The veteran goalkeeper leaves Richmond and USL League One as one of the most decorated players of the era
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers announce that Akira Fitzgerald, Kickers’ goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach and one of the most decorated USL League One players in league history, returns to USL Championship club, North Carolina FC.
The 36-year-old leaves Richmond as one of the Kickers’ longest-tenured players after initially signing for the club ahead of the 2019 USL League One season. He now returns to NCFC where he previously kicked off his professional career with the then-Carolina Railhawks, playing there from 2011-2016.
In five seasons, Fitzgerald joined the pantheon of goalkeepers to represent the Kickers’ badge as he won 2021 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year honors, was named a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019 and 2022, set the then-single season record for saves in a season (105) in 2022, and became the first player in USL League One history to make 100 regular-season appearances.
On top of his saves record in 2022, Fitzgerald commanded a defense that conceded the second-fewest goals in the league as the team went on to win the 2022 USL League One Players’ Shield for winning the regular season. It was the first time the Kickers had won a regular-season title since 2013.
He started all 123 of his total appearances in USL League One including the 2021 USL League One Playoffs Quarterfinal and the 2022 USL League One Playoffs Semifinal in City Stadium which were the Kickers’ first playoff appearances since 2016 and the Kickers’ first home playoff match since 2014, respectively. He played 11,012 minutes, made 363 saves, held a 1.34 goals against average, and posted 31 clean sheets.
Fitzgerald also assumed the role as the club’s goalkeeping coach ahead of the 2021 season with multiple players developing under his tutelage to make a greater impact in Richmond or elsewhere.
Will Palmquist stepped into a more prominent role between the pipes during the 2023 season, starting 10 of 11 regular-season appearances while maintaining three clean sheets and posting a 72 percent save percentage.
Former Kickers’ keeper Austin Causey earned his professional debut with the Kickers during the 2022 season before signing with fellow USL League One club, Lexington SC, and making multiple starts.
Eli Mumford earned an athletic scholarship in June 2023 to the University of Pittsburgh’s Division I men’s soccer team after developing in Richmond on a USL Academy contract from the beginning of the 2022 season. The team then signed 17-year-old James Sneddon in June 2023 to a USL Academy contract from Richmond United, and he developed as the third keeper on the Kickers’ roster, making his debut in July 2023 during the club’s international friendly against Guatemalan giants Comunicaciones FC.
The Richmond Kickers thank Akira Fitzgerald for his exemplary work in service to the club and wish him and his family well as he makes his return up to the USL Championship. Once a Red, always a Red.
Akira Fitzgerald said:
“The last five years in Richmond have been some of the best times of my career and life. I’m so proud of the things we have achieved on the field, especially winning the regular season title in 2022, and I am so grateful for the relationships that I have made off of it. Darren and the club trusted me to lead the goalkeeping department and seeing the growth of every goalkeeper who I’ve had the privilege of working with has been such a joy.”
“I have had some hard moments off the field during my time here but have always felt so supported by the club and that is something that truly shows how wonderful a place Richmond is. The best part of being a Richmond Kicker is playing in front of our fans at City Stadium. They are some of the most passionate fans that I have had the privilege to play in front of and it was an absolute honor to wear the jersey and represent them and this city. Thank you all for your unwavering support during the good times and the hard times, your love is so special and truly makes a difference for every player who gets to step on that beautiful field. Although I will be moving on to the next chapter in my career and life, Richmond will always hold a special place in my heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if our paths cross again in the future.”
Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:
“It has been a pleasure working with Akira the past few years here in Richmond. He has been the model pro for so many younger players and his play has kept us in contention for trophies. We will miss him on the field and guiding us in the locker room. As he and his family take a step back up and back into his old stomping grounds, we support him and wish him well.”
Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said:
“Akira has been an incredible teammate since he first arrived back in 2019. While his on-field performances demonstrated that he is the best USL League One goalkeeper, we were more impressed with his commitment to the RVA community, serving as a role model and mentor for both his teammates and young goalkeepers in the area. We are excited to help facilitate his return to the USL Championship, allowing him to be closer to family while continuing to compete at a high level.”
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TRANSACTION: Akira Fitzgerald moves up to USL Championship club, North Carolina FC, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
