Richmond Kickers vs Westchester SC 5-1-26
Soccer fans across the country will have the chance to see the Richmond Kickers take on the New York Cosmos on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5. The game will mark the first-ever meeting between the two teams and will also serve as RVA Community Night, bringing fans together to support their home team and continue celebrating the summer of soccer.
“Like all of our games, Community Night is a chance to celebrate our fans, players and the city of Richmond,” said Ron Ukrop, CEO and chairman of the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy. “It’s a cool thing having the Kickers play the Cosmos, with people returning from vacation and coming back to a game.”
According to Ukrop, the Cosmos game is important for reasons beyond being their first matchup.
“Some of the best players from around the world played for the Cosmos and wore the Cosmos uniform,” he said. “It will be a great match from the competitive side, and it’s one of the most iconic names in professional soccer. This game should be great to watch.”
RVA pride
As Richmond residents know, the Kickers have been a pillar of the Richmond community for 34 years, positively impacting the region through community partnerships, support of school teams, more than 200 events annually at City Stadium and, notably, the RVAccess program.
RVAccess offers local children with special needs the opportunity to play soccer. Open to boys and girls ages 3 to 19, sessions are held at City Stadium and The Collegiate School in Richmond’s West End.
Through the support of private donors, RVAccess is free for participants, offering a fun, challenging and exciting way for athletes of all abilities to play the game. Ukrop says it’s a great way to bring soccer to the entire community.
Each RVAccess session is tailored to the individuals’ needs — partnering high school buddies with special needs players participating in fun activities and small-sided games. Using an assortment of large and small soccer balls, hula hoops, cones and games, athletes learn soccer skills in a supportive group environment.
Richmond Kickers vs FC Naples 3/21/2026
Soccer for everyone
Ukrop points out that soccer is celebrated across the RVA community. And the current Kickers team — featuring six Richmond natives on the roster — shows just how far athletes can go with hard work. “It’s important to us that our team reflects our community,” Ukrop said. “We have a team built with local talent, players hoping to reach the next level while continuing to give back to the next generation of Richmond’s young players.”
As the team heads into August, the new coach, Virginia native and former Kickers player Brian Ownby, is ready to continue the momentum that started with the City Stadium-filling World Cup watch parties in June and July.
“We’re hypercompetitive and we have a young, up-and-coming coach,” said Ukrop. “It’s great to see emerging markets like ours fill stadiums and gain more fans. City Stadium is really the heart of the city.”
For tickets to the Kickers game against the Cosmos, visit richmondkickers.com.
