WHAT: U. S. Open Cup third-round game. WHEN/WHERE: Today at 7 p.m., Veterans Stadium, New Britain, Conn. NOTABLE: These teams will be meeting for the first time, and the Kickers will be seeking to knock off a Major League Soccer side for the second time in as many years. Richmond beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in the third round a year ago. . . . New England, which is expected to be playing a mixture of regulars and reserves, has the best record (9-4-3) in MLS and leads the Eastern Conference. . . . The Revolution captured the U.S. Open Cup last year and was runner-up in the MLS title match. . . . New England is led by midfielder Steve Ralston (six goals, three assists), but he may not be in the lineup. Former University of Virginia and Mills Godwin High standout Adam Cristman (four goals) will not dress. . . . The Kickers beat Fredericksburg (Premier Development League) and fellow USL2 member Western Mass. to reach the third round. If Richmond wins, it would host the quarterfinal round, possibly against the New York Red Bulls (MLS). . . . Richmond is led by forward David Bulow and midfielder Stanley Nyazamba, each of whom has three goals and one assist for seven points. -- John Packett