The Chilean and Argentine left-footer brings a wealth of experience across the USL Pyramid
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of Chilean and Argentine player Maxi Schenfeld, pending league and federation approval.
Schenfeld joins the Kickers after featuring for fellow USL League One rival, Central Valley Fuego FC, during the 2022 season. Previously, during the 2021 season, he played with former USL League One side, FC Tucson, when he played with current Richmond Kickers defender Dakota Barnathan. He also was a member of USL Championship side, FC Tulsa, during the 2020 season.
A potent combination of technicality and endurance, Schenfeld specializes in pushing the ball up the flanks and providing service to the forwards. When off the ball, Schenfeld proved in his time at Fuego and Tucson that he also represents an additional threat to receive the ball and score.
The Ovalle, Chile native played 1,352 minutes across 25 matches during Fuego’s inaugural season. He scored two goals (one from inside the box and one from outside), assisted two more, and created 14 chances. Defensively, he ranked tied for seventh on the team with 14 interceptions while winning nearly 65 percent of his tackles.
As a member of FC Tucson in 2021, Schenfeld was a member of the backline that helped push FC Tucson to the USL League One Playoffs Semifinal. He played 2,244 minutes across 26 matches while leading the team in interceptions with 53. He won 64 percent of his tackles, over 55 percent of his total duels, and 51 percent of his aerial duels. On the offensive side, he created 16 chances and scored one goal, an equalizer that sparked a comeback victory and a playoff berth for Tucson.
Before his time in the USL, Schenfeld played collegiately and semi-professionally in Miami, Fla. He was an NAIA All-American at Florida Memorial University in 2015 and a USCAA National Champion at Florida National University. He then played in the NPSL at Miami Fusion in 2017 and Miami United in 2018. He then joined The Miami FC of NISA in 2019 – their final season before becoming a USL Championship club in 2020.
Maxi Schenfeld said:
“I know that the Kickers are a historic club in the United States, so for me, it is an honor to be a part of that history. I’m really excited to start playing games, especially at home, because I know how big the crowd is from playing against the Kickers. Now, being on their side is going to be something that I’m going to enjoy. I can’t wait to meet the fans in City Stadium and give them happy moments to remember.
“My goal is always to go for the championship. To do that, we need to create the best locker room possible in the preseason to face the regular season and eventually the playoffs. I know that good teams can go far, but the good groups of people where everybody knows their role can go even further. Then my individual goal is to be my best version possible to help the team win!”
Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:
“Maxi is a feisty competitor with a silky left foot and the ability to play left back, left wingback, and attack as an out-and-out winger. We needed to add some urgency on the flank and Maxi’s bite and desire to win will help us create chances from the left side of the field. His experience in USL League One and his background in differing levels of the game make him a savvy veteran that adds to the leadership here and gives us the ability to change formations and attack in different ways.”
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TRANSACTION: Maxi Schenfeld signs with the Richmond Kickers on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
