RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and 2023 USL League Two finalists Lionsbridge FC today announced a new exhibition rivalry match set to take place on June 26, 2024, at City Stadium.

The relationship on the pitch between the Kickers and the Bridgers renews following a series of friendlies in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The Kickers traveled to Newport News, Va. in July 2019 and earned a 5-0 win in the pair's first meeting. A second matchup was slated at Lionsbridge for May 2020 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the Kickers and Lionsbridge will square off for the first time in front of the City Stadium faithful after nearly facing each other in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round.

Lionsbridge is one of the premier pre-professional soccer clubs in the United States. The Virginia Peninsula-based club will arrive at City Stadium as the defending USL League Two Eastern Conference Champions and USL League Two finalists.

Off the pitch, the pipeline between the clubs has seen multiple former Lionsbridge players feature for the Kickers including current Kickers' defender Simon Fitch.

"We're thrilled to reestablish a regional soccer rivalry and welcome Lionsbridge FC back to Richmond this summer," Camp Peery, Richmond Kickers’ Chief Operating Officer and Team President said. "The opportunity to connect our two clubs and our tremendous supporters' groups for a friendly match has been highly requested over the years. We can't wait to see everyone at City Stadium on June 26 to celebrate and support local soccer!"

"This is a tremendous milestone for Lionsbridge to play the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium," Mike Vest, Lionsbridge FC's Co-Founder and Chairman said. "It is an opportunity for our players to showcase their abilities against the pros in a competitive environment. It is also a chance for our incredible supporters to enjoy a Lionsbridge away game in a first-class environment. June 26 will definitely be a celebration of soccer in the Commonwealth."