RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, February 14, 2017) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the addition of three players, discovered at the club’s January open tryouts, with defender Evan Lee, midfielder Patrick McCann and goalkeeper Alex Wimmer agreeing to terms for the 2017 season, pending international clearance.
“Our January Tryout event was an overwhelming success as we secured three new additions to our squad,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “There are similarities between all three players. They have proven pro experience, are intelligent decision makers and all have the desire to elevate their careers to make an immediate impact for the Kickers in 2017.”
Lee signs with the Kickers after spending his rookie season with FC Cincinnati in 2016. Named FC Cincinnati Most Improved Player, the native of Toledo, Ohio made 14 appearances with the Kickers’ Eastern Conference rivals, amassing 323 minutes while contributing to eight shutouts en route to an Eastern Conference Quarterfinals finish during the club’s inaugural campaign.
A 6’4” defender, Lee was named North Coast Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio Wesleyan University in 2015 after backstopping the Battling Bishop defense that compiled nine shutouts and a 0.97 goals against average. Also contributing offensively, he tallied three goals and seven assists as a Senior, twice earning All-Region, First-Team All-Ohio and First-Team All-NCAC honors.
A native of Long Island, New York, McCann’s family ties to Ireland led him to kick off his professional career oversees when he signed with League of Ireland First Division side Finn Harps in 2013. The 6’0 midfielder made 35 appearances and notched seven goals over two seasons with the Harps before signing with Spanish side Brenes Balompie in Seville for a brief stint in 2015. Following a preseason trial with New York Red Bulls II in 2016, he returned to Ireland, signing with the Premier Division’s Sligo Rovers in August. He concluded the season with one goal in 10 appearances en route to Sligo’s fifth place finish.
A two-time captain at the College of the Holy Cross, McCann started 63 of 64 games, contributing two goals and five assists over four years. Awarded the Luke Dunivant Award his senior year for displaying outstanding courage, commitment and sportsmanship during his career, he was also a member of the Holy Cross Leadership Academy.
Wimmer signs with the Kickers following an extensive career in Europe, most recently spending the 2016 season with Sweden’s Division 2 side Karlslunds IF HFK. Prior to a stint with Swedish third division club Orebro Syrianska where he played 17 of 18 matches, he spent time in the English lower leagues while going on trial with Everton and West Bromwich Albion. Signing a youth contract with Middlesbrough at the age of 17, he opted to go to college at Ohio State University, starting 12 matches his senior year.
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