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Former US Youth National Team Player Stuart Ritchie Joins The Richmond Backline

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of defender Stuart Ritchie for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
 
“Stuart is a young but experienced, attacking outside back,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We were looking for a different type of player to complement our backline and Stuart gives us a stubborn 1v1 defender that bombs into the attack when the game needs it. He has a quality left foot and his bite on the competition side will fit in nicely with our culture here.”  

Ritchie is a versatile left back that thrives in a supporting role going forward, utilizing his speed to make overlapping runs or cut inside to progress the ball into dangerous areas. While mirroring the traits of the modern offensive-minded fullback, Ritchie relishes the opportunity to patrol the defensive area and get stuck into a tackle.
The Pleasanton, Calif. native comes to Richmond by way of Germany after the 20-year-old spent three seasons in the Hannover 96 system. Prior to joining Die Roten, Ritchie spent two seasons developing in The Netherlands with FC Groningen.
 
Now, the West Coaster with European experience is ready to start a new chapter of his career on the East Coast.
 
“From speaking with Darren and from speaking with family and friends about the Richmond Kickers, I’ve heard that the city of Richmond and the fanbase is amazing,” Ritchie said. “I hear that it is one of the best in USL League One, and I’m happy to represent the city of Richmond.

“When I met with Darren, we talked for a long time and he expressed his interest in me and that he was excited to see what I can do on the field. He made me feel wanted and that was exactly what I was looking for.”
 
After growing up playing youth soccer in Northern California and spending one season in the San Jose Earthquakes’ academy, Ritchie made the move to Groningen at age 16. While growing up in the system that produced the likes of Arjen Robben and Virgil van Dijk, Ritchie progressed quickly, playing one season with the U17s before moving up to the U19 team at the beginning of the 2018-19 season. He would transition into the U23 team shortly after and would close out the season training with Gronigen’s first team and playing in friendly matches.
Ritchie’s development in Holland sharpened his ability to distribute and circulate play in compact spaces which caught the eyes of US Soccer. He was called up to the U-18 MNT for the U18 Summit Camp in the summer of 2018 where he played as the starting left back in camp and had the opportunity to face off against CONCACAF rivals Costa Rica. 

He would be called up again for the U-20 MNT in late 2019. While in camp, the team played multiple friendlies in the Czech Republic where the team faced off against the hosts as well as Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary.
During the summer of 2019, Ritchie made the move to Hannover 96 in central Germany after the club expressed interest in the left back and American Hannover players Sebastian Soto and Chris Gloster sold Ritchie on the club. He played the most minutes of any U19 player that season while also being called up for the U23 matchday squad, however, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season early. An injury sidelined most of Ritchie’s 2020-21 season, but he stayed in Germany to rehab and continue developing the mental side of his game.
 
With his experiences in Holland and Germany under his belt, Ritchie is focused on keeping the controllables in perspective as he prepares to make his full professional debut with the Reds.
 
“I take every day as it comes, I’m only thinking of the present,” Ritchie said. “I just want to get back to playing and showing what I can do as a player in Richmond. For me personally, I want to play as much as possible and get as many assists as possible coming from the left back position.
 
“I saw that the Kickers did well last year. I want to help push for a title and win the league.”
 
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Stuart Ritchie for the 2022 USL League One season on January 25, 2022.

Juan Pablo Monticelli Announces His Retirement

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Kickers defender Juan Pablo Monticelli is tying a bow on an eight-year professional career, announcing his retirement from soccer to pursue new ventures outside of the game in the business world.
 
“Being able to play my last professional season in Richmond was an amazing experience,” Monticelli said. “The coaching staff, ownership, players, and fans were all so welcoming and humble from the first day to the last day. Richmond will always be a special place for me. Thank you to everyone that made my last season so memorable.”

Monticelli quickly earned a fan-favorite status in his only season with the Kickers. The defender scored in his debut at New England Revolution II on April 17, 2021. In the dying moments of the first half, Monticelli crashed into the box on a corner kick and beat the keeper to double the lead for the Reds as they went on to win the match 3-0.
He grew to love a match against Revs II as he would also score his second goal of the season against the MLS affiliate. Again, with the first half waning, Monticelli would capitalize on a set piece – this time to retake the lead for the Reds. The defender quickly raced over to Section O to celebrate his first City Stadium goal in front of the Red Army. The Kickers would go on to win the match 3-2, and Monticelli would mark the celebrations by waving the City of Richmond flag with the home supporters.

