RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are one of two clubs to have reached the USL Cup Playoffs in every season of the league’s history, but Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw believes the upcoming season will see that record challenged as the competition in the USL continues to rise.

“I think it’s very possibly going to be our most challenging season [competitively],” Cowlishaw told the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Vic Dorr Jr. “Making it to the playoffs is always our objective. But frankly, it will be a massive achievement if we’re able to make it this year.”

The Kickers have had an excellent offseason off the field, with the club being awarded a 40-year lease to City Stadium by the Richmond City Council. The move will see the club make $20 million-worth of investment into the facility to raise the level of the venue for fans and visitors. 

RELATED: Richmond Council Approves Kickers’ City Stadium Lease

Cowlishaw believes fans will also see a raised level of competition on the field, too, with USL newcomers Ottawa Fury FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Saint Louis FC all part of the Eastern Conference this season. While the Kickers have a number of notable names returning to their squad this season, including All-League selection Yudai Imura, the departures of players like stalwart defender Hugh Roberts to Bethlehem Steel FC and midfielder Brian Ownby to Louisville City FC will make another top-eight finish a challenge.

“The days of easy games and easy points are gone – probably forever. Now we’re going to be seeing excellent coaches and very talented players every night,” Cowlishaw told Dorr. “[It’s] going to be challenging like never before. We’re going to have to not only play but also train at the highest level possible. And we’re going to have to do it on a daily basis.”

The Kickers host the Harrisburg City Islanders at City Stadium on Saturday, March 25 to open the season before visiting defending USL Cup champion the New York Red Bulls II on April 1 to kick off their road slate.