Alexander released; Pace, Viray are added

Richmond's roster for the opening game April 19 is getting closer to being completed, coach Leigh Cowlishaw said last week.

Richmond has released midfielder Trey Alexander, while re-signing defender Ralph Pace and adding forward Pat Viray, pending contract approval by the United Soccer Leagues Second Division.

Cowlishaw said he's planning to add an "attacking forward" before Richmond plays Western Mass in the opener at University of Richmond Stadium.

Alexander started 17 of 21 games in 2007, scoring two goals and earning one assist. He had the only goal in Richmond's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace Baltimore on May 12.

"It was really a budget thing," Cowlishaw said of Alexander, who spent only one season with the Kickers. "We needed another attacking player, and some of the new players that have come in have done very well in the central midfield role.

"Unfortunately, sometimes you have to make some tough decisions that you don't want to do, just to make the squad as strong as possible. Trey was fantastic for us last season. He was a big part of the championship run."

Pace joined the Kickers in mid-May last season and played in nine games, starting four. Viray finished his career at Virginia Commonwealth University last fall when he scored six goals and contributed five assists in 20 games.

Cowlishaw noted that forward Ricky Schramm (seven goals last season) has made the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer as a developmental player.

Kickers will operate PASL indoor franchise

The Kickers announced last week that they will take over operation of the Richmond Rowdies, who competed in the Premier Arena Soccer League last season. The indoor team plays its games at the Sports Center of Richmond (SCOR), a new facility on Overbrook Road near The Diamond. The Kickers practiced there in the winter.

A new name, coaching staff, schedule and ticket information will be determined later this year. The season runs from December through March. The PASL is an amateur development league for the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Former Kickers and ex-college players likely will fill the roster for the 2008-09 season.

"I think it will be more of an opportunity for younger players during the offseason," Cowlishaw said. "Players who are out of contract, [and] local players from the area who are maybe a little older and played in the PDL [Premier Development League]. I think it will be a blend. Anyone who wants to try out can certainly do it.

"I went to a couple of games last season and it was highly entertaining. It fits well with our offseason. We'll have to fit six or seven home games in. We're hoping to sell out every game." - John Packett