“Monti came in last year and quickly established himself as a hard-nosed left back for us during preseason,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, “His relentless bite and full personality will be missed on the field and in the locker room. We wish him the greatest of luck in his new adventure and he is welcome here anytime as one of the Reds.”
Monticelli finished the 2021 season with 18 appearances while playing 1,357 minutes. He proved to be a gritty defender capable of playing as a left outside back as well as tucking in as a centerback when needed. He ranked top 5 amongst his teammates in aerial duels won (24), interceptions (34), blocks (11), and clearances (46).
 
The 24-year-old hangs his boots up after an eight-year career that saw him also play in both the FC Dallas and Orlando City systems of the MLS as well as multiple years playing in Mexico.
 
The Richmond Kickers wish Monti all the best in his future endeavors. Once a Red, always a Red.

Stephen Payne Brings European Experience to Richmond’s Backline

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of defender Stephen Payne for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
 
“Stephen has some experience as a young pro that we were looking to add this year,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He has played internationally and he is comfortable in a couple positions on the field. He gets involved in the attack well from deep positions and he can play up a line attacking from the flank. We think he will play an important role for us this year as we continue to grow the culture and the level for the fans at City Stadium.” 
 
Payne joins the Kickers after spending the first four years of his professional career playing in Portugal; most recently playing for Vilaverdense in Portugal’s third division. He now returns to the states ready to start the next stage of his career after gaining valuable experience overseas.
“What stood out from other teams to me was the fan base and the culture within Richmond,” Payne said. “Coach Darren talked with me that he wants to build a championship team, but he also wants to get players involved in the community.”
 
“I’m ready to give everything for my teammates, the club, and the city of Richmond for a successful 2022.”
 
Payne is a versatile player that has built his soccer career playing out wide. He first began as a forward before transitioning to an outside back, and he enjoyed the position change to playing deeper as it allowed him to always keep his eyes on goal. He uses his experience as a forward as an advantage when marking on defense to anticipate the actions of opponents.
Payne caught the eyes of US Soccer as he was coming up as a youth player. He earned two invitations to the U-18 men’s national team camps in 2014. While in camp, Payne had the opportunity to play in a top CONCACAF rivalry match against Canada. The Stars and Stripes went on to win the match against the Canucks 2-1. He earned one call up to the U-20s camp in London in April 2017 as the team prepared for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
 
As Payne grew as a player, he had the opportunity to attend trials in France and Italy in 2015 before signing his first contract with Estoril’s second team in Portugal. He would move to Varzim’s second team the following season and work his way up to the club’s first team where he was able to gain significant experience in the Portuguese second division.
 
In June 2019, first division side Portimonense completed a transfer for Payne from Varzim. He would have the opportunity to play in friendlies and train with the first team while a member of the club. To get additional playing time, Payne was loaned to Mafra in the Portuguese second division, but the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in Spring 2020 would force the league to cancel the remainder of the season.
 
When play resumed in the lower divisions of Portugal last season, Payne made one last loan move to Vilaverdense to gain more opportunities to play while finishing out his contract.
“Playing in Portugal, getting experience in the first and second division really made me grow playing with high-quality players,” Payne said. “I’m looking forward to continuing learning and bringing my experience to help the team.”
 
Prior to turning professional, Payne played one season of college soccer at UCLA in 2015. As a freshman, Payne played in 13 matches while notching one goal and one assist. Payne’s assist set up the dramatic equalizer in UCLA’s 4-3 comeback win over UC Irvine that saw the Bruins score four unanswered. His lone goal tally came when he converted from the penalty spot in a 4-0 rout over San Diego State.
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Stephen Payne for the 2022 USL League One season on January 20, 2022.

Calvo Brings His Hard-Nosed Defensive Style Back To The Kickers Defense

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Esteban Calvo to the River City after the versatile defender’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.
 
“Esteban had a solid year for us in 2021 and he played a lot in the right back spot for the year,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We are looking for him to grow in the system and continue with the work he did in 2021 as we want to build and grow as a group for the 2022 season.   He has a particular bite to his game that fits with the culture in Richmond, it will be great to have him fighting with us again this year.”

