RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Esteban Calvo to the River City after the versatile defender’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.
“Esteban had a solid year for us in 2021 and he played a lot in the right back spot for the year,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We are looking for him to grow in the system and continue with the work he did in 2021 as we want to build and grow as a group for the 2022 season. He has a particular bite to his game that fits with the culture in Richmond, it will be great to have him fighting with us again this year.”
Calvo made his Kickers debut in a 2-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC on May 8, 2021. Starting with the match against Tormenta, Calvo anchored the right side of the Kickers’ defense for nine of the team’s 10 clean sheets in 2021. The Costa Rican defender went on to start all 24 matches he appeared in while amassing 2,028 minutes played – ranking seventh-most among Kickers’ outfield players.
“Coming back for a second season in Richmond is exciting,” Calvo said. “Last year, we had a good year, but we were left with a bitter taste at the end of the year. This upcoming year we have to prove ourselves and be more consistent. I’m excited for what 2022 brings, and I’m sure great things await.”
He continued, “This season we will have new players but it doesn’t mean our culture will change. Returning guys will carry the culture and pass it forward, and we will perfect it. Returning players or new players, it’s a new season and we start from zero. We will do everything in our power to reach our goal no matter what, but we can only do it all together; players, staff, and fans, we are all Richmond.”
In his first season with the Kickers, Calvo developed into a reliable outside defender finishing as one of the team’s top performers in all defensive statistics.
He thrived when challenging opposing forwards one-on-one and led all Kickers defenders with 25 tackles won at a 66 percent success rate. Calvo would also finish in the top 3 amongst Kickers defenders in interceptions (35) and duels won (105).
Calvo has focused on improving his game in the offseason and determining his goals for himself and for the squad.
“One of the goals is being more consistent as a team,” Calvo said. “We had ups and downs last year and we learned from that. Hopefully, we get the title this year so we can all celebrate together with the fans.
“Individually, I want to do everything I can to help the team in any way. Last year I hit a tough spot in the middle of the season where I didn’t feel 100 percent. I want to make sure this year that doesn’t happen. I am working harder on my form and doing everything I can to limit my mistakes.”
Now, going into his second season, Calvo is looking forward to strengthening the home-field advantage enjoyed by the Kickers at City Stadium and the bond created with the supporters.
“Playing at City Stadium is always great,” Calvo said. “The field is great and so is the Red Army. Our fans are incredible and they always support us regardless of the situation. Teams fear us at home and it should be that way; they have to know it’s our home and they have to respect it. We always do our best to protect our house.”
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
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TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers exercise Esteban Calvo’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 18, 2022.
