Players take time off in midst of road trip

The Richmond Kickers didn't practice yesterday or the day before. Is that any way to prepare for a pair of United Soccer Leagues Second Division road games this weekend?

Well, if you're in the midst of a two-week road trip, it is, says coach Leigh Cowlishaw.

"We wanted to give the players time to spend with their family and time to recover," Cowlishaw said. "Coming to practice would be even more travel right now. That's not going to help the matter."

The Kickers were recently on the road for six days, going from Richmond to Cleveland to Pittsburgh to New Britain, Conn. (for a U.S. Open Cup game) and back. Richmond leaves today for league games at Real Maryland (this afternoon in Boyds, Md.) and Bermuda (Sunday).

"We probably need more than a couple of days off," Cowlishaw said. "We're just trying to maintain right now. I don't think people realize how difficult it is to do that type of road trip. Travel through the night for eight, nine hours."

After this weekend, Richmond (6-4-2) plays five of its last six at home, with a chance to continue to climb in the USL2 standings. The Kickers, currently in fourth place, are 4-0-1 at UR Stadium.

"We're quietly moving up to where we need to be," Cowlishaw said. "If we can get two positive results this weekend, then we'd have the five home games and only one away."

Schramm, Gilkerson available this weekend

Cowlishaw said he expected to have the services of forward Ricky Schramm and defender John Gilkerson for both games this weekend. The duo is under contract with the New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer) but can be loaned to Richmond when their schedule permits.

Schramm, who scored seven goals for the Kickers last season, made his first appearance for Richmond this year against Pittsburgh on Sunday and had a goal in the 3-1 victory. Gilkerson has played in three games.

If Gilkerson plays in both games this weekend, he'll be eligible for the playoffs. Players must participate in a minimum of five games to qualify for the postseason.

In another player development, Cowlishaw said forward Fabian Dawkins could be with the Kickers soon. Dawkins has been stuck in Jamaica because of a delay in obtaining his passport.

"We got a call from the embassy, saying the passport should be delivered this week," Cowlishaw said. "Now we're just waiting for it to be delivered to his house. As soon he gets it, we'll book him a [plane] ticket."

Dawkins would add some firepower to the attack, which has sputtered at times this season.

Murphy gave relief to Pascale, Kickers

Backup goalkeeper Mark Murphy provided some valuable relief to Ronnie Pascale last weekend, and he could be called upon again this week.

Murphy was in the nets against Pittsburgh, and the only goal he allowed came via a penalty kick during stoppage time at the end of regulation.

"We know he's a good goalkeeper," Cowlishaw said. "He played probably his first game in awhile, and he was very, very solid. Didn't have too many saves to make. We gave away a weak penalty right at the end, or else he would have had a clean sheet."

It was Murphy's first start of the season and marked his initial pro win. -- John Packett