Calvo made his Kickers debut in a 2-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC on May 8, 2021. Starting with the match against Tormenta, Calvo anchored the right side of the Kickers’ defense for nine of the team’s 10 clean sheets in 2021. The Costa Rican defender went on to start all 24 matches he appeared in while amassing 2,028 minutes played – ranking seventh-most among Kickers’ outfield players. 
“Coming back for a second season in Richmond is exciting,” Calvo said. “Last year, we had a good year, but we were left with a bitter taste at the end of the year. This upcoming year we have to prove ourselves and be more consistent. I’m excited for what 2022 brings, and I’m sure great things await.”
 
He continued, “This season we will have new players but it doesn’t mean our culture will change. Returning guys will carry the culture and pass it forward, and we will perfect it. Returning players or new players, it’s a new season and we start from zero. We will do everything in our power to reach our goal no matter what, but we can only do it all together; players, staff, and fans, we are all Richmond.”
 
In his first season with the Kickers, Calvo developed into a reliable outside defender finishing as one of the team’s top performers in all defensive statistics. 

He thrived when challenging opposing forwards one-on-one and led all Kickers defenders with 25 tackles won at a 66 percent success rate. Calvo would also finish in the top 3 amongst Kickers defenders in interceptions (35) and duels won (105).
Calvo has focused on improving his game in the offseason and determining his goals for himself and for the squad.
 
“One of the goals is being more consistent as a team,” Calvo said. “We had ups and downs last year and we learned from that. Hopefully, we get the title this year so we can all celebrate together with the fans. 

“Individually, I want to do everything I can to help the team in any way. Last year I hit a tough spot in the middle of the season where I didn’t feel 100 percent. I want to make sure this year that doesn’t happen. I am working harder on my form and doing everything I can to limit my mistakes.”
Now, going into his second season, Calvo is looking forward to strengthening the home-field advantage enjoyed by the Kickers at City Stadium and the bond created with the supporters.

“Playing at City Stadium is always great,” Calvo said. “The field is great and so is the Red Army. Our fans are incredible and they always support us regardless of the situation. Teams fear us at home and it should be that way; they have to know it’s our home and they have to respect it. We always do our best to protect our house.”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers exercise Esteban Calvo’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 18, 2022.

Reigning Back-to-Back League MVP Terzaghi Returns For A Third Season In Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of reigning back-to-back USL League One Most Valuable Player, reigning back-to-back USL League One Golden Boot winner, and 2022 RVA Sports Awards Male Athlete of the Year nominee Emiliano Terzaghi for his third-straight season with the club.
 
“To be a league MVP and Golden Boot winner takes special talent and a hunger for the game,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “To replicate these titles two years in a row in any league takes a special person. Emiliano is aligned and synonymous with the new edition of the Richmond Kickers and having him return to the culture here to build on the past two years is amazing.  
 
“We are excited to further our long-term plan in 2022 and Emiliano is a big piece of that project. Having Emiliano and his family with us is important as we build the long-term version of the Richmond Kickers.”
In his first two seasons in Richmond, Terzaghi has planted his flag as USL League One’s marquee player after consecutive seasons earning league MVP awards and finishing as the league’s goal-scoring leader along with countless team of the week honors. 
 
In 2021, Terzaghi earned Cleer Audio Player of the Month honors during the months of July and October, and he was regularly featured in the league’s weekly honors earning Cleer Audio Player of the Week in week 13 as well as recognition in the Cleer Audio Team of the Week during weeks 5, 17, 19, 25, 26, 28, and 30.
 
“Estoy muy feliz de quedarme en el club que lo siento como mi casa! Esperamos darle muchas alegrías a los fanáticos luchando para llevar a los kickers a lo más alto de la liga!”

“I am very happy to stay in the club that feels like my home,” Terzaghi said. “We hope to bring joy to the fans fighting to lead the Kickers to the top of the league.”
Terzaghi led the Kickers by example and as a co-captain alongside recently-retired Kickers’ defender Ivan Magalhães during the 2021 season. The Argentine talisman delivered 18 goals, including six game-winners, averaging a goal every 133.4 minutes. At the most important time of the season, Terzaghi bagged four game-winners and a brace during the Kickers’ five-match winning streak late in the season that propelled the club into the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season.

