Club

Richmond Solidifies Midfield with Zaca Morn

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, February 24, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed Argentine midfielder Dante Zacarías (Zaca) Morán Correa for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“Zaca is a tough midfielder with a very good pedigree,” noted Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “His character fits the culture we are building here and he has the ability to lead, to direct traffic, and he plays a varying set of passes to unlock defenses. He has been a captain at the international level and his club experience will bring a great veteran presence to our locker room and to game day. Zaca’s humble nature is only surpassed by his competitive drive. We look forward to his role within our club this year.”

Nicknamed “La Maquina” (The Machine), Morán comes to Richmond with a wealth of experience playing in Argentina at only the age of 25. Spending his youth years in one of the world’s best academies, the Club Atlético River Plate product played through the 2016 season in the academy before moving up to the first team. He made his full debut for the club on May 25, 2017, in a winning effort over Colombian side Independiente Medellín in the Copa Libertadores. Throughout his time at River Plate, he was part of a side that were two-time winners of the Copa Argentina and runner-ups in the Liga Profesional Argentina and the SuperCopa. River Plate also won the CONMEBOL Recopa during his time with the club.

“I decided to sign for the Kickers because it is a club with history and background,” said Morán. “Moving to the U.S. is a big step in my career and also my lifestyle. I’ve been following the club over the last season and I got excited to be here right now.”

While with River Plate, the Caucete, Argentina native had loan spells with San Martin de San Juan and most recently at Chacarita Juniors. Morán made seven appearances last season for “El Tricolor,” starting in four of those matches.

Capped by the Argentina U17 national team, known to fans as La Albiceleste, Morán played four matches as the team won the 2013 South American (Sudamericano) U17 Championship. He also represented La Albiceleste in the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Morán is ready to get the season going, saying that “for the 2021 season, my personal goal is to feel comfortable and adapt to the team so I can give my best performance during the season and playoffs.”

The roster is getting stronger and that means you need to be at City Stadium with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

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Richmond Solidifies Midfield with Zaca Morn

Kickers Add Firepower with Hernan Gonzalez

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, February 22, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed Argentinian forward Hernan Gonzalez for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“We were looking for a player that could hold the ball up in the attack and give us another option in the box,” commented Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “Hernan is a lethal target and he has great experience as a professional in high level competition. He gives us the option of changing the set up depending on how we want to play and how we want to attack teams. He is humble considering his history in the game and we are excited to welcome him to the club.”

A proven goalscorer for a variety of South American clubs, Gonzalez is bringing an extensive international career to RVA. Known to his fans as “El Tanque” (“The Tank”), Gonzalez has made 106 appearances in league and cup competition for clubs in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Brazil, scoring 35 goals in his professional career so far. Most recently, the imposing forward featured for Juventud Unida Universitario in his native country, Argentina, scoring two goals in three games. Prior to that, he played in Chile for Club Deportivo Magallanes, appearing in 16 matches and scoring two goals for the “El Viejo y Querido” (“The Old and Dear”) – one of the oldest clubs in Chile. Prior to joining Club Deportivo Magallanes, Gonzalez spent the 2018 season in Ecuador, making 14 appearances for Orense Sporting Club.

“Coming to the United States and signing with the Kickers generated great interest for me because I did not know the country and I did not have the opportunity to participate in a league of this level,” said Gonzalez. “But what I could see of the Kickers, I liked very much and it is an experience I want to try.”

Playing the majority of his early years in Argentina, Gonzalez started his pro career with Club Atlético Atlas, where he fired in 22 goals in 50 matches. Through the 2014 and 2015 season, he was with Club Comunicaciones de Buenos Aires and made 13 league and two Copa Argentina appearances. Between 2017 and 2018, The Tank appeared in a total of 23 matches in the league and Copa Argentina for Club Atlético Douglas Haig, scoring nine goals for the “Fogoneros” (“The Stokers”) before starting his journeys in Ecuador, Brazil and Chile, eventually landing in RVA.

