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Kwesele Returns to Richmond for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 13, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed midfielder Mumbi Kwesele for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. 
 
“Mumbi is an intelligent player that cut his teeth here last year playing a few different roles for us,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He is an incredible locker room teammate and we see him playing a much bigger role in a couple of positions for us in 2021.”
 
Coming off his first season in Richmond, Kwesele made six appearances for the Kickers, including three starts. He had one assist last season — Stanley Alves’ game winner at Orlando City B on October 21. A player with great game insight, Kwesele’s passing accuracy of 82 percent was among the highest on the team, and he also had four key passes for the season.

“I’m excited to be coming back to Richmond for another year under Darren,” said Kwesele. “The energy he brings is infectious and the group has definitely started to take on his DNA which is something that mixes well with the passion of our unique and dedicated fanbase. 

“Returning to Richmond was an easy decision because of the dynamic of the group. Last season, we spent a lot of time isolated from regular life in the city so it was key for us to develop stronger bonds within the organization. From the front office to the coaching staff, there are so many genuine people who do a great job of helping the team operate on a daily basis.”

Prior to signing with Richmond, Kwesele had a spell at Real Union B, playing 17 matches for one of the original founding members of La Liga in Spain. He played his collegiate career at Barry University (2013-2014) and Humboldt State University (2016-2017). The versatile defensive midfielder played a total of 67 games in his college career, with a total of 6 goals and 7 assists to contribute on the attacking side as well. 
 
“My goals as an individual are very much aligned with what the team needs to do to be successful; being healthy to play each week and also being willing and prepared to step into any role to help the group win,” Kwesele stated. “2021 is about building on the strong foundation we laid last season.”
 
Kwesele is back in 2021, so you need to be there too with a 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.

Pavone Re-Signs with Richmond for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 13, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed forward Luke Pavone for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. 
 
“Luke Pavone is a hard-working, no-nonsense player that battled his way into our lineup this past season,” said Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He played where we needed him to play at times and he fought for the club on every play. Bringing Luke back into a culture that he epitomizes was important to us. We are looking forward to watching him grow as a player, score some goals, and continue his mark on the culture here in Richmond.”
After starting his pro career with the Israeli side Hapoel Petach-Tikvah in 2018, Pavone signed with the Kickers ahead of the inaugural USL League One season in 2019 and made four appearances in his first season with the club. He took a massive step in playing time in his second season with the Kickers, playing in 14 matches, including 11 starts. He recorded 11 shots and had seven key passes, while creating seven chances. On the other side of the ball, Pavone had a 63 percent success rate with his tackles and had 10 clearances and seven interceptions. 
 
“It’s a very special feeling returning to Richmond for my third year with the club,” commented Pavone. “Playing under Darren allows me to show my passion for the game and my team-first mentality. I think the Red Army and Kickers fans picked up on the intensity I brought last year, and I really look forward to raising the bar in 2021. My goal and only goal for 2021 is a USL League One Trophy. Whether I play forward, winger, midfield, or full back – that’s the only goal. Team success.”
A productive attacker in his collegiate career, Pavone played at the University of Massachusetts for two seasons before transferring to Buffalo State College for his final three years. In his senior year, Pavone earned recognition as a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American, finishing his collegiate career with 20 goals and 12 assists between the two programs he played for. 
 
“Richmond is a very welcoming place, and very diverse,” Pavone continued. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of really genuine people here that share different values and come from different cultures, yet still treat each other with respect. Most importantly, the southern climate appeals most to me; I’ve spent enough time in the snow.”
Pavone is ready to bring the energy on the field in 2021, which means you need to bring the energy in the stands with a 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.

Veteran Bolduc Returns for Fifth Season

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 6, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of midfielder Matt Bolduc on a multi-year deal starting with the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. 
 
“Matt has been a great ambassador and competitor for the Richmond Kickers and we wanted to make sure he was here with us as we build into the future,” said Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He is a very good attacking player and he creates goals when we need them most. Matt’s vigor and intensity will help the young players understand our culture and he will complement our team in what we are working to accomplish here.”

Bolduc made 14 appearances for the Kickers in his fourth season in Richmond in 2020. The veteran attacker was tied for first in the club for assists with four, making it the second year in a row when he led the team in assists. He also scored one goal — the first of the Sawatzky era — in the season opener at Greenville Triumph SC. A constant threat to the opposing defenders, Bolduc led the team in key passes (11) and chances created (15) while maintaining a passing accuracy of 78 percent, an impressive feat for a winger.  

“First off, I’ve always said this, I don’t care how many people we get at City Stadium, these are the best fans in the country, especially in League One,” commented Bolduc. “It feels like yesterday that I signed mid-season while Leigh [Cowlishaw] was still in charge and from then I’ve learned a lot from the experience I had with both him and with David Bulow. Last year, I saw a lot of progression with the club and the team. Finding a more consistent winning mentality and fighting for each other on the pitch are two things Darren has instilled in our group and I can’t wait to start training.”

