The striker from the Pacific Northwest is excited to be back in his ‘home away from home’
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of forward David Olsen for his second season with the club, pending league and federation approval.
“David is a player that I have known for a long time,” Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “He has silky feet and the ability to score goals at a very high level. This past season served as a year to rekindle his love of the game and ignite his ability to affect games on the scoresheet. He played some important minutes for us in games and helped us win as he found his form again.
“We are looking forward to watching him grow and contribute to the attack here for the 2023 USL League One season.”
Olsen rejoins the Kickers for a second season after earning the opportunity to reintegrate into the professional ranks during the 2022 season. Prior to joining the Kickers, the Auburn, Wash. native was away from the game since the 2018 season because an untimely injury cut short his stint with then-USL Championship side Seattle Sounders 2.
Following a successful trial during the 2022 preseason that saw the surefooted striker find the back of the net, Olsen signed his first contract with the Kickers right before the beginning of the USL League One season.
“It means a lot to be back for a second season because Richmond has become a home away from home and that’s thanks to the amazing staff, fans, and teammates,” Olsen said. “I feel like I’ve grown quite a lot since joining, learning a lot about myself and pushing my limits alongside the rest of the squad to be the best that we can be. And when you have the support from the fans like we do, that makes everything worth it.”
Olsen made his first start for the club on April 6th on the road in the Kickers’ first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match at NoVa FC. Olsen led the front line and delivered to break the stalemate in the 34th minute, scoring the eventual game winner. As Matthew Bentley raced up the right wing, Olsen timed his run so that Bentley’s cross found Olsen in stride and he calmly placed his shot past the approaching keeper and into the back of the net.
By the end of the 2022 league season, Olsen made 11 appearances, coming into matches to refresh the forward line and press opposing defenses late into matches.
Now, Olsen looks forward to a second season reunited under Coach Sawatzky as the team looks to defend its 2022 regular-season title and the attack looks to match its record-setting 54 regular-season goals scored.
“My goals this year haven’t changed,” Olsen said. “Everyone plays an important role, and I think last season was a good example of what we are going to try to accomplish this year.
He continued, “I look forward to hearing the chants and seeing a packed stadium all year. It really is something special here in Richmond, and I’m ecstatic to be a part of it along with you all!”
Per club policy, the details of the contract will not be made public.
The 2023 season will be here before you know it and 2023 Season Tickets are on sale now! For a cost as low as $10 per match, Kickers fans can save the most with Season Tickets while unlocking exclusive perks and experiences. 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: David Olsen signs with the Kickers ahead of the 2023 USL League One season on January 24, 2023.