“This new opportunity is a great challenge in my career so the objectives are also higher,” continued Gonzalez. “Personally, I want to give my best to help the team and collectively to be a champion with the Kickers.”

Make sure you are at City Stadium to see all of the offensive firepower with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Aune, Crisler Strengthen the Kickers Backline for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, February 18, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed a pair of defenders in Nathan Aune and Jalen Crisler for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“After the retirement of Kyle Venter and the promotion of Wahab Ackwei to Loudoun United in the USL Championship, we had a need at the central defender position,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “Adding Jalen and Nathan gives us two very tough central defenders with good experience. Both Jalen and Nathan are tough kids from the northwest. I am looking forward to them both bringing their competitive brand to our culture here in Richmond.”

Both Aune and Crisler grew up in the Seattle area, where they both caught the eye of Sawatzky at early ages through club and academy teams. A region that produces hard-nosed players, both players know what it takes to play in any conditions to give the Kickers a defensive advantage on the field.

Aune was drafted 50th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, and he signed with the Earthquakes’ USL Championship affiliate, Reno 1868 FC for the season. Making his pro debut that year, Aune played in two matches, with an astounding 92.5 completion rate for his 80 passes. Aune spent his second professional season with USL League One opponents Union Omaha, making four appearances for the newest side in the league in 2020. The gritty defender contributed to a backline that allowed the third fewest goals in the league (15) and tied for second for clean sheets (6).

“Nathan Aune had a stellar career at Seattle University playing under a close friend in Peter Fewing,” said Sawatzky. “He was a leader for the Redhawks and his competitive bite sets him apart from many defenders in the college game. He spent the 2020 campaign in Omaha playing against us in USL League One and was looking for a place to make his stamp on the game. We both believe Richmond is that place. We are excited to get him into a red jersey and start battling for us.”

A standout for the Seattle University Redhawks, Aune started in all but one of his 80 matches for the team, notching six goals and adding an assist. The Arlington, WA native led the Redhawks backline that earned 34 shutouts throughout his career. An All-Western Athletic Conference selection all four years, Aune earned national recognition in his junior and senior years being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-American Third Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team in each year respectively. Aune was also named the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in his junior season.

“Darren brings an intensity and confidence to everything he does,” noted Aune. “I know what he expects of me on and off the field and I’m excited to bring that to Richmond. Darren will have us all bought into what we can achieve as a group, and is an easy coach to go to battle for!”

In the summers after his junior and senior seasons, Aune played for Kickers Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, then the Head Coach of the Seattle Sounders FC U23s. The defender made 18 appearances for the USL League Two side that finished third and second in the Northwest Division. Before joining Sawatzky at Seattle, Aune played one season with the Vancouver TSS Rovers FC after his sophomore season, where he played in 12 matches.

“My goals are to hold down the defense and put our offense in good positions to go win us a lot of games this year,” added Aune. “I would like to establish myself as a solid defensive force in the center of our back line and a set piece threat when I get in the box. Our team goal is to win USL League One and we have a team that can do that.”

Having just played his second professional season at league foes Forward Madison FC, Jalen Crisler featured in two matches in League One last season. His first professional season was with Detroit City FC in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in 2019, playing 10 matches and scoring one goal.

“Jalen worked hard and blossomed toward the later parts of his youth career,” noted Sawatzky. “He grew into a strong, hard nosed defender and he had a great college career at Gonzaga University as a leader in their team. He played well for the Seattle Sounders U23 team in the summer months and it translated into an all-league level fall at Gonzaga. Jalen has since played two professional seasons and grown into a valuable asset at the back that we look forward to having with us here in Richmond.”

