Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that forward Matthew “Deli” Delicâte has agreed to terms to return to Richmond for the 2009 campaign after spending the last three seasons with the Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) and a brief stint with Ebbsfleet United of the English Blue Square Premier League.
Beginning his professional career in Richmond in 2004, Delicâte was a member of the 2005 USL First Division Finalist squad before being transferred to Rochester in 2006. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, pending USL and USSF approval and international clearance.
“Deli had interest from several USL-1 and UK clubs, so this is clearly a massive signing for the Kickers,” comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. “He will be an integral part of not only our team but also actively involved with our youth programs. We have signed a forward who is reaching his prime and has the Kickers organization very much in his heart.”
During his tenure in Richmond, Delicâte proved to be a consistent goal-scorer in 2004 and 2005, reaching seventh place on the Kickers all-time career goals list with 19 and ninth place on the all-time career points list with 46 in just two seasons. In his sophomore season with the Kickers, the native of Kent, England led the team in scoring with 12 goals and two assists overall for 26 points. Recording more game-winning goals than any other Kicker with four, Delicâte was responsible for three goals against Rochester during the 2005 USL First Division Semifinals, leading the team to the Championship Final. Ranked tenth in the 2005 regular season top ten league leaders in points (18) and ninth in the goals scored category (9), Delicâte was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week four times. The 6’3” forward finished his rookie season as the Kickers second leading scorer with 20 points. Recording the most assists on the team with six, he appeared in 31 games in 2004.
Following the 2005 season, the Kickers transferred Delicâte’s playing rights to the Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) where he quickly made his way onto the team’s all-time scoring list with 19 regular season goals over three seasons. Making his debut in Rochester on May 5th against Miami FC, Delicâte finished that season as the Rhinos leading scorer with 19 points, placing in the top ten in the league in points and goals (8). Despite being sidelined with a broken jaw mid-season in 2007, Delicâte earned Player of the Week honors twice, concluding the campaign on the league’s top 20 list in points (13). Most recently, Delicâte finished third in scoring on the team in 2008 with five goals and three assists for 13 points, earning Player of the Week honors once.
A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate and former member of the Richmond Kickers Future (PDL), Delicâte joined the Kickers pro team after a remarkable college career. In 2003, he led the team in scoring with 39 (15 goals, 9 assists) points, the third-highest total in school history. The 2003 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year, Delicâte led the league in scoring as well. He is VCU’s career leader with 44 goals and 13 assists for 101 points. Delicâte had 16 game-winning goals in his career and was the first Ram to ever reach the century mark in career points. As a member of the Richmond Kickers Future for two seasons, Delicâte logged over 2,700 minutes on the field in 34 games, scoring 25 goals and 55 points total during his two years with the Future.
Burke Is Back In 2009
The 2008 Player’s Choice MVP and Supporter’s Choice MVP, midfielder Mike Burke will return for his 10th season with the Kickers. Burke joined the Kickers in 2000 after splitting time with DC United and the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer.
“We are delighted that Burkey has decided to play for at least one more season,” adds Cowlishaw. “Having the Kickers all-time career assists leader return is an important part of creating a championship caliber team.”
Last year’s USL-2 Most Valuable Player, Burke finished his ninth season with the Kickers second on the team in scoring with seven goals and eight assists for 22 points in 2008. Earning the USL-2 Assist Leader award for the second consecutive season, he was named to the USL-2 Team of the Week four times, garnering USL-2 Player of the Week honors twice. Last season, Burke eclipsed the Kickers all-time career assists leader to hold the sole position in the franchise with 48 overall. This year, the USL-2 MVP Finalist and All-League First Team midfielder leapfrogged into third place in the all-time career goals category with 33 and into second place in the all-time career games played category with 233. He continues to reside in third place on the Kickers all-time career points list with 114.
An advocate for youth player development, Burke also acts as a Technical Director with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. He oversees the Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) program while coaching Richmond Kickers U-12 Girls Elite, U-9 Boys Central and U-10 Boys Central teams.
