RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, February 23, 2018) – Over 2,000 tickets have already been sold for City Stadium’s first-ever National Women’s Soccer League game on Saturday, March 17 when the Washington Spirit take on Regular Season Champions North Carolina Courage at 7:00 p.m.  In partnership with the Richmond Strikers, the match will serve as the marquee game during the weekend’s prestigious Jefferson Cup Girls Weekend, host to more than 5,000 players and 350 participating teams.  Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

 

“We are thrilled that the Kickers’ new long-term lease for City Stadium now allows the club to attract high profile events year-round,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “The Courage and Spirit rosters are comprised of numerous national team players who have represented their countries on the international stage and this is a fantastic opportunity for the RVA community to see many of the world’s best players right here at City Stadium. We are delighted to collaborate with the Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage, and Richmond Strikers to bring this world-class match to Richmond.”

 

As Washington and North Carolina tune up for the 2018 NWSL season that kicks off the following week, fans in Richmond will have the opportunity to watch some of the best female professional players in the world, including multiple U.S. Women’s National Team members and other international stars, compete at City Stadium.

 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring the NWSL to Richmond’s historic City Stadium,” said Jim Gabarra, Spirit Head Coach and General Manager. “We look forward to hosting such a quality side in the Courage and are sure all that attend will be treated to an entertaining match.”

 

"Fantastic to have such a quality opponent before the season starts and to play it in a venue like Richmond will certainly add to the spectacle,” said Paul Riley, NC Courage Head Coach. “Richmond has a rich soccer tradition and bringing professional women's soccer to the city will enable supporters to see some of the world's best players live in action."

 

Washington boasts one of the league’s most exciting young rosters, including 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year Finalist and U.S. Women’s National Team forward Mallory Pugh, first overall pick in the 2018 NWSL College Draft and U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Andi Sullivan, U.S. Women’s National Team defender Taylor Smith, and first overall pick in the 2018 NWSL Dispersal Draft and U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle.

 

The Courage captured the 2017 NWSL Shield during their first season in North Carolina and enter the 2018 season led a talented roster highlighted by U.S. National Team players Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Sam Mewis, Lynn Williams and McCall Zerboni.  All players are scheduled to appear.