VSI Tampa Bay FC balanced their time this week between classes and training in preparation for the Richmond Kickers Sunday, June 30, in Plant City Stadium.
In between training sessions, VSI Tampa Bay FC spent time in various Hillsborough County Schools this week for the start of their ‘Moves’ campaign. VSI Moves for Hillsborough County Schools is an initiative started by VSI Tampa Bay FC to remind elementary and middle school aged children the importance of staying active and living healthy.
Loosely based off Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, VSI Tampa Bay FC believes in the power of healthy living and is using soccer as the vehicle to promote better habits in our future generations. To learn more about what VSI is doing off the pitch, click here.
VSI Tampa Bay FC holds a 6-1-1 record at Plant City Stadium this season and returns after a tough weekend where they fell 1-0 to the Charlotte Eagles and drew tied the Charleston Battery 0-0. VSI will host the undefeated Kickers on Sunday at 7:35 p.m.
The Kickers (7-0-5) enter Plant City after they battle Orlando City in the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday, June 29. Prior to the Orlando match, the Kickers sit in third place with 26 points and 12 games played. Orlando (10-1-2) sits atop the USL PRO board with 32 points and 13 games played.
Richmond visit Florida with only one other road game under their belt; having played 11 of their first 12 games at home this 2013 season. The Kickers first road game resulted in a 2-0 win over Wilmington and the second see them in the Citrus Bowl Saturday evening. VSI look to shut down midfielders Joseph Ngwenya and Nathaniel Robinson. Ngwwenya, with 7 goals and 2 assists, joins Robinson with 3 goals and 6 assists as creative threats to VSI’s side.
VSI Tampa Bay FC (7-6-2) enter Sunday evening’s match in fifth place with 23 points and 15 games played. Defensive leader, captain Kyle Hoffer and second-leading goal scorer Andriy Budnyy remain on the mend this week and it is yet to be determined if either will play this Sunday evening. Bitielo Jean-Jacques is also still missing in action as he trains with the Haitian National Team in preparation for their tour in the Gold Cup starting on July 8 against Honduras. For more information on the Gold Cup schedule visit www.goldcup.org.
Interim Coach Joel Harrison said, “We are happy to return home to face the Kickers. We have had great success at home and are looking to build off the momentum in our last game against Charleston. The team chemistry and ability to build were there and we are looking to capitalize on our scoring chances this game. Richmond is doing extremely well this year and producing a win against them would be a massive positive carrying us into our break.”
VSI Tampa Bay FC breaks for a few weeks after Sunday evening’s match and returns to play on Saturday, July 13 against former USL PRO champions, the Charleston Battery. VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to host a 3v3 Live tournament on the same day as the Battery match.
All teams participating in the 3v3 Live soccer tournament in Plant City Stadium will receive free entry into the USL PRO game that evening. To register your player or team visit www.3v3live.com and search the 3v3 Live tour dates to find the July 13 Plant City event.
Tickets are available online at www.vsi-fc.com or at the Plant City Stadium ticket window on game day. The ticket window opens an hour and a half prior to kickoff and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Parking is $5 per vehicle and concessions will be provided by Alessi Bakeries and Catering.