RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, April 11, 2013) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Major League Soccer forward and Zimbabwean International Joseph Ngwenya, pending USSF approval.
“We are excited to bring Joe to Richmond,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “He’s a proven goalscorer with a wealth of MLS and international experience. He has all the qualities to be a very dangerous forward for us this season. We look forward to him joining the team in time for the Battery match.”
Ngwenya brings eight years of professional experience to Richmond, having begun his career when he was chosen third overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by Los Angeles Galaxy. After making 38 appearances in LA over two seasons, he was traded to Columbus Crew where he played 20 games, tallying five goals and two assists in 2006. One year later, he helped the Houston Dynamo win the 2007 MLS Cup at RFK Stadium, scoring the first goal in a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. Following the season, he moved to Austria and then Turkey before rejoining Houston in 2010 to make 12 appearances and score once. D.C. United selected Ngwenya with the first pick in the inaugural MLS Re-Entry Draft, where he made 16 appearances with the Black-and-Red in 2011.
Setting Coastal Carolina University records in goals (66) and points (164), Ngwenya finished third in school history in assists (32). Leading the Big South in points, goals and assists as a senior, the 2003 Hermann Trophy finalist was named Soccer America National Player of the Year, Soccer Times National Player of the Year, Big South Player of the Year, NCASS/adidas All-America First Team and Big South Scholar Athlete of the Year.
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