TAMPA, Fla. – (Friday, November 13, 2020) – Seeking a return to their former glory, the Richmond Kickers underwent an overhaul before the 2020 USL League One season.
In new arrival Emiliano Terzaghi, they found the centerpiece for a return to postseason contention. On Friday, the winner of the League One Golden Boot this year added the league’s Most Valuable Player award after an outstanding campaign that saw him record 10 goals and potentially start a new era of success at City Stadium.
The Argentine who began his career at Primera Division club Banfield became the first Kickers player since 2016 to record double-digit goals in a campaign as Richmond fell only four goals short of its goal total from the 2019 season in 12 fewer games. Terzaghi began as he intended to go on, scoring in his first appearance for the club against eventual title-winner Greenville Triumph SC.
What followed over August and much of September saw the Argentine rarely fail. Between August 8 and September 23, the 27-year-old scored in every appearance, notching eight goals in seven games across that span. Terzaghi was twice a finalist for the League One Player of the Month award and came away with victory in September as he took the lead in the race for the Golden Boot for good.
As the Kickers look to build on their best campaign since Yudai Imura’s 10 goals led them to the 2016 USL Championship Playoffs, Terzaghi in 2020 provided a stepping-stone to potential future success.
Terzaghi earned 53 percent of the vote to earn the award. Greenville Triumph SC’s Alex Morrell finished in second place with 26 percent, while Triumph SC teammate Dallas Jaye finished in third on 16 percent.
The 2020 USL League One Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2020 League One regular season.
2020 USL League One Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year: Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC
Defender of the Year: Brandon Fricke, Greenville Triumph SC
Coach of the Year: John Harkes, Greenville Triumph SC
Young Player of the Year: Chris Brady, Forward Madison FC
Most Valuable Player: Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers
USL League One Most Valuable Player
2019: Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC
