There have been lots of discussion about potential expansion cities for the MLS. One city that has been left out is Richmond, VA. Positives: 1. A stadium that is good for soccer, about 21k and has done well hosting USMNT, NCAA Championships, etc. 2. A great organization in place. The Kickers have youth teams, a PDL and A-league team. 3. Location along I-95 would create ease for supporters traveling to away games. 4. Opening of a new market, and expansion pushing further south. 5. It could work along the Columbus model, smaller city, not a whole lot of competition in Richmond. 6. Southern Virginia has a large soccer playing community. Neagtives: 1. Owner/Operator? 2. Do the Kickers want a MLS team? 3. Too many teams along the I-95 corridor. 4. Not large enough market? Not for this round of expansion, but a possible future one.
from a-league.com Friday, April 25, 2003 RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers (1-1-0) gained their first points on the year with a 3-0 win over the visiting Indiana Blast (0-1-0). The Kickers outshot the Blast 19-5 and didn't allow the visitors a corner kick throughout the game. Attendance: 343