After redshirting his freshman year, Crisler went on to play four seasons at Gonzaga University and had impacts both on the field and in the classroom. He made 64 appearances, including 50 starts for the Bulldogs, finding the back of the net on six occasions and adding three assists. Along with his on-field accolades — including a nod on the All-West Coast Conference First Team his junior year — Crisler was acknowledged in the WCC All-Academic teams his final three seasons.

“Jalen’s work rate is as high as any player I have coached and he has continually refined his game with each stage of his movement up the soccer ladder. He will give us a formidable option on set plays in the box and his ability to pick up target players helps as we prepare for the teams in USL League One.”

Crisler also played for Sawatzky at the Sounders FC U23s, including the 2017 season alongside Aune. He made 11 total appearances and scored a goal and added an assist in the 2016 playoffs.

“Darren has always been a great coach and mentor,” said Crisler. “And he’s not only a great coach, but he genuinely cares about his players both on and off the field. From the first conversation I had with Darren this offseason, I knew Richmond was the spot I wanted to be. The team’s clear vision, goals, and hunger to improve on last year made the decision to sign with Richmond easy. Darren’s energy and passion for the game are contagious and seeing what he was able to do in a year here in Richmond is a testament to the winning culture he and the staff have created and will continue to grow this year. I am excited to be back playing for Darren and to be a Red!

“I think my personal goals go hand in hand with the team goals, which are to continue to improve and grow individually and as a team, win the league, and bring a championship to the fans and city of Richmond.”

The defense is stronger and you need to be there to see them in action with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Kickers Add Vinyals for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, February 11, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed midfielder Nil Vinyals for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“Nil played against us the past two years and we respected his influence each time we battled on the field,” commented Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “He is a clever passer, keeps possession well, and has the ability to play the final pass that leads to goals in our league. His interest in Richmond and our interest in adding a quality player that opens up defenses, makes this a great signing for our club. We look forward to welcoming Nil to the culture here.”

Signing his first professional contract in 2019 with Tormenta FC, Vinyals made 34 appearances including 29 starts during his two years in South Georgia. The Spaniard had a strong showing in 2020, leading Tormenta FC in goals scored (4) and adding an assist. He picked up USL League One Player of the Week honors in Week 3 of the 2020 season, after netting a brace against Orlando City B on August 1. A versatile and effective central midfielder, the Barcelona-native has an impressive 88% pass completion rate in his first two years as a pro.

“The interest that Darren showed in signing me as soon as the 2020 season was done, as well as the way that his teams play, made it an easy decision,” noted Vinyals. “There is no doubt that the Kickers are one of the most well-established organizations in the pro ranks, which made Richmond the obvious choice for me.

“Playing against the Kickers was always a hard matchup due to the high intensity and defensive organization of the team — especially in 2020. They had a lot of talented players with a strong winning mentality, so I’m excited to be a part of that.”

A proven winner wherever he plays, Vinyals played the 2017 and 2018 seasons with South Georgia’s USL League Two side. He helped lead the team in 2018 to an undefeated season and the club’s first Deep South Division Championship behind two goals and one assist as he was finishing up his degree at Winthrop University.

Over three seasons with the Winthrop Eagles, he amassed over 3,200 minutes and notched 11 assists while adding two goals. In his first season at Winthrop in 2015, he had a career-high five assists as the team won the Big South Conference Championship. Prior to making the move to Rock Hill, S.C., Vinyals played one season at Union University in Jacksonville, Fla., scoring two goals and adding two assists in 14 matches for the NCAA Division II school.

“Personally, I hope to keep improving both on and off the field to provide the best version of myself to the club. For the team, the goal is no other than winning the league as we can while establishing an attractive brand of soccer.”

The squad is becoming stronger and you need to be there this season with your subscription to Kickers+. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Rob Ukrop: It's Time to Bring Back Sports and Entertainment

Op-Ed from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

The Richmond Kickers are incredibly proud to be part of the larger RVA sports and entertainment community. Founded in 1993, we are the longest consecutively running professional soccer franchise in the United States, a club with championship pedigree and more importantly, a deep connection in the community.

In 2020, we safely pressed forward with a modified 16-game United Soccer League (USL) League One season, including eight home games at City Stadium and eight away games. Despite the challenges surrounding COVID-19, we were able to implement comprehensive protocols to provide Richmonders a safe, outdoor respite where fans could embrace the happy experience of cheering on their local professional soccer club.

As we accelerate toward the start of our 29th consecutive season this spring, capacity for sporting venues currently is restricted to 250 people — a number that threatens both our club’s viability, as well as our core mission of strengthening community connections by curating a joyful, authentic soccer experience in RVA.

With a 28-game regular season on the horizon, we fully intend to be a part of our community’s healing process from a challenging 2020, but in order to do so, we need the support of our state leadership.

We agree with our friends at The Diamond that it is time to bring sports and entertainment back to help start this communal healing process.

Todd “Parney” Parnell, the Flying Squirrels’ chief operating officer, said it best in an op-ed this past week in the RTD: “The current 250 spectator maximum capacity does not heal our community. It fails to take into account the size, scope and existing capacity of each and every venue. Venues of larger size can — and should — safely manage more attendees. We take that responsibility very seriously as operators every single day that we open our doors to welcome members of our community. We have always done that. We will continue to do that.”

Currently, we are working with a myriad of sports and entertainment leaders across the commonwealth who also are being crushed by these restrictions. We proudly demonstrated this past season that we could safely operate and we are confident that we can handle larger crowds in 2021 once the proposed percentage-based capacity plan is activated by Gov. Ralph Northam.

For all venues, our greatest challenge is that we need significant lead time to schedule games, hire staff, book entertainers and update facilities to match the agreed-upon protocols in 2021.

We also are thankful that Northam chose Dr. Danny Avula to lead the vaccination efforts across the state, hopefully helping to speed up the timeline for safely reopening our venues. We know there is a practical formula that creates a safe re-engagement plan at live events, especially as the number of Virginians who have been vaccinated steadily continues to climb and COVID-19 cases decline.

With proven health protocols in place, we’re excited to showcase a refreshed and re-energized City Stadium after investing $1.5 million into our vintage home early this past year. Due to restrictions, very few fans have been able to fully experience our stadium’s brand new concourse, upgraded sound system and LED field lighting, complete with a customized, heart-pumping light show.

Sporting events aren’t all about the wins or losses; they also create lifelong memories, build community and create shared experiences. For us to help create these memories in 2021, we need our leaders to embrace the sports and entertainment community, while empowering us to lead the way for a safe reopening at our venues that so many Virginians know and cherish.

We are hopeful that Northam and other leaders across the community will swiftly move in activating our proposed percentage plan for sports and entertainment facilities across the commonwealth. Venue and event operators have been preparing for this re-engagement with meticulous detail, and we both are capable and prepared to safely welcome back our guests.

Collectively, we have created a road map to restore smiles on the faces of our fans and soon enough, lifelong memories will be made again — together in RVA and across Virginia. It’s time.

Rob Ukrop is chairman of Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer. Contact him at: rukrop@https://www.richmondkickers.com

Calvo Joins the Kickers for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, February 9, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have signed defender Esteban Calvo for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“We are always looking to improve our club with good people and quality players,” said Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “Esteban represents a young outside back with the ability to get forward and he is not afraid to mix it up within a game. We see him having an immediate impact in the way we want to play while bringing his personality to a competitive locker room.”

Joining the Kickers from USL League One rivals FC Tucson, Calvo played in 14 matches in the 2020 season, starting in all but one of those games. A vital piece in the Tucson backline, Calvo ranked high in several important defensive categories for FC Tucson: he was first on the team in tackles (34) and tackles won (16), second in interceptions (25) and third in clearances (27), blocks (6) and duels won (79). Known for his all-around qualities, Calvo is also a strong distributor of the ball, with an 87 percent completion rate of his passes in 2020.

“It feels like a new opportunity,” commented Calvo. “I am excited to start up a new season in a new team in which I have big expectations based on last year’s results. Darren called me and he was very straight forward about his plans for the team, and I feel we had a connection in the way he wants to play and the way I like to play. I’ve heard a lot about him from my college coaches, and I know for a fact he is a great coach and that makes me feel more comfortable. I feel we both can help each other a lot, that’s what I am striving for and I am eager to start.”

Having played against the Kickers on two occasions last season, Calvo said that he feels like “the team was clinical, taking the opportunities and finishing them. It is a really balanced team all over the field and I know this year we will have a lot of new players so I hope we can all get connected to be the best team we can be.”

A native of Escazu, Costa Rica, Calvo played high school soccer at Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL, contributing to the school’s 154-match unbeaten streak, and won two national championships. In 2016, Calvo was named both Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida and the USA Today All-USA Player of the Year. He played his first two years of NCAA Division 1 soccer at Florida International University, making 29 appearances before transferring to Coach Sawatzky’s alma mater, the University of Portland. Over two seasons with the Pilots, he would go on to play in 33 matches, with 28 starts. The defender scored two goals and added three assists over his final two college seasons.

“For myself, I want to be the best version of me,” concluded Calvo. “Trying to get better to beat myself everyday and being able to help the team in every aspect I can. I know Darren wants me to play in a certain position, but if he needs me somewhere else, I will do the best I can to help there as well. As a team, I definitely want to get to the playoffs. I know we have to do it game by game, but I have high expectations and winning the championship would always be the best result we could aim for. That is always a possibility if we play as a team and have a good culture.”

With the backline being bolstered with Calvo, it’s time to make sure you are at City Stadium with Kickers+. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Dubose Returns to the Kickers for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, February 5, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed defender Devante Dubose for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

Originally signing with the Kickers in December 2019, Dubose was the first new signing for Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky ahead of the 2020 season. While the veteran defender’s on-field contributions in his first season in the River City were cut short due to his injury, Dubose forged a strong connection with the team, the club and the city of Richmond and was an attractive re-signing for 2021 for his on-field qualities and his commitment to the club and community values.

“Devante is a lightning fast outside back with the ability to get forward in the game,” noted Sawatzky. “He ticks every box in regards to the wide positions in our team and we are happy he is back for 2021. We look to him as a veteran in our group and his positive energy is another strong piece to a rock solid locker room.”

A native of Oakland, Calif., Dubose played four years at Virginia Tech, making 60 appearances for the Hokies. Following his success at VT, the San Jose Earthquakes selected Dubose with the 66th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. With family roots in the south, the man who calls Virginia his second home has spent most of his pro career in the West, with stints at FC Tucson, Oklahoma City Energy FC, Phoenix Rising FC, and his hometown Oakland Roots SC. Reflecting on his return to RVA for 2021, Dubose said: “Most importantly, I think for myself, re-signing symbolized a commitment to myself. I will do the work and come back stronger and better for myself. Secondly, it was a ‘sign’ of support and more so deep belief – from the organization, the front office, the staff, my team, and the community. I have felt an alignment of love and belief, empowerment, and I am more empowered than I have ever been after the events in 2020.”

Looking forward to the new challenges and the new season, the reliable right back leaves no questions about how to use 2020 for success in 2021: “My personal goals are as transparent as my team goals this season, and that is to ‘feast on adversity.’”

With Dubose locking down the defense, it is time for you to lock in your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Kickers Re-Sign Alves for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, February 3, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed striker Stanley Alves for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“We are looking forward to watching Stanley take the next step in scoring goals regularly with us in 2021,” stated Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “As a rookie, he was clinical during the preseason and was unfortunate to take on an injury early that limited his early season participation. As we progressed through the season, he got stronger and started to show his scoring form, culminating in a good goal against Orlando City B. We see Stanley hitting the onion bag more this year and his character fits with the pillars of our club.”

