Written by Will Ridgard
The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that defender Braeden Troyer claimed his first Supporters’ Choice Most Valuable Player award, as voted by Kickers fans at the final regular season home game at City Stadium and via social media. Midfielder Yudai Imura was chosen as the runner-up.
“It is a great honor to receive this recognition, especially since I know many other players deserved it as well,” said Troyer, who joined the Kickers after impressing during the club’s Pro Tryouts in January 2015.
“I am extremely grateful to all of the fans who voted for me. More importantly, I want to thank everyone who has made my past two years with Richmond so wonderful.
“From family and friends across the U.S., teammates and coaches, Movement church friends, the Red Army, and parents of kids I’ve coached, along with the kids themselves, you all have been unbelievable and I appreciate your support.”
Boasting the third best defensive record in the 2016 USL Eastern Conference, and conceding 26 goals in 30 regular season games, the versatile player split time between the midfield and backline this season.
“I mostly played at left-back, but I also played at right-back and in central defensive midfield too,” added the South Carolina University graduate, who helped Richmond reach the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season and defeat Swansea City of the English Premier League.
“It’s just nice to play and get so many minutes, and I’m not even sure what my favorite position is anymore,” added Troyer. “I enjoy playing left-back, but it was good to move around and see what the other positions are like.”
“As a defensive unit, we have become a lot more comfortable, and having a core group (of players) has helped us do that.
“I must also say that every single goalkeeper (Richmond had as many as nine goalkeepers on the roster during the 2016 season) we had behind us was really good as well. They bought into how we did things, and testament must go to all of those guys as well.”
Following a successful season that saw the club carry a 10-game unbeaten streak into the postseason, the Kickers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Round of the 2016 USL Playoffs earlier this month, suffering a 2-0 loss at Louisville City.
“Making it to the playoffs was our first goal and we did that, but we all wanted to go further than we did and I think we definitely had the ability and talent to do that,” commented Troyer.
“Hopefully we can realize our potential in 2017. The fans are an integral part of the Richmond Kickers’ success. The Red Army’s non-stop energy is inspiring and gives us a massive home field advantage.”
The Supporter’s Choice MVP award dates back to the 2000 season when Kevin Knight claimed the inaugural honors. Former goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale earned the award twice, while midfielder Mike Burke swept the honors for six consecutive seasons. Prior honorees also include Marco Ferruzzi, Kevin Jeffrey, Luke Vercollone and Jason Yeisley.
