RICHMOND, Va. – USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ midfielder Nil Vinyals was named USL League One Player of the Week for Week 9; defender Juan Pablo Monticelli was also named to the Team of the Week. Both players were honored for their performances in the team’s 3-2 win over New England Revolution II this past Saturday.
Vinyals pulled the strings for the Kickers’ attack. The Spaniard was instrumental in the team scoring the fastest goal of the 2021 season as he unlocked Jonathan Bolanos on the left wing with a perfectly penetrating ball before Bolanos set up Matt Bolduc’s goal 25 seconds after the first whistle. Vinyals was credited with a second-assist on the play.
“I am grateful that my performance helped the team attain the win,” Vinyals said. “Our improvement in possession allowed us to keep more of the ball and create more advantages going forward. Thankful to be part of a team that shows its true character when they face adversity.”
Late in the first half, Vinyals would record his first assist of the night as he placed a curling effort from the corner that Monticelli guided into the goal to retake the lead.
Finally, Vinyals partnered with Emiliano Terzaghi for what would be the game-winner. Bolduc served up a driven cross into the box that Vinyals received and then quickly played a one-two with Terzaghi. Instead of shooting, Vinyals would make one final square pass back to Terzaghi who stood in front of a wide-open net and glanced the ball in to take a 3-1 lead.
“Nil has steadily improved in the statistical categories in regards to our game model and in the position he is playing for us,” Kickers’ Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “Nil has a fast brain, and we are seeing this more and more in regards to his ability to dictate our tempo in games. Congratulations on the recognition, good for him.”
Vinyals joins Monticelli as the second Richmond Kicker to be named USL League One Player of the Week during the 2021 season.
Monticelli makes his first appearance on the Team of the Week after earning a Player of the Week honor following his performance at Revs II on opening weekend.
“It feels great to contribute to the team to get three important points at home versus a good team,” Monticelli said. “On a personal level, I’m happy to be on the team of the week. It’s a great feeling when your work is recognized. Hopefully, it’s the second of many to come!”
The defender was active on the left flank for the Kickers against an active New England attack. He recorded six (6) interceptions, three (3) blocks, and one (1) tackle. On the attack, along with his headed goal in the first half, Monticelli recorded another shot on target as well as an 81.3 percent passing accuracy in the New England half.
“I am happy for Monti as he comes to work every day with his sack lunch ready to get to work,” Sawatzky said. “He takes on information and works to get better in the group. He is improving and has an impact in games for us. We are looking forward to his growth through the season.”
The Kickers are back on the road this Saturday, June 12 at a resurgent Forward Madison FC for the first edition of the 2021 Henny Derby. Kickoff for that match is set for 8 p.m E.T. The Kickers return home to face Union Omaha for the clubs’ first-ever meeting at City Stadium on Saturday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for that match are available at https://www.richmondkickers.com/tickets.
F – Jake Keegan, Forward Madison FC: Keegan scored in both of Madison’s matches this week to bring his tally this season up to four, second only to Greenville’s Marios Lomis in the Golden Boot race.
