MATCHDAY INFO:
RICHMOND KICKERS VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
CITY STADIUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 – 7 PM ET
DIGITAL: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #RICvNC
CARY, N.C. (June 29, 2018) – For the second time this season, North Carolina FC will make the trip up I-95 to face regional rival the Richmond Kickers. The two teams will meet on Saturday, June 30 at City Stadium in Richmond, Va., at 7 p.m. ET.
Raleigh-based soccer clubs have competed with Richmond since the early 1990s, creating an intense local rivalry. Most recently, the teams renewed their rivalry after NCFC’s move to the USL. Richmond holds the latest win in the chapter, narrowly defeating NCFC with two late goals on March 31.
The club’s ties to Richmond run deep, as Curt Johnson, current North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager, previously served as the Richmond Kickers General Manager, and NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke began his head-coaching career with Richmond in 1998. Richmond also features former NCFC players Brian Shriver and Neil Hlavaty.
Entering the contest, both teams are looking to gain ground in the playoff race. NCFC and Richmond are separated by just one point in the USL Eastern Conference standings. Following a draw with Louisville City FC, NCFC enters the match with positive momentum.
The team will look to maintain its confidence against a Richmond side that changed coaches this week. Long-time Kickers head coach, Leigh Cowlishaw, recently stepped aside to focus on his duties as Director of Soccer for the club. Former Kickers player David Bulow assumed leadership of the team. The matchup this Saturday will be his first as head coach.
Last Time Out:
NCFC battled Louisville City FC to a 2-2 draw to earn a point against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Facing a 2-1 deficit in the second half, NCFC found an equalizer late in the match, as Daniel Rios scored in the 87th minute on an assist from Tiyi Shipalane.
Players to Watch
#21 Brian Shriver
Shriver has made his first season with the Kickers a productive one, as he leads the team in goals, assists, and chances created. The forward has scored four goals and dished out five assists in 14 appearances this season. With a goal last weekend against Charlotte, Shriver earned a spot on the bench of the USL Team of the Week for Week 15. Shriver is certainly a recognizable name on the roster, as he is still North Carolina FC’s all-time leading goal scorer with 35 goals between league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play.
#14 Daniel Rios
Rios continued his tremendous goal-scoring form with a brace against Louisville last weekend. His eight goals thus far are tied for the best in the Eastern Conference. In 13 appearances in USL play, Rios is also tied for second on the team with two assists. Rios will be counted on as NCFC looks to make a run toward an Eastern Conference playoff spot in the coming weeks.
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will travel to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Wednesday, July 4 at 7 p.m. The team returns home to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for Wizard Night on Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. to take on the Charleston Battery. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
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MATCHDAY INFO:
RICHMOND KICKERS VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
CITY STADIUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 – 7 PM ET
DIGITAL: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #RICvNC
CARY, N.C. (June 29, 2018) – For the second time this season, North Carolina FC will make the trip up I-95 to face regional rival the Richmond Kickers. The two teams will meet on Saturday, June 30 at City Stadium in Richmond, Va., at 7 p.m. ET.
Raleigh-based soccer clubs have competed with Richmond since the early 1990s, creating an intense local rivalry. Most recently, the teams renewed their rivalry after NCFC’s move to the USL. Richmond holds the latest win in the chapter, narrowly defeating NCFC with two late goals on March 31.
The club’s ties to Richmond run deep, as Curt Johnson, current North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager, previously served as the Richmond Kickers General Manager, and NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke began his head-coaching career with Richmond in 1998. Richmond also features former NCFC players Brian Shriver and Neil Hlavaty.
Entering the contest, both teams are looking to gain ground in the playoff race. NCFC and Richmond are separated by just one point in the USL Eastern Conference standings. Following a draw with Louisville City FC, NCFC enters the match with positive momentum.
The team will look to maintain its confidence against a Richmond side that changed coaches this week. Long-time Kickers head coach, Leigh Cowlishaw, recently stepped aside to focus on his duties as Director of Soccer for the club. Former Kickers player David Bulow assumed leadership of the team. The matchup this Saturday will be his first as head coach.
Last Time Out:
NCFC battled Louisville City FC to a 2-2 draw to earn a point against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Facing a 2-1 deficit in the second half, NCFC found an equalizer late in the match, as Daniel Rios scored in the 87th minute on an assist from Tiyi Shipalane.
Players to Watch
#21 Brian Shriver
Shriver has made his first season with the Kickers a productive one, as he leads the team in goals, assists, and chances created. The forward has scored four goals and dished out five assists in 14 appearances this season. With a goal last weekend against Charlotte, Shriver earned a spot on the bench of the USL Team of the Week for Week 15. Shriver is certainly a recognizable name on the roster, as he is still North Carolina FC’s all-time leading goal scorer with 35 goals between league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play.
#14 Daniel Rios
Rios continued his tremendous goal-scoring form with a brace against Louisville last weekend. His eight goals thus far are tied for the best in the Eastern Conference. In 13 appearances in USL play, Rios is also tied for second on the team with two assists. Rios will be counted on as NCFC looks to make a run toward an Eastern Conference playoff spot in the coming weeks.
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will travel to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Wednesday, July 4 at 7 p.m. The team returns home to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for Wizard Night on Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. to take on the Charleston Battery. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
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