USL League One News

Argentine Midfielder Leonardo Baima Set To Create For Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Leonardo Baima for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

“We are always looking for attacking options that complement the way we have scored goals here over the past couple years,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “Leo is a proven left-sided player at the highest level in Argentina and he compliments a couple of players we have here well. He can play a few different spots well so we are very excited to have a player of his pedigree join our club. You should see an immediate impact from him as we get started in 2022.”

The San Jorge, Argentina native has enjoyed a career that began at the world-renowned Boca Juniors before additional stops in Argentina’s first and second division, Paraguay, and Croatia over his 10-year career.

Most recently, Baima played for Club Atlético Central Norte in Argentina’s third division. He joined the club in the spring of 2021 and quickly impacted the squad, including converting a decisive penalty in only his third start for the club that secured a point for Central Norte.

The veteran midfielder was quick to enlist in the Kickers’ evolving dressing room culture as the club was coming off its first playoff appearance since the 2016 season and was home to the back-to-back USL League One Most Valuable Player and fellow Argentine, Emiliano Terzaghi.

“When the Richmond Kickers approached me, I didn’t hesitate because I liked the club a lot,” Baima said. “They also have the most valuable player, Emiliano, who is Argentine.”

Baima is a versatile player that excels at connecting play with a left foot capable of making a pass anywhere on the pitch. In transition, he has the agility to progress the ball forward quickly and is comfortable interchanging positions in build-up to create chances in the attack.

“My style is ball possession and shooting from outside the area and from set-pieces,” Baima said. “I seek to be able to help with the creation of the team’s play.”

After playing for some of the oldest and historic clubs in Argentina, Baima now joins one of the most historic clubs in American soccer as it prepares to celebrate its 30th consecutive season. He is excited to experience the atmosphere at City Stadium and add to the team as it pushes for its first USL League One title.

“The fans are passionate about their players, and that is felt when they play at home – it is an extra motivation,” Baima said. “I hope to adapt quickly to be able to help the team to achieve the championship since they were very close to achieving it the last two seasons.”

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 Leonardo Baima for the 2022 USL League One season on February 3, 2022.

Bolanos Is Back

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of forward Jonathan Bolanos for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

“Jono scored some good goals in 2021 and was more and more intentional in his play,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “There is no reason he can’t get into the fight in the goal-scoring categories in 2022. He was an important piece of the puzzle to get back this year, and we are happy to have him continue his growth here in Richmond. We see him running at defenses, unbalancing the opposition, and creating chances at the highest level this year.”

After an encouraging rookie campaign during the truncated 2020 season, Bolanos took another step forward in 2021, starting 25 matches in 29 appearances including a start in the Kickers’ first playoff match since 2016. He was a fixture on the matchday team sheet as he finished the season with 2,101 minutes played, ranking seventh on the team.

“Re-signing with Richmond means the world to me,” Bolanos said. “I’m truly grateful to play another year for a great club and in front of the best fans in the league. The Kickers made my dream of becoming a professional come true and I could not be happier to re-sign for another year.”

Bolanos will look to improve upon a sophomore season that saw him as a key contributor on the attacking end. He ranked second on the team with five goals scored while notching one assist. Combining straight-line speed with the ability to cut inside and turn defenders around, Bolanos was able to create 40 chances which ranked second on the team.

Both Sawatzky and Bolanos are expecting another year of evolution for the 23-year-old.

“I am looking forward to developing my game in the right direction this season,” Bolanos said. “The goal is to get better every day, every game. If one focuses on what they can control the results can be unlimited.

“Making better decisions in front of goal and being ruthless in the attack are two main points Darren has emphasized, which has helped me to become a better winger so far. Defensively, I feel I’ve grown as a player as well, learning and gaining experience to bolster that side of my game.”

Bolanos started the 2021 season with a bang, bagging the team’s first goal on the road at New England Revolution II. In the 35th minute, he made a blazing run in transition before smashing the ball into the onion bag at Gillette Stadium. The Kickers went on to win the match 3-0.

