The third-year Kicker was one of the league’s top creators
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced that Richmond Kickers midfielder Nil Vinyals was named to the league’s All-League First Team.
This is the third end-of-season accolade that Vinyals has earned in 2023 after he was named a member of the USL Players’ Association All-League First Team and the River City Red Army Supporters’ MVP.
The Barcelona native was one of the league’s top creators and the catalyst for the Kickers’ attack during the 2023 season, finishing second in the league during the regular season and first on the team with 66 chances created – 11 more than his tally in the 2022 season. Vinyals tied for first on the team with four assists and second on the team with six goals scored. He was perfect from the penalty spot as he bagged three goals, and he also led the team with a 20.7 conversion rate (minimum of 10 shots).
One of his signature goals of the season came on July 29, 2023, at Lexington SC when he scored an outside-of-the-box free kick to give the Kickers a lead in the game. The goal was named a SportsCenter Top 10 play the following morning.
After being named as a midfielder to watch in a league-published season preview, Vinyals was named the USL League One March Player of the Month in the first month of play. He was frequently recognized by the league throughout the season for his contributions earning USL League Player of the Week for Week 2, and he was a member of the USL League One Team of the Week during weeks 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31.
Nil Vinyals said:
“I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and the community in Richmond, who created the perfect environment for me to achieve. I think this accolade is a reflection of the possession-based style that we showed this year, allowing me to be more involved during games and perform at my best.”
Mika Elovaara, Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Director of Methodology and Player Development said:
“I am delighted for Nil for this recognition, and can’t think of a more deserving player to be recognized. Since he first got here for the 2021 season, Nil has been ambitious and intentional about his development, and we have set specific goals for his performance. This season, his individual performance data per 90 minutes was the best of his career, and it is no accident, as we have made additions and raised expectations for his Individual Development Plan every season. While this individual recognition is well-deserved and a bright spot for Nil, being the competitor he is, I know he has already set sights on a more productive year and a far more successful team performance in 2024.”
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