Almost as impressive as his lethal goal-scoring threat is Terzaghi’s offensive efficiency. While leading the league with 72 shots and placing 42 shots on target, Terzaghi would finish the season with a 25 percent conversion rate which led the Kickers and exceeded his expected goals (xG=17). Terzaghi’s hustle, intelligence, and positional awareness allowed him to score 17 of his 18 goals from inside the 18-yard box. Beyond his prolific scoring, Terzaghi averaged almost one chance created per game, and along with setting the new single-season goal-scoring record and becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer in 2021 (28 career goals), he also assisted two goals, including the game winner against North Texas SC on July 3, 2021.
On top of the league accolades and record-setting statistics, Terzaghi recently earned local recognition from the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s inaugural RVA Sports Awards. He is currently nominated for Male Athlete of the Year alongside VCU men’s basketball alumnus Na’Shon “Bones” Hyland and Sportable’s Chris Marston. The award winners will be announced at the official awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, February 5.
With his objectives set for his third season in Richmond and the club’s historic 30th consecutive season, Terzaghi is itching to get back in front of the River City Red Army who awarded him the David Bulow Memorial Most Valuable Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons.
 
“El objetivo es pelear por ganar la liga la última temporada estuvimos cerca y sabemos lo que tenemos que mejorar para poder estar aún más cerca!
 
“No puedo esperar para volver a ver los a todos los fanáticos en el estadio de la ciudad cada los días de juego!” 
 
“The objective is to fight to win the league,” Terzaghi said. “Last season we were close and we know what we have to improve to be even closer.
 
“I can’t wait to see all the fans at the City Stadium again every game day!”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers retain Emiliano Terzaghi for the 2022 USL League One season on January 13, 2022.

Crisler Returns to Anchor the Kickers Backline

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Jalen Crisler after the veteran centerback’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.

“Jalen was a valuable leader in our group this past season as a constant on our backline,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He continually rose to the occasion when needed, and his growth was consistent over the course of the year.  We will look to Jalen as a veteran leader in the 2022 squad as we chase the postseason.”

Crisler was a constant for the Reds during the 2021 season as the Everett, Wash. native started 28 matches in the Kickers backline. His 2,432 minutes played ranked the highest of any outfield player on the team.
“I could not be more excited to be returning to Richmond for year two,” Crisler said. “The Richmond family from top to bottom is an organization that cares. I felt welcomed and trusted by the staff and organization from day one. They gave me an opportunity last year, and I can’t wait to represent the city of Richmond for another year and play in front of the best fans in the league.”
 
In his first season in the River City, Crisler was a part of a suffocating Richmond backline that finished tied for second in USL League One with 10 clean sheets. He was instrumental in negating danger in the penalty area as he ranked first on the team with a whopping 86 aerial duels won while finishing tied for first on the team with 33 blocks and finishing second on the team with 125 clearances.

On the attacking end, Crisler proved to be a threat on set-pieces thanks to his combination of size and positional awareness. This was best exemplified during the Kickers’ home match on June 19, 2021, when they hosted eventual title winners Union Omaha. Down a goal late in the second half, Zaca Moran served up a free kick from the left wing towards the far post. Crisler rose up above his marker and headed the ball on frame that ricocheted off an Omaha defender and into the back of the net for the equalizer.
 
Looking to build upon a strong first season in Richmond where he earned USL League One Team of the Week honors in Weeks 7 and 15 and helped lead the Kickers to its first playoff appearance since 2016, Crisler is hungry for more: “Last year we made strides as the year progressed, but the season did not finish as we had hoped,” Crisler said. “I am very excited for us to continue to grow the winning culture that Darren and the staff have laid out. I can’t wait for preseason to start so we can get back to working together to achieve our ultimate goal of bringing more silverware to the fans and city of Richmond.”
 
With an offseason to reflect, Crisler is raring to get back out on the City Stadium pitch to anchor the defense for the club’s historic 30th consecutive season.
 
“Playing at City Stadium is always an honor,” Crisler said. “The fans, and especially the Red Army, always bring the energy and noise to help us. We had a great home record last year and that is in large part due to the fans, field crew, and everyone behind the scenes that allow us to succeed. We must continue to win at City Stadium and make it one of the hardest places for opponents to play. With the pieces we have returning and the new players we have added, I am extremely excited to get going. I know we will continue to work and grow together to achieve our goals. I am looking forward to a very successful 2022 season for the Richmond Kickers!”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers exercise Jalen Crisler’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 11, 2022.

Moran Set to Hold Down the Kickers Midfield in 2022

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Zaca Moran after the midfielder’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.
 
“Zaca was a steady force for us this past season and we are looking to him to lead more and more this season with his experience,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “His adjustment to the American game came quickly, and his presence will be paramount to what we are looking to accomplish in 2022. Having a vocal player with his bite and a year under his belt allows us to build on the work we have done as we chase titles in Richmond.”