The Miramar, Fla. native sparked another key road win when the Kickers faced off at eventual USL League One finalists, Greenville Triumph SC, on August 22, 2021. In the opening minute of the second half, Bolanos received the ball from a Zaca Moran tackle and raced up the left wing. As he approached the penalty area, he cut inside and ripped a low-driven worm burner from outside the box that beat the keeper.

As the Kickers’ preseason gets ready to start, Bolanos is solely focused on taking the next step and making sure he and his teammates are the last ones standing in November.

“As an individual, my biggest goal is just to contribute every game in any way I can and give my best every day for the club and the fans. As a club, winning a trophy this season is the main and most important goal.”

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 re-sign Jonathan Bolanos for the 2022 USL League One season on February 2, 2022.

Cole Returns to Balance the Richmond Backline

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of defender Chris Cole after his contract option was exercised for the 2022 season.

“Chris had a great first professional season with us in 2021,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He worked incredibly hard to earn a roster spot and found himself in the starting lineup as we entered the postseason. We are looking for him to continue to grow and compete in 2022. His character and fight are a welcome piece of the culture in our locker room and his humor is first class.”

The Duvall, Wash. native started his career in Richmond as a trialist in early 2021 after impressing at the winter combine and in the preseason. His commitment to earning his first professional contract was undeniable as he commuted each day to Richmond from Virginia Beach while staying with family in the area. He signed with the club on April 29, 2021.

Cole’s impact was immediate as he nearly scored a go-ahead goal off the bench in his professional debut at Fort Lauderdale CF on May 2. He went on to make 15 starts in 19 appearances while amassing 1,366 minutes on the pitch. Six months after making his debut, Cole started on the left flank in the Kickers’ first playoff match since the 2016 season.

“The culture of this club and the energy in the city is truly special,” Cole said. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be this season than back in front of the Red Army at City Stadium!”

In his first season in Red, Cole showed off his skills as an attacking outside back with closing speed that allowed him to patrol both halves of the left side. He finished the season with one goal and two assists – both coming off crosses. On the defensive side, he ranked fifth on the team with 42 clearances while winning more than 65 percent of his tackles.

Cole earned his signature moment in front of the home supporters late in the season when he scored an equalizing set-piece header in the Kickers’ home finale against rivals Forward Madison FC. As Nil Vinyals’ corner kick service drifted to the back post from the left wing, Cole crashed into the six-yard area and leaped over his marker to steer the ball into the back of the net. The Kickers went on to win the match 3-2 and claim the Henny Derby for the second-straight season.

“I’m excited to build on last season and a productive off-season,” Cole said. “There’s a lot of talent across this league so we will have some good tests this year.

He continued, “We’ll continue to approach every day as an opportunity to get closer to our goal of lifting a trophy in November. Consistency will be an emphasis for me individually this year. With several players returning from last season along with a lot of incoming talent, we have the framework to do great things in 2022.”

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 Chris Cole’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on February 1, 2022.

Club Statement

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and defender Esteban Calvo mutually agree to part ways, terminating his contract for the 2022 season.

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 terminate Esteban Calvo’s contract for the 2022 USL League One season on February 1, 2022.

Pavone Returns for Fourth Season in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of Luke Pavone for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

“Luke has been the consummate teammate over the past two years for us in Richmond,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We have asked him to play different roles on the field and he has attacked each of them with the team in mind. We see him playing in attacking positions this year, getting after defenses with his incredible engine and personality. He is very much a Richmond Kicker and he epitomizes this every day with his professional attitude, competitive drive, and his influence on our culture.”

Pavone has been a constant presence in the Kickers’ dressing room since the 2019 season when he was brought in under then Head Coach David Bulow. Since joining the Reds, he has thrived in a Swiss Army Knife role, playing all over the field including as a forward and as an outside back.

“I take a lot of pride in playing for the most historic team in America,” Pavone said. “The club as a whole has become a second family to me, and I want to give back in every way I can on and off the pitch.”

