The jack-of-all-trades defender and midfielder recommits to the Kickers after a successful first season in RVA
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce defender Dakota Barnathan has signed a new multi-year contract with the club, pending league and federation approval.
“Dakota is a veteran player with the ability to change the way he plays based on what the game needs,” Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “He is a leader on the field so securing him for years to come was important. His ability to solve problems from the back line or in midfield makes him very versatile and valuable. Dakota fits and helps define the culture here and we are delighted that he is back in Red for the Kickers.”
Barnathan continues his career in Richmond following a productive first season where he was a rock wherever he was positioned. He started 25 of 29 appearances while amassing 2,261 minutes playing both in the midfield and central defense. Barnathan led the team with 40 interceptions while ranking second with 65 clearances and 23 blocks. Additionally, he earned a 75 percent tackle win rate while winning 54 percent of his duels including 61 percent of his aerial duels.
“It means the world to me to be back in Richmond,” Barnathan said. “The city and club welcomed me with open arms and I’m honored to be back to represent them.
“I’m looking to build on the success we achieved this past year. We know we didn’t finish how we wanted to so we will use that as fuel to make that next step. Personally, I hope to continue to help lead the team back to raising trophies.”
On top of his defensive prowess, Barnathan was confident in making forward runs and scored two goals – one an equalizer at Central Valley Fuego FC – and, most dramatically, one of his signature moments of the season was when he sealed the Kickers’ comeback victory at North Carolina FC in July 2022.
Trailing 2-1 entering second-half stoppage time, Emiliano Terzaghi found the equalizer in the second minute of stoppage before Barnathan scored the walk-off winner in the 95th minute by throwing his body forward and glancing the ball off of his torso in a last-ditch effort that beat the keeper.
The Massapequa, N.Y. native was not a stranger to Richmond when he first joined the Kickers in 2022. He previously featured for the VCU men’s soccer team from 2012-16 as the Rams made two consecutive Atlantic-10 Conference Championships. Barnathan started every single match in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons on his way to becoming the 59th overall pick by FC Dallas in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Now locked in to represent the River City again, Barnathan is looking forward to more nights at City Stadium as the club defends its 2022 regular-season title.
“My message to the fans is let’s keep building,” Barnathan said. “We fed off your support last season and we are going to need that plus more to help us achieve the goals we want to achieve as a club and city.”
Per club policy, the details of the contract will not be made public.
The 2023 season will be here before you know it! Kickers fans can get ready now by placing a $100 deposit for a 2023 season ticket. With one additional regular season match and two new opponents joining USL League One in 2023, City Stadium will be the place to be! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.
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TRANSACTION: Dakota Barnathan signs a new multi-year contract with the Kickers ahead of the 2023 USL League One season on January 10, 2023.
