Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of defender Kelvin Jones and midfielder Kofi Nti for the 2009 season, pending USL and USSF approval. The Kickers re-sign Jones for his fourth season with the Kickers while Nti returns after a two-year hiatus from the pro team.

The 2009 campaign kicks off in two weeks when the Kickers play host to the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division on Saturday, April 4th at 7:00 pm at Sports Backers Stadium.

“Kelvin and Kofi bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach. “Both players have provided important contributions to past Kickers teams and we expect them to continue that trend this year in what is shaping up to be a very talented, experienced and success-driven squad.”

A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jones has anchored the central defense for three seasons, leading the team to consecutive regular season titles (2006, 2007). A proven defensive authority, Jones started 19 of 19 games played and contributed to eight shutouts during the 2008 campaign. Discovered at the Kickers 2006 combine, Jones joined the team prior to the 2006 campaign, making an immediate impact with the defensive unit. Starting 22 of 22 games played, Jones led the defense to nine shutouts on the season as well as the 2006 USL-2 regular season and 2006 USL-2 Championship titles. The 5’11” defender has contributed offensively with two goals and four assists over the past three seasons. Prior to his tenure with the Kickers, Jones began his professional career with the Charleston Battery of USL First Division. Battling injury, he made 12 appearances over two seasons (2004, 2005).

An offensive threat in the penalty area, Jones tallied two goals and an assist during his senior season at Wake Forest University. In 61 appearances over four seasons with the Deacons, Jones registered four goals and five assists for 13 points overall. Named the 2000 Virginia High School Player of the Year, Jones was a member of the Region I ODP and adidas ESP Teams with his international experience extending to the U-20 and U-17 National Team Pools.

A member of the Richmond Kickers 2005 USL First Division Finalist team and the 2006 USL Second Division Championship team in 2006, Nti spent the 2008 season with the Richmond Kickers Future of the Premier Development League and led Richmond Kickers Indoor of the Premier Arena Soccer League to the Mid-Atlantic regular season title during the off-season.

Nti spent two years with the Richmond Kickers professional team, making 10 appearances with the USL-1 squad in 2005 and eight appearances with the USL-2 Championship team in 2006. The native of Accra, Ghana had a stint with the Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) in 2008 where he anchored the midfield for six matches. Nti joined the Kickers prior to the 2005 season after spending three seasons with FC Nania of the Ghana First Division. During his tenure with FC Nania, he led the team to be promoted to the Ghanaian First Division league, captaining the team for two seasons. Additionally, Nti led the University of Ghana soccer team to win the University League in 1999 and later led the same team to win the first West African University games in 2001. As the Soccer in the Community Director with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club, Nti oversees the recreational program of nearly 1,000 youth players.

Kickers versus Carolina RailHawks
The Richmond Kickers will open the 2009 season with a USL-1 exhibition match featuring the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, April 4th at 7:00 pm at Sports Backers Stadium. Regularly priced admission ($12/adults, $7/youth ages 3-17) will apply for the home opener exhibition and tickets are on sale now via RichmondKickers.com. Order a season pass* prior to March 27th and purchase tickets to the home opener for just $5.00 each.