destiny players trying to convince the people at Wendy’s to let them walk through the drive-thru since, while the inside was closed, the drive-thru was open until 2am, but the bus wouldn’t fit through the drive-thru. It didn’t work, but it was good for a laugh.

The Destiny re-match the Cary Lady Clarets this Saturday at Sport Backers Stadium at 7 PM. Come out and support your Richmond Kickers Destiny and help cheer them on to a victory!

Kickers seeking increased outreach through “Kick for 1,000”

We’re pleased to announce a tremendous increase in fans on our Facebook fan page over the past couple weeks. We’re closing in on 500 fans, but we’d love to see more! With that in mind, we’ve decided to create the “Kick for 1,000” contest on the Official Richmond Kickers fan page on Facebook. If the page reaches 1,000 fans by our July 4 home game against Charlotte Eagles, each fan of the page will be offered free admission to the game. It’s a win-win situation: As a fan, you’ll get all the latest news and information about the Kickers, and you’ll be privy to special promotions throughout the season. Become a fan today and invite your friends, too!

Open Cup Exit not hampering Kickers Ambition

The Richmond Kickers saw their US Open Cup hopes dashed this Tuesday after a rain-soaked 2-1 loss to USL First Division side Carolina Railhawks. Despite a good team effort by the Kickers to come from behind and tie the scoreline at one apiece at the half, an early second half strike from the men in orange proved to be too much. But the Kickers will take the loss in stride and shift their focus solely on the USL Division II title. Following their 5-0 rout of league leaders Harrisburg last Saturday, the Kickers jumped up the table four spots from seventh to third. The men in red and white will look to edge even closer to the top as they hit the road over the next couple weeks, the game against the Railhawks marking the first of a five-game road trip. The Kickers will return home just in time for an Independence Day face-off against the Charlotte Eagles. Hope to see you there!

Reminder: School's Out Festival this Saturday

Only a few more days until one of the biggest events we'll be hosting all summer. I am so excited about the School's Out Festival this Saturday I can hardly contain myself. That being the case, I've decided to give you a little preview of some of the awesome things to keep an eye out for. There will be dozens of vendors on the main concourse of University of Richmond Stadium, each offering information and special promotions for their respective businesses, but I'm most looking forward to the events on the field. In addition to the 7 p.m. Kickers game vs. current league leaders Harrisburg City Islanders, there will be tons of inflatables and other party games--including sumo suit soccer--provided by Bounce 2 the Moon. Take a look at some of the tremendously fun inflatables that will be available for you to romp around on, as well as some other attractions you should check out:
Adrenaline Rush Extreme
This 160-foot long Obstacle/Slide combo features squeeze walls, pop up obstacles, pop out obstacles, crawl throughs and rock climbs and two sets of double slides.

Sumo Suit Soccer
A new take on a classic. Dress up in sumo suits and take on your opponents in a hilarious game of soccer. Sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Trackless Train
This Train is fun for all occasions. The smiley face engine can go just about anywhere. You can fit up to 18 children on one ride and the great news is that Mom and Dad can go too!

Home Run Derby
Take a swing! Just like your favorite baseball players at the All-Star game only now you're in the batters box. Make it through the HR hole the most to become the Home Run Champ.

As you can see, this weekend promises to be a blast for the young and young at heart. Be sure to activate your Kickers Pro Pass by June 5 to have a chance at winning a new Nintendo DS Lite, courtesy of Play N Trade Carytown, at the Festival. As a final reminder, families arriving before 6 p.m. will be treated to a $5 group ticket pass. You're being rewarded to come have fun. Take advantage of it! See you Saturday!

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