Richmond Kickers Destiny kick off 2009 season this weekend

The Richmond Kickers Destiny open their sixth season in the USL W-League this weekend with a back-to-back series slated for Friday and Saturday. First, the Destiny travel to Cary to take on the expansion Lady Clarets on Friday, May 22nd before kicking off the home season on Saturday, May 23rd when they host the Charlotte Lady Eagles.  Saturday’s match doubles as the first leg of a doubleheader with the Richmond Kickers pro team who kicks off at 7:00 p.m. against Crystal Palace Baltimore. 
 
Looking to improve upon an overall record of 36-31-4, the Destiny take the field this weekend under the guidance of new head coach, Jen Woodie.  After opening the 2008 season 1-7-0, the Destiny posted a 5-1-0 comeback to conclude the season mid-table in the Atlantic Division standings.  Despite the late-season comeback, the Destiny narrowly missed postseason qualification for the first time in three seasons.
 
The Cary Lady Clarets and Charlotte Lady Eagles met last weekend, when the Lady Clarets came away with a 3-1 home opening victory over the perennial powerhouse Lady Eagles.  NC State’s Lindsey Vera and University of North Carolina’s Casey Nogueira combined for all three goals.  Vera led the attack with a pair of goals and an assist. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 0-2-0 to start the season, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Hampton Roads Piranhas to open the season.
 
Following Saturday’s match-up at the University of Richmond Stadium, the Destiny head to Atlanta to face the Silverbacks on Saturday, May 30th.  The Destiny return to Richmond one week later to host the Hampton Roads Piranhas on Saturday, June 6th.
 
The W-League features 37 teams, playing in five divisions that comprise the Central, Eastern and Western conferences.  The Destiny will once again compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference alongside the Atlanta Silverbacks, Cary Lady Clarets, Charlotte Lady Eagles, Hampton Roads Piranhas, Northern Virginia Majestics and Tampa Bay Hellenic.  The twelve-game, balanced schedule will pit the Destiny against each of the Atlantic Division opponents home and away once during the regular season.