Three top players returning for 2008

The Richmond Kickers have agreed to terms with three players who should form the nucleus of the squad for 2008, the United Soccer Leagues Second Division club announced recently.

The talented trio is led by midfielder Mike Burke, USL2's most valuable player last season when the Kickers reached the championship match before losing to Harrisburg in the ninth round of penalty kicks.

Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale and midfielder Sascha Gorres also made it official. Burke and Pascale are coming back for their ninth seasons, and Gorres is returning for his fourth campaign.

Burke tied for the team scoring lead last season with three goals and nine assists (15 points) and is the all-time assists leader in club history with 40. Pascale was USL2 goalkeeper of the year for the second consecutive season in 2007, finishing with a career-best 0.68 goals-against average.

Coach Leigh Cowlishaw hopes to have more players signed in the near future.

Organization award goes to Kickers again

The Kickers were named USL2 organization of the year for the second straight year during last month's annual meeting in Tampa, Fla. It was the fourth time overall that the club has received the honor.

Richmond played host to the USL2 title game for the second time in as many years after winning back-to-back regular-season crowns.

"They have created the model for all USL Second Division teams to aspire to, both on and off the field," USL Executive Vice President Tim Holt said.

The Richmond Kickers Destiny earned the USL W-League (Women) Communications award, which recognizes the team that most effectively communicates with local and national media and its fans.

League loses two teams, gains two for 2008

USL2 has lost a pair of teams but gained two more, leaving the league with 10 clubs, the same alignment as 2007.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are returning after a one-year hiatus, while Real Maryland joins the fold for the first time. New Hampshire and Cincinnati, longtime USL2 franchises, have dropped down to the Premier Development League for 2008.

For the first time since 2004, the top six teams will advance to the playoffs, rather than the usual four. Teams seeded three through six will play a single-elimination round at midweek, with the winners advancing to the semifinals that weekend. The top two seeds receive first-round byes.

The regular-season champion faces the winner of 3-6, while the No. 2 seed meets the 4-5 survivor. The final is Aug. 23.

Kickers set player combine for Feb. 16-18

The Kickers will hold their annual player combine Feb. 16-18 for college seniors, free agents and amateurs seeking a pro contract. At least one player will be signed. Interested candidates can go to www.RichmondKickers.com to download an application, which costs $99. The deadline is Feb. 1. --John Packett