The 26-year-old is best known for the intensity he brings to any role on the pitch. Mixing pace with endurance, Pavone relishes pressing defenders in a forward position before flying down the wings to track down opposing attackers in transition.

His versatility has shown in his two seasons under Sawatzky. During the 2020 season when he made 11 starts in 14 appearances, Pavone was utilized in a center forward role that allowed him to attack opposing defenses from the tip of the spear. He played additional roles in 2021 when early-season injuries required Pavone to play on the defense. He would finish the season with 21 appearances and six starts including his postseason debut at FC Tucson in the USL League One Quarterfinals.

The Rochester N.Y. native’s flexibility as a player has been emblematic of the new era of Kickers’ soccer. Pavone’s focus is solely on the team’s success as it looks to improve upon its 2021 finish that ended with its first postseason appearance since 2016.

“My individual goals always align with the team goals,” Pavone said. “For me, it’s about winning at the end of the day and chasing the trophy. We have created a culture with Darren the last few years that buys into that team-first mentality and that’s most important to me.”

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 re-sign Luke Pavone for the 2022 USL League One season on January 27, 2022.

Aune Returns to Richmond Hungry to Expand Role

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of defender Nathan Aune after his contract option was exercised for the 2022 season.

“We brought Nathan to Richmond to compete and lead from our backline,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He had a couple of unfortunate early season knocks in 2021 that kept him from consistent minutes, but the second half of the season saw him grow and give us the minutes we know he is capable of. His personality, competitive drive, and growth in the game make 2022 an exciting season to watch him perform. We expect Nathan to play a big role for us at City Stadium this season.”

Aune returns for a second season with the Reds after proving his ability to be a jack of all trades in 2021. While predominantly lining up as a centerback, Aune also showed off his dynamic athleticism in a holding midfielder role and even lining up as a striker when needed.

“I’m excited to return to such a great city and a deeply-rooted professional club,” Aune said. “I believe in this club, the coaches and players, and we are all invested in doing something special this year.

He continued, “My first season saw me featuring in a couple different positions and roles for the team. As the year went on I think I got to show my flexibility as a soccer player and that I will play any role for the club. Starting in a playoff game only made me more hungry to be in the lineup and help this team compete for trophies.”

The Everett, Wash. native made 15 appearances and four starts including a start in the Kickers’ playoff match at FC Tucson – the club’s first since the 2016 season.

One of Aune’s most memorable performances came at South Georgia Tormenta FC on July 24, 2021, when he was subbed on in the 30th minute following an injury. He patrolled the defensive half without conceding a foul and was involved in transition completing 70 percent of his passes in the opponent’s half as well as creating one chance. Aune was immense as the Kickers’ pulled off a stunning comeback to draw the hosts late after trailing 0-2 in the 63rd minute, and he was awarded the Keiter Player of the Match for his performance.

Now, the 25-year-old is looking to continue evolving his game and further emulating the culture set in the Kickers’ dressing room.

“My goal this year is to have a more consistent role within the squad, be a leader on the field and within the locker room, and do whatever is asked of me as a player,” Aune said. “This team’s goals are to compete for the USL League One title this year, and, with many players returning, we will be on the same page with that.”

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 Nathan Aune’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 26, 2022.

Richmond Kickers to Swap Home Dates with Charlotte Independence

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and Charlotte Independence have agreed to swap home dates in the clubs’ first season together as regional rivals in USL League One.

The home match at City Stadium against Charlotte on Saturday, April 23, 2022, will now be played in Charlotte on Friday, April 22.

The Kickers will host the Independence at City Stadium on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Times for both matches are still TBD.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

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.”

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.

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.

« Previous Page

Argentine Midfielder Leonardo Baima Set To Create For Richmond

Bolanos Is Back

Cole Returns to Balance the Richmond Backline

Club Statement

Pavone Returns for Fourth Season in Richmond

Aune Returns to Richmond Hungry to Expand Role

Richmond Kickers to Swap Home Dates with Charlotte Independence

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

Juan Pablo Monticelli Announces His Retirement

Stephen Payne Brings European Experience to Richmond’s Backline

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