Playing his first professional season, Alves made 11 appearances for the Kickers and started in three of those matches. He scored his first professional goal on October 21, a game-winner on the road at Orlando City B. He completed 72 percent of his passes, created five chances and had nine key passes in his rookie season.

“I’m blessed to be playing under Darren as fine detail and the consistency to achieve more are always being highlighted,” said Alves. “Being excited is an understatement to be able to play in front of our fans. They always bring their passion for the game on the sidelines, so the least I can do is bring that to the field, with a little bit of samba.”

Born in Boston, MA, to Brazilian parents, Alves has been a consistent attacking threat on all levels before turning pro in 2020. In high school, he was named to the Bay State All-League team three times. He started his collegiate career at Dean College, leading the team to an undefeated season in 2015 with 19 goals and six assists in 16 matches, which earned him recognition on the NJCAA Division I All-New England team. After his freshman season, Alves transferred to the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Playing in 52 matches with the Riverhawks, he led the team in goals and points both in 2018 and 2019, finishing his Riverhawk-career with 13 goals and four assists. Earning the respect of coaches around the league, he was named into America East All-Conference Second Team in his junior year and America East All-Conference First Team as well as United Soccer Coaches All-Northeast Region team in his senior year. Throughout his time in college, Alves had stints with Seacoast United in USL League Two and the New England Revolution U-23s.

“Collectively, the group is on the same page as we know what we are capable of doing,” Alves continued. “2021 is a big year for the Reds and we all have silverware in sight. My mentality to win is fueled by the culture we create in the locker room, organization, and fans. That being said, my team helps me do the thing I love to do most: putting the ball in the back of the net. I hope to do a lot more of it this year.”

Be there this season to watch Alves on the field with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Anderson Back with the Kickers in 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 27, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that forward Oalex Anderson will return for the 2021 USL League One season.

Joining the Kickers just prior to the 2020 roster freeze, Anderson took the field six times, including two starts. He found the back of the net in the final two matches of the season, with a shooting accuracy of 66.7 percent. A crafty forward, Anderson also drew a pair of penalties and had three key passes in his brief time with the Kickers in 2020.

“I am happy to return and can’t wait to get started,” stated Anderson. “We have unfinished business coming off last season. With Darren’s energy and the energy of the Kickers fans, expect silverware this season. The goal is simple: win a championship and no matter what stands in front of us we’ll hurdle over, and I will do what I do best to score goals.”

A connection between Anderson and Sawatzky first came in Seattle when the forward signed with Sounders 2 in 2015, going on to score four goals in 16 matches. His performances in the USL Championship season convinced the first team technical staff, leading to Anderson signing with the Sounders first team ahead of their 2016 MLS Cup-winning season. A prolific goal-scorer in the international level, Anderson has been capped 24 times with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Team, scoring 12 goals in his appearances. Perhaps the most memorable of those goals is the opening goal for his country’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against the USA in November, 2015.

“Oalex was a dynamic addition to our team in 2020,” noted Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “His pace and scoring ability will be important to the way we want to play in 2021 and his personality is welcome in our collaborative locker room. We will look to him to score goals and hassle defenses in League One.”

With Anderson back up front, it is time to lock in your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $59.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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Richmond Solidifies Midfield with Zaca Morn

Richmond Solidifies Midfield with Zaca Morn

Kickers Add Firepower with Hernan Gonzalez

Aune, Crisler Strengthen the Kickers Backline for 2021

Kickers Add Vinyals for 2021

Rob Ukrop: It's Time to Bring Back Sports and Entertainment

Op-Ed from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Calvo Joins the Kickers for 2021

Dubose Returns to the Kickers for 2021

Kickers Re-Sign Alves for 2021

Anderson Back with the Kickers in 2021

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