La máquina (the machine) enjoyed a fruitful first season in Richmond as he started all 26 matches he appeared in, amassing 2,317 minutes played – fourth most of any outfield player.
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity of being part of this club again,” Moran said. “Grateful of the staff and each person in the club who do their best on game days so that we have all the tools to do our best on the field. I’m convinced that it’s going to be a great year.
 
“I’m really happy to return to the Richmond Kickers family for another year. I’m excited to start the preseason, set goals and work to achieve them.”

Moran provided a metronomic consistency to the Kickers’ engine room as he thrived in a holding role. The former River Plate man led the team with an 80 percent passing accuracy while almost 78 percent of his passes went forward to transition the team from defense to attack. He would add three assists to his tally which finished tied for second on the team.
USL League One awarded Moran weekly honors during Weeks 3 and 27 with Moran’s performances in Week 27 proving vital in the club making its first playoff appearance since 2016.

The week began with Moran clamping down on Forward Madison in a midweek 1-0 win for the Kickers against a fellow playoff hopeful. He would lead the Kickers in passes in the opponent’s half, tackles, and blocks while winning 100 percent of his aerial duels. Then, four days later on the weekend, Moran would deliver one of the goals of the year – and the league’s October goal of the month – from outside of the box to spark a comeback and propel the Reds to a 2-1 win on the road against North Texas SC.
 
Looking ahead to a second season playing in the United States and for the Richmond Kickers, Moran is motivated to help push the club to new heights in its historic 30th consecutive season.
 
“The previous year we ended the season with an empty feeling because we couldn’t play in the USL League One Final,” Moran said. “I believe this year we must work harder and train ourselves mentally to be able to achieve this objective as a team. And personally, I will keep on working so I can help the team on and off the field.

“Last year I had great feelings playing at City Stadium. The support from the fans has been incredible and we must play for them in each game. They deserve it!”
 
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers pick up Zaca Moran’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 6, 2022.

Vinyals Returns to the Kickers Engine Room for 2022

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Nil Vinyals after the midfielder’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.

“Nil is a special player that can control the tempo of a game and give you that special pass that breaks down a defense,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We are looking forward to watching him continue to grow and lead here in Richmond. He fits the culture here with his professional approach, it will be exciting to watch him buzz in the midfield and lead the young guns.”
Last year, Vinyals slotted right into the Kickers’ lineup in his first season with the club. The Barcelona native started 25 of his 27 appearances and finished with the fifth-most minutes played of the Kickers’ outfield players. He returns to Richmond primed to pull the strings for Sawatzky during the club’s historic 30th consecutive season.
 
“I’m excited to come back to such a professional and historic club,” Vinyals said. “I’m thankful for the trust that the coaching staff has demonstrated all along, and I’m eager to keep building a winning culture that supports a structured brand of soccer.

“My goal and the team’s goal is to attain a level of consistency that allows us to fight for every title that we are in.” 
Vinyals thrived in the role of the team’s facilitator, leading the Reds with four assists and 51 chances created – ranking fifth-best in the league for chances created. His performances were recognized by USL League One’s weekly honors twice when Vinyals was named Player of the Week during Week 9 and was named to the Team of the Week during Week 25.

The Week 9 Player of the Week award highlighted an exceptional night when the Kickers earned a 3-2 victory over New England Revolution II on June 5. Vinyals served up the ‘hockey assist’ for the Kickers’ first goal in the opening 27 seconds of play – the fastest goal scored by the club since joining USL League One – before assisting the final two goals including the game winner.
 
With a full season and his first playoff appearance under his belt, Vinyals is looking to build on the 2021 campaign and push for more in front of the City Stadium faithful.
 
“Playing in front of the Red Army, the best supporters in the league, is something that I never take for granted,” Vinyals said. “Last year we were very strong at home and that has to continue if we want to win a title in 2022.”
 
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers pick up Nil Vinyals’ contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 4, 2022.

USL League One Unveils 2022 Regular Season Schedule

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced its competition structure and full schedule for the 2022 season, with the league’s fourth season bringing a balanced 30-game slate set to be played across 28 weeks when the season begins on Saturday, April 2 next spring. Throughout the 2022 campaign, 84-percent of League One matches are slated to be played on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

The 30-game schedule is the longest in League One’s history and will see the 11 teams – including three newcomers to the league – face off against each other three times throughout the regular season. The top six teams in the final regular season standings will then advance to the 2022 USL League One Playoffs.

