Kickers take on Canada this Saturday

Technically just the city of Toronto but what’s sports without hyperbole?

July 22, 2016; 11:54 AM • by Richard Hayes

The Richmond Kickers beat the Premier team Swansea City last Saturday 2-0. It was a stormy affair that included a 90 minute weather delay but the Kickers were in prime form. This also marked the third win in a row for the Kickers.

This means the Kickers will be riding high as they face Toronto II on Saturday. Toronto only has two less wins than Richmond. The difference in defense is more dramatic. Toronto has allowed a total of 38 goals in 21 games. Richmond on the other hand has allowed 15 goals in 18 games.

Meanwhile, Toronto FC II will play their second game in four days following a midweek clash against the Rochester Rhinos. After conceding a goal in the first half, Toronto rallied for the equalizer when Skylar Thomas leveled the score with a perfectly placed header to level the score at 1-1 and extend the club’s unbeaten streak to three matches.

Saturday’s game closes out a three-game series between the Kickers and TFC II who exchanged home and home 1-0 win earlier this season. Brian Ownby’s lone goal lifted the Kickers to victory at City Stadium before Toronto avenged the loss at the Ontario Soccer Centre 11 days later, courtesy of Sal Bernal’s late tally.

The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with over 20 craft beers and ciders on tap, live music by Salted Dog Blues Band, and RVA food trucks before the Kickers battle Toronto FC II at 7:00 p.m.

The RVA Trolley will be operating a continuously running, free, hop-on-hop-off trolley loop from City Stadium to Carytown from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. After the game, fans are invited to take the trolley to Citizen Burger Bar (2907 West Cary Street) to join the Kickers pro players at the post-game party. Craft Beer Fest tickets including game admission and a drink ticket are on sale now for $12 at RichmondKickers.com.