Starting his Kickers career in 2017, Bolduc signed with the club just after the start of the season, scoring two goals and adding an assist in 15 appearances. He would go on to make 24 appearances over the next two seasons. 2019 became a breakout year for Bolduc, boasting a career-high six assists to lead the club that season. 
 
“Goals for 2021 are pretty simple,” continued Bolduc. “Go one step further than last year. We were a win away from going down to Greenville for the final and in those scenarios it comes down to who shows up on the day. So we go again and look to improve everyday through October.”

Before making the move to Richmond, Bolduc made 19 appearances with long-time rivals Harrisburg City Islanders in 2016. He added one assist during the City Islanders’ 3-1 win at FC Montreal and also contributed to a pair of shutouts. Prior to his professional career, the Hancock, New Hampshire native made 16 appearances during one season at the University of Massachusetts and had a one-year stint with Mass United of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
 
“I love RVA,” Bolduc added. “The outdoorsy vibes, there’s a lot of young people so it’s energetic but also has everything you need to live a comfortable life. I come from the middle of nowhere in New Hampshire so to only have to drive five minutes to a grocery store rather than a half an hour to find the nearest gas station is a big plus too. Also, the history of Richmond is amazing and it really feels like an authentic town. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
With Bolduc back in the midfield for Richmond, it’s time to get your Kickers+ subscription so you don’t miss a moment in 2021! 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.

Bolanos Brings Back Firepower for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, December 21, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed midfielder Jonathan Bolanos for the 2021 season, pending USL League One and USSF approval.
 
“Jonathan is an exciting attacking player that scored an incredible goal and created others for us in 2020,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “We are thrilled to have his arsenal at our disposal for the coming year. We feel that he will cause havoc to opposing defenses and we should see him climb the scoring charts in 2021.”
 
Making an immediate impact on the season, Bolanos came off the bench at Greenville in the season opener and set up the second goal of the night with his first professional assist. The first two goals of his pro career came as a first half brace against Orlando City B at City Stadium October 7, earning him a spot on USL League One Team of the Week for Week 13. In the 15 matches he played in, Bolanos found a way to be impactful in every chance he could. He led the team in crosses (30) and was tied for third on the roster with 13 chances created throughout the season.
“Being able to return for a second season with the Kickers and play under Coach Darren is a great feeling and another stepping stone in my career,” commented Bolanos. “My first year as a pro I learned a lot from Darren and the rest of the coaching staff and can’t wait to continue learning and improving this next year. Playing at City Stadium in front of our amazing fan base was truly an honor and I hope to bring more wins and a trophy to them next year.”
 
A native of Miramar, Florida, Bolanos played four years at High Point University. He made 74 appearances for the Panthers, including starting in all 20 matches his senior season. Over his collegiate career, Bolanos scored 15 goals and added 10 assists, with a career high five assists in his junior season. Prior to the start of his senior year, Bolanos played in 12 matches with the Des Moines Menace in USL League Two.
“Personally, I am looking forward to helping the team get more wins next year and doing everything I can to bring a trophy to Richmond,” Bolanos continued. “This past year we fought through a lot of adversity and learned a lot about each other and how Darren wants us to play. Learning from that, this next year we will even be stronger and more collective as a unit. I am very excited to be back in Richmond and big things are coming in 2021.”
 
Order your Kickers+ subscription today to ensure you are at City Stadium to watch Bolanos build on a good first season in Richmond. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility and sweet perks! Sign up today to receive introductory pricing of $49.99 (save $10!) – 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.

Victor Falck Re-Signed for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, December 16, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed midfielder Victor Falck for the 2021 season, pending USL League One and USSF approval.
 
“Victor had a good rookie season for us last year and we are happy with his progress,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He had an impact in games in ways that do not always show up in the statistical columns. His willingness to do the hard work behind the scenes made him an important piece to bring back to our puzzle for 2021.”
In his first professional season, Falck started in all 16 matches for the Kickers and logged 1,383 minutes played out of a possible 1,440 — the most of any field player on the team. A stalwart in the midfield for the Kickers this past season, Falck was consistent on both sides of the ball. He ranked first on the team in ball recoveries in the opponent’s half, and was second on the team in pass completion, tackles won, duels won, aerial duels won and interceptions. The rookie scored his first professional goal to salvage a point for Richmond in stoppage time at FC Tucson on September 5, 2020.  
 
“I’m happy to be back in Richmond for a second season,” said Falck. “Last season was a good learning experience for me that ended in huge disappointment as we lost our spot in the final. I’m back to try to win as many games as possible and, with Darren at the club, my chances for that are good. The City Stadium crowd played a massive part supporting us last year and I’m excited to be back at City Stadium creating great memories with them.”
 
