The Brazilian maestro joins the Kickers after captaining NC Fusion U23
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder João Gomiero, pending league and federation approval.
“João came into our environment last year with the best attitude and drive. He is a great fit for our humble culture and we know he will shoo-in for 2023. João can decide on the tempo of the game but his simplicity in the attack makes him a great addition to our team and locker room.”
Gomiero joins the Kickers on his first professional contract after training with the club as a practice player in the summer and fall of 2022 following the conclusion of NC Fusion U23’s USL League Two season. A captain of Fusion U23’s squad, Gomiero got his first taste of Kickers’ football as an opponent when the two sides squared off last April at City Stadium in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round.
“When we played against the Kickers, I loved how their players worked for each other,” Gomiero said. “On the Fusion team, we were a bunch of talented guys, but the Kickers were an actual, cohesive team. Playing at City Stadium also made me realize how much history the team has and how passionate the fans are too.”
Fusion U23, with Gomiero as team captain, went on to earn an 11-1-2 record to outright win the South Atlantic Division with a plus-33 goal differential before moving on to win the Southern Conference and finish as National Semi-Finalists in the 2022 USL League Two Playoffs. Gomiero led the team with 10 goals while adding an assist in 919 minutes played. He ended the season as a member of the 2022 League Two All-League Team.
Soon after, Gomiero joined the Kickers in training and he competed day in and day out with a squad that was building towards the 2022 USL League One Regular-Season title which earned him an opportunity in 2023.
“My conversations with Darren were always confidence-building,” Gomiero said. “I respect and trust him so much. He would point out qualities about me that he valued which pushed me to be myself.
He continued, “the players and coaching staff were also welcoming and incredibly accepting of me. I was shocked at how everyone wanted me to feel like a part of the team. So the fact that I was accepted for my authentic self and style of playing was an important part of my decision to train with them.”
Gomiero brings an eye for goal-scoring opportunities and he hopes to bring a little bit of his home country’s playing identity to the Kickers’ attack that set new league records in 2022.
“I would say that I’m a very creative player,” Gomiero said. “I’m always hungry for more. Always searching for goal opportunities. Most of all though, I love this game. Especially being from Brazil, this sport is part of my identity. I can’t help but play with a smile on my face. I actually grew up watching Ronaldinho and admired him so much for that same reason.”
With the ink dried on his contract, Gomiero is excited to help the Kickers as the club prepares to defend its 2022 regular-season title. He also looks forward to connecting with the River City faithful that he witnessed turn City Stadium into the second-most attended venue in the league in 2022 while enjoying the club’s first capacity sellout of the stadium in the USL League One era.
My goal as a team is to win,” Gomiero said. “I think if you set yourself up for less then you’re in the wrong business. It’s my first opportunity to play in this league, so I’m eager to learn and gain experience from the incredible coaching staff.
“I also really want to build a relationship with the fans. I remember when I trained with the Kickers during the summer, they were losing against Tormenta. But then I looked over at the fans hyping up all of the players and not giving up on them. The Kickers ended up winning the game, and I think it had most to do with the energy from the fans. I can’t wait to build a relationship with them as well and to feel their energy in the stadium.”
The 2023 season will be here before you know it! Kickers fans can get ready now by placing a $100 deposit for a 2023 season ticket. Fans who place a deposit or are gifted a deposit by Dec. 22nd will be eligible to win a 2021 player-worn jersey of their choosing (choice of size and autograph based on availability). With one additional regular season match and two new opponents joining USL League One in 2023, City Stadium will be the place to be! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.
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TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign João Gomiero for the 2023 USL League One season on December 13, 2022.
