Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com
Friday, January 18, 2008
RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the recent addition of midfielder Luke Vercollone to the 2008 roster. Additionally, the Kickers welcome back goalkeeper Mark Murphy for the 2008 campaign. Specific details of the contracts were not disclosed.
“Luke brings a wealth of experience with his time in MLS and USL1,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Vice President, Soccer Programs. “He is the consummate team player and as shown by the number of appearances for the Battery that he is very valuable addition to our squad.”
“We are also very pleased to have Mark returning to the squad and know that after a season under his belt he is ready to compete for the starting position,” continues Cowlishaw. “In addition, both players are accomplished coaches and will be very active in our continually growing youth club and camp programs.”
A native of Pembroke, Massachusetts, Vercollone joins the Kickers after spending two seasons with the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division. In two seasons with the Battery, he made 66 appearances, notching three goals and six assists for 12 points overall. Prior to his stint in the USL-1, the 5’10” midfielder was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2004 MLS Super Draft and made five appearances over two seasons with the New England Revolution after signing as a Developmental Player in 2004. A four-year starter at Seton Hall University, Vercollone led the team in points (21) and assists (11), while tying for the lead in goals with five his senior year, earning All-Big East First Team honors. The freshman walk-on was instrumental in Seton Hall making three successive NCAA playoff appearances. Vercollone’s experience extends to the PDL level as he won two PDL Championships with the Cape Cod Crusaders (2002, 2003), playing 23 games over two seasons and tallying nine goals and 10 assists.
Second-year professional, Murphy recently re-signed to back up goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale for the 2008 season. The 6’1” native of Clinton, Maryland made his professional debut on July 6, 2007 in New Hampshire and also protected the nets during the Kickers 3-2 exhibition win against DC United last June. Starting 54 games in goal at Mount St. Mary’s University over four seasons, Murphy tallied 83 saves and recorded a 1.36 goals against average his senior season. Named to the All-Northeast Conference second team, he finished his career ranking in the Top-5 in saves, minutes played and shutouts on the program’s all-time lists. Murphy also has Premier Development League (PDL) experience, defending the nets for the Chesapeake Athletic Dragons (2003-2004), Reading Rage (2005) and Thunder Bay Chill (2006).
