The reigning champions vs. the USL1 team in USL2
One of the finest stadiums in the league
An 18 year old rivalry

Let's face it folks, this is a dream final for the league. I thought the game deserved a thread of it's own for fans to share the history/facts/stories of these two teams. Maybe someone can compile it into an article or a resource for FSC next week.

Here's why I love the Kickers/Battery rivalry:

The 2002 play-off comeback
The Trash Bag outfits
"Judas"
BigDave vs. BUCK
The fact that they finished 1-2 in their division every season for like, 5 years?

What else?

Chris Ramsey and the handcuffs :-D

Judas and whoever else it was getting bussed home from Toronto for sampling the green herb

I'll have to say, as much as he drove me crazy, many of my memories involve Buck. His calling Ronnie a thug, him posting about Richmond broadcasts (or lack of) ad nasuem, finally meeting him in person and realizing he is actually an ok guy; he's just an internet jerk (there you go - a compliment & dis all rolled into one :))

"why are you guys so abuuusive?"

Only a dream if you have eaten too much cheese, or other nightmare inducing substances.

Hitting the wall 72 out of 85 steps up to unfurl a "the Buck Stops Here" banner. Damn near puked my guts out, but it was worth it.

Anyone making the trip down? We are having a big tailgate and would be great to put a name to the faces (I actually met PattieA in Iraq so that doesnt count)after all these years.

Certainly the Goal was to have Justin around for the Post 2010 Championship Party but it goes without saying there's NO team I'd rather crush in a Final more than the kNickers - They've stolen some hardware from us in the past... this will be great fun~!

Buck's best material, usually comes from his late night/early morning posts, when he's in form.

after a couple of bottle of Jack you mean :-p

YEAH - Ever since Pasquale almost put Klein's Collar Bone thru his heart & cost us a Championship he's been a thug IMO - Can;t wait to lite him up at the Baud... He does'nt have Bobo to cover his short butt anymore ~!

We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in Charleston, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air and down the wings, we shall attack their island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches we shall fight the 18, we shall fight on the fields and in the back, we shall fight in the net; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, that island will be RED, it will be ours!

So is it true yall have signed up a few MORE has-beens in addition to Pasquale ?

We tried for you Buck, you were unavailable

Anyone making the trip down?

We are starting the tailgate at 3pm and we can put aside our differences for a couple hours.

i think there will be 4 of us that I know of, 3 of us are leaving Richmond at 7am so I don't know when we'll get down there, but we'll try and drop by if we can

well it traffic isnt too bad its about 6 hours figure 7 with stops so you that should put you in town around 2ish. have a good trip down and see you Saturday.

Kickers gave us a great battle to the very end - THANX to their Owners, Staff, Coaches & Fans - We are fortunate to have Franchises like Richmond in the League ~! - & I got a chance to chat a few minutes with Ronnie post-Match & thank him for all the fun he's brought us all over the many years... he & Steve Klein patched things up long ago & are now friends.

The saddest part about Saturday is that there is a chance that Ronnie played his last game on not only enemy turf but worse yet Charleston turf. It's just not right. He's not allowed to retire, especially under those circumstances

the above, believe it or not, was written with much respect to Charleston. It still sux though

Indeed we may have seen the last of 2 great Pros & 2 great guys on the Pitch that nite - Johnny Wilson & Ronnie Pascale - I was proud to thank Ronnie, hand him a cold beer & pat that fuzzy little head of his after he mingled with some young fans & parents.

And last years final we saw the last of Swineheart, Coggins, Ben Johnson and we thought Ronnie and Burke.. (but you guys coming back down brought them back). That was an interesting night. Although I had to say.. our pitch invasions are much better then yours!

In case you didn't see it, check out this photo of Ronnie from the Post & Courier's gallery:

I missed that. Great photo but poor Ronnie

Thanks for sharing