RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, August 20, 2014) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the addition of defender Stephen Basso, prior to the USL PRO roster freeze deadline. He will be available for selection immediately.
“Stephen’s signing is a timely addition,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “He brings a winning mentality, extensive league experience and a strong desire to help us win a Championship.”
A stalwart on the back line, Basso made over 60 appearances and amassed nearly 6,000 minutes over three seasons with the Harrisburg City Islanders, contributing to 20 shutouts while adding four goals. The Columbia, Maryland native anchored the defensive unit that backstopped the club to the 2011 USL PRO Finals, drawing Orlando City through regulation and overtime before conceding the title on penalties.
Prior to signing with Harrisburg in 2011, he saw playing time with the now-defunct clubs Real Maryland and Crystal Palace Baltimore where he made over 40 appearances combined after spending the 2007-08 season with German side SV Darmstadt 98. Most recently, the former D.C. United youth player spent two seasons with the Rochester Lancers of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), racking up 15 goals and 11 assists in 46 games played.
The Richmond Kickers (13-1-10, 49 points) return to City Stadium this Saturday, August 23 to host league-leading Orlando City (16-2-4, 52 points). The top-of-the-table clash kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m. with live music from Common Wealth, RVA food trucks and craft beer on tap. Join the Red Army in Section O for just $5.00 or get two tickets and two beers for $20 at www.richmondkickers.com.