Central Valley Fuego FC will be the first of three newcomers to feature on the field as it opens the season on the road against three-time League One Finalist Greenville Triumph SC. The game is part of a four-game slate on opening day that also sees a postseason rematch as the Richmond Kickers play host to FC Tucson, while Chattanooga Red Wolves SC will host Forward Madison FC and new Head Coach Matt Glaeser, and South Georgia Tormenta FC will host North Carolina FC.

Defending title-holders Union Omaha will begin their campaign on the road the following weekend as they visit Forward Madison FC at Breese Stevens Field. Newcomers the Charlotte Independence, meanwhile, will host their first game in League One against Fuego FC on Friday, April 8 before Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC makes its opening bow against the Richmond Kickers on April 9.

Central Valley will host its inaugural home opener on Saturday, May 7 as it squares off for the second time with Greenville Triumph SC, while Northern Colorado will open its home at Future Legends Complex in Windsor, Colorado against North Carolina FC on Wednesday, June 8. League One will also see South Georgia Tormenta FC open its permanent home during the new campaign, adding to the outstanding new venues currently being built and opened across the USL ecosystem.

The season will conclude on Saturday, October 15 with a five-game slate of action including an in-state battle between the Charlotte Independence and North Carolina FC and Union Omaha playing host to Central Valley Fuego FC.

The 2022 USL League One Playoffs will begin on the weekend of October 21-23 with the No. 3 seed set to play host to the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed to play host to the No.5 seed in the Quarterfinals. The lower remaining seed will then advance to face the No. 1 seed in the Semifinals, with the No. 2 seed to host the higher remaining seed from the opening round. 

The 2022 USL League One Final will be held between November 4-6 at the home venue of the higher remaining seed as the league concludes its campaign.

For more information on USL League One, visit the league website at www.uslleagueone.com, or follow the league on social media @USLLeagueOne via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Matt Bentley Joins the Richmond Forward Line

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Minnesota United MLS SuperDraft pick and Lionsbridge FC forward Matt Bentley for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
 
“Matt Bentley has scored goals wherever he has played,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We saw him up close this past season and he has been on our list for the 2022 season. He brings a solid soccer acumen, ability to take players on and stretch defenses, and he finishes the chances he creates. He will be another weapon in the attack for us.”
The London native caught the eyes of the Kickers’ technical staff following a fruitful 2021 campaign at the USL League Two side. Playing just over an hour’s drive down I64, Bentley bagged nine (9) goals and three (3) assists in 16 appearances. Following the conclusion of the 2021 League Two season, Bentley accepted an invitation to train with the Kickers’ first team during the summer months.
 
“Training in the summer with the Kickers was cool and it was nice to be back in that full team environment again after Covid had ruined my 2020 year footballing wise,” Bentley said. “I trained well the first couple of days and I’m quite a sociable person so I got along with a lot of the team quickly and that made training a lot easier.”
 
He continued, “After training with the team, Coach Sawatzky said he wanted me for 2022 and stayed true to his word. Having the faith of the manager always encourages you to sign for a team.”
Bentley was an exceptional college soccer player at Missouri State University, picking up Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors while finishing as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist as one of the top players in Division I soccer in 2019. 
 
The forward scored 15 goals including six (6) game-winning goals during his landmark senior season. The MSU Bears would earn a top-10 ranking while finishing as a finalist in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and taking No. 8 University of Central Florida to the brink in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament. 

Bentley was selected in the fourth round (88th overall) in the MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC.
“I think I offer a different option going forward for sure in terms of movement in behind, dribbling with the ball and, ultimately, finishing,” Bentley said. “I’m a very direct player and my first thought is always to go forward. This should blend in well with the creative players we already have in the team. 
 
The signing of Bentley marks the second time a Lionsbridge FC player has made the move inland after goalkeeper Joe Rice signed with the Kickers in 2019. 
 
“We are very pleased for Matthew,” Lionsbridge FC Head Coach Chris Whalley said. “He had a terrific season for Lionsbridge last summer and we look forward to following his success with the Kickers in USL League One.”
 
Bentley says he is excited to take the pitch and replicate his goal scoring and goal creating success as the Kickers build upon the success of the 2021 season that saw the Reds make their first playoff appearance since 2016.
 
He added, “the goals for 2022 are simple really. Win it all!”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! Reserve your spot at City Stadium, today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets! 
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
 
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Matt Bentley for the 2022 USL League One season on December 16, 2021.

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