RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of reigning 2021 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year and goalkeeping coach Akira Fitzgerald to a two-year deal, pending league and federation approval.
“You need your goalkeeper to keep you in games and Akira has done that consistently over the past two seasons,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He is in charge of our goalkeeping department here in Richmond and we look forward to him between the pipes and running training in 2022 and beyond.”
Fitzgerald returns to the Reds following a historic 2021 campaign that saw the veteran keeper set a new single-season record of 89 saves while also leading all goalkeepers with 10 clean sheets. He is the first player in the USL’s modern era encompassing USL League One and USL Championship to lead the league in both saves and clean sheets in the same season.
He collected his first end-of-season awards as a member of the Kickers as he was named the Goalkeeper of the Year and to the All-League First Team. He was previously named a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019.
Throughout the 2021 season, Fitzgerald was recognized as a member of the league’s team of the week four times as well as earning a nomination for USL League One Player of the Month for his performances during April and May.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be signing a multi-year contract with Richmond,” Fitzgerald said. “Some of the best years of my career have been with this club and I look forward to building on them and bringing more success to the organization and community. City Stadium is one of the best venues I have ever played at and that is thanks to our incredible fans, and I look forward to giving them plenty to cheer for in the coming seasons.
“I’m so grateful for Coach Sawatzky to have so much trust in me. He has helped me grow as both a player and coach, and I look forward to my continued development under his guidance.”
Fitzgerald has been a stalwart for the Reds since joining the club in 2019 under then head coach David Bulow. Since that first season playing for the Kickers and in USL League One, the veteran keeper has amassed 212 saves and 22 clean sheets.
The keeper has started all 70 matches he’s appeared in and he was the first Kickers’ player to reach the milestone of 50 appearances in USL League One.
Fitzgerald added, “My wife and I have felt at home ever since joining this club and we are so happy to continue to grow with this city.
“Finally, I want to thank our owner Rob Ukrop who does so much for the players, club and community. Without him, none of this would be possible. Up the Roos!”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! Reserve your spot at City Stadium, today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets! Get your season tickets by Dec. 15 to receive an exclusive 30th season scarf!
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
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TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers have re-signed goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald to a contract for the 2022 USL League One season on December 2, 2021.