Falck started his collegiate career at the University of Virginia before transferring after his freshman season to the University of California, Irvine. He played three seasons at UC-Irvine, making 59 appearances, starting all but one match and scored four goals while adding seven assists. Capping off a successful senior season, Falck was named to the All-Big West First Team and was honored as the Big West Co-Midfielder of the Year.
After making the move to Virginia from Landvetter, Sweden, Falck joined Richmond United in 2014 during the club’s inaugural season, playing two years with the Development Academy side. Living in Virginia Beach, he would drive over 100 miles each way, four days a week for practices and games. During his time with United, Falck was given the opportunity to train with the Kickers pro team. He became the first Richmond United graduate to sign a professional contract.
 
Making the transition from Richmond United to college to the pros, Falck shared his thoughts of what current United players can do to prepare for their next steps.
 
“First of all, figure out if soccer is really what you want to do. If so, commit to it whole-heartedly. Most college players don’t make it to the professional level, so it’s important to not fall into the habits of the ‘normal college soccer player.’ Being a college athlete is already a great achievement and very time consuming, but if playing professionally is important enough for you then you will find time to do the details right — eat healthy, sleep enough, extra training sessions, work hard in training, etc. Consistency over a period of time guarantees results. Although it does not guarantee you will sign a professional contract, I guarantee that it will raise your chances of signing one by a lot.”
Make sure you are there in 2021 to see Falck on the field 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 to receive introductory pricing of $49.99 (save $10!) – 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.

Fitzgerald is Back with Richmond in 2021, Named Goalkeeping Coach

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, December 11, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald for the 2021 season, pending USL League One and USSF approval. Fitzgerald will also be joining the technical staff, assuming the role of Goalkeeping Coach. 
 
“Akira was a great leader over this very different 2020 season,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “His leadership, work ethic, and his ability to make the saves needed for us at opportune times makes him a valuable piece to our team and to our club. He has earned the expanded role of player and goalkeeper coach as we build our team for 2021. We have no doubt that his future in the game involves influencing the next generation of goalkeepers in America, but we look forward to watching him man the net for us in 2021.”
Fitzgerald enters his third season with the Kickers, after putting up strong numbers over the previous two seasons. With a career pass completion percentage at 86%, Fitzgerald is a versatile, modern goalkeeper. The veteran keeper started all 16 matches for the Kickers in 2020, posting three shutouts, and recording 50 saves — tied for the highest in USL League One. He also recorded 16 clearances throughout the season. After his season-high eight save performance at South Georgia Tormenta FC early in the season, Fitzgerald was honored on the League One Team of the Week.
 
“I’m so excited to be back for my third season with the Kickers,” commented Fitzgerald. “Seeing the growth of the group this last season under Darren’s leadership made the decision to stay and fight for a championship that much easier. I’ve always felt so much love from our supporters and it will be an honor to represent them and their club on the field this upcoming season. Even in the most difficult of years they played an enormous part in making this past season so enjoyable and successful. I look forward to pushing even harder this year and lifting a trophy in front of them at the end of it.”
 
Joining Richmond in 2019, Fitzgerald took the field 25 times. He finished the season with eight clean sheets behind 72 saves, which was good enough to be tied for second in the league in clean sheets and saves. His strong season saw him named a finalist for the 2019 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year award.
As Fitzgerald continues his storied veteran career between the sticks, he is also set to assume new responsibilities for the technical side in his second season under the direction of Sawatzky.
 
“Akira will take over for Adrian Clewlow, who worked with Akira over the past two seasons,” added Sawatzky. “We want to wish Clewie all success as he moves on to new opportunities. He has been and will always be part of the Kickers family.”
 
Before making the move to the River City, Fitzgerald spent two seasons with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies. He notched 25 saves and recorded four clean sheets in 13 appearances with the Rowdies. Over two different stints with North Carolina FC, he made 82 appearances for the club, making 406 saves. Fitzgerald earned a contract with Major League Soccer expansion side New York City FC in 2015 in between his time with North Carolina FC.
An NCAA National Champion in 2007, Fitzgerald spent four years at Wake Forest University. He made 73 appearances with the Demon Deacons, earning Second Team All-ACC honors in his senior season and was one of 30 candidates for the 2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for men’s soccer after an ACC-leading 81 save season. 
 
With Fitzgerald securing the net in 2021, it is time for fans to secure their 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 to receive introductory pricing of $49.99 (save $10!) – 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.

Ian Antley Re-Signs with the Kickers for 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, December 7, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed defender Ian Antley for the 2021 season, pending USL League One and USSF approval. 
 
“Ian signing here for 2021 was a priority for us this offseason,” said Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “We believe he had a good first year as a professional and his ceiling is high. He represents another important piece back in the team as we build the project here. We look forward to seeing him on the pitch at City Stadium.”
 
Signing his first professional deal with the Kickers in 2020, Antley played and started nine matches his rookie season before an unfortunate injury at Union Omaha on September 26 cut his season short. Making an immediate impact on the team at both ends of the field, Antley was named into USL League One Team of the Week twice. He had three assists for the season (tied for second on the team), led the team in tackles won (3.8 per 90 minutes), ranked second in interceptions (6.7 per 90 minutes) and third in ball recoveries (7.1 per 90 minutes).
“It feels