RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, March 10, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed midfielder Zev Taublieb for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“The 2020 season had many challenges and Zev suffered an unfortunate injury right at the time that his impact in our group was starting to blossom,” stated Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He has been working diligently to get ready for the 2021 season and as he progresses into full fitness, we will integrate him into our team. Zev’s experience across all levels in the American soccer pyramid as well as his international playing experience gives us another midfielder that can control the tempo of a game. We are pleased that Zev has returned and we can’t wait to get him competing in training.”
Playing in his first match with the Kickers on August 8, 2020, his season was cut short just as it was getting started with an injury sidelining him for the entire season only minutes into his debut.
“I would say this year is less so of a redemption year, and more so of a comeback year,” said Taublieb. “I am very fortunate that the coaching staff and the club really believe in me and what it is I have to offer. I am looking forward to helping the group and I cannot wait to get back on the field with my teammates again. It was a very special group last year and I was devastated when the injury happened. That said, I have learned a lot in this process and the group this year is even more special. I am incredibly excited to play my role in helping us win a championship.”
Richmond provided a great support structure for Taublieb as he recovered from his injury, from the staff to the fans.
“The decision to return to the Kickers was an easy one. The people at Richmond are not just amazing, they are sensational. Rob Ukrop, the Chairman of the Richmond Kickers, sent me multiple handwritten letters and a book to read called ‘The Coffee Bean’ directly after my surgery. His words of encouragement and the knowledge he has shared have inspired me more than words can express.
“Coach Darren has been incredibly supportive and kind to me through my recovery process and it has made the world of a difference. He has reached out to me nearly every day checking in on me seeing how the process is going. He has been through many injuries himself so I know he understands the ups and downs of a surgery like this. His constant encouragement inspires me every day I go into the gym so I am ready to help the group in any way I can.
“I want to add, the fans of the Kickers all sent me get-well notes via social media and truly care about my recovery process. I am so grateful to them.”
Despite being sidelined with his injury for the majority of the 2020 season, Taublieb continued to work within soccer taking on a role as an assistant coach for Viterbo University, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In this role, he worked under a former assistant college coach from his time at Valparaiso University, Luke Dunn. Taublieb holds a UEFA B license.
“Certainly, my goal for myself is to come back firing on all cylinders,” added Taublieb. “I have been doing intense physical therapy 3-4 hours a day every day for the last six months. In many ways, I already feel better than I ever have. In regards to the team, our goal is clear. We want to bring home the championship. Through this injury and the current state of the world, I have learned that all of our days are numbered whether that be on the field or in life. Coach Darren encourages us to reach for the stars, but instead of telling us to reach for the stars to land on the moon, he tells us to grab that bloody star and take our destiny into our own hands. We look forward to bringing home the championship this year.”
Before making the move to Richmond in May 2020, Taublieb gained experience internationally featuring for Åtvidabergs FF and Varbergs BoIS in Sweden. Taublieb had stints at former USL Championship rivals Charlotte Independence in 2017 and with the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2015 and 2016. He made his league debut in 2015, making 10 appearances with Sacramento Republic FC, scoring one goal.
Throughout his collegiate career, Taublieb played with the Des Moines Menace and first played under Sawatzky at the Seattle Sounders U23s in USL League Two.
Playing four years at Valparaiso, Taublieb made 65 appearances for the Crusaders, starting in 59 matches. In his senior season, he led the Crusaders to their first-ever Top 25 ranking and the team’s best record since 2011. He would earn All-Horizon League Second Team honors, was on the NSCAA Scholar All-North/Central Region Second Team, and named to the First-Team All-American by the Jewish Sports Review.
“To return back to the Kickers was a no-brainer,” concluded Taublieb. “I have played all over the world and I promise you, there is not a club I would rather be at.”
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