RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, March 8, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed midfielder Cameron Vickers for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“Richmond is a player’s dream being one of the most historic clubs in U.S. Soccer,” commented Vickers. “Darren is a winner! I’ve known him for a long time and he’s won everywhere he’s gone, so I’m grateful to be a part of that. I came here to win a championship; anything less is a bust.”
The 2021 season will serve as Vickers’ ninth year playing professionally. The experienced veteran most recently played with the Philadelphia Fury where he featured during their Fall Showcase. Before making the move to Philly, he helped lead FC Motown to a conference championship and the national championship final in 2019. Prior to that, Vickers scored five goals in nine games with Atlantic City FC in 2018.
“I have known Cam a long time and he has grown into a veteran player with the ability to take guys on and create chances in games,” said Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “Adding another attacking weapon with a veteran presence helps grow the culture here with the Kickers. The fans at City Stadium are going to love watching Cam buzz down the sidelines.”
Spending the majority of his career in the USL Championship, Vickers played for many opponents of the Kickers throughout the years and averaged either a goal or an assist almost every one of those seasons. He began at Phoenix FC Wolves in 2013, making 13 appearances for the club and netting a goal and two assists. A year later, Vickers went on to play in 24 matches at Dayton Dutch Lions FC. Vickers made the move to indoor following the 2014 USL Championship season, having a run with the Tacoma Stars, playing under Sawatzky as his coach.
Returning to the Phoenix area in 2015, Vickers joined Arizona United for a season. In 2016, Vickers found himself playing alongside current Kickers midfielder Matt Bolduc at the Harrisburg City Islanders. He was on the roster for Reno 1868 FC the next year — a club that reached third in the Western Conference in their inaugural season and a spot in the USL Championship Playoffs.
The Auburn, Washington native was a vital playmaker for the Sonoma State University Seawolves during his three seasons at the school. Playing in 68 matches, he finished his college career with nine goals and an astonishing 31 assists. In his first year, Vickers was named the CCAA Newcomer of the Year, after being second in the conference with 10 assists. He would go on to earn Second Team All-CCAA and Third Team NSCAA All-West Region accolades.
Growing up in the Seattle area, Sawatzky got his first looks at Vickers, especially when he joined the Tacoma Tide. Vickers played for the club during all three of his collegiate seasons making 45 appearances and scoring six goals. In 2012, he would face off against Sawatzky after joining the Portland Timbers U23, going on to play in 15 matches and find the back of the net on four occasions.
Finally reunited with his old coach, Vickers is raring to represent his new home in RVA and show off his abilities honed in the Pacific Northwest.
“I came here to help win titles and to prove I’m one of the best in my position in the league,” Vickers said. “I’m here to score goals, create chances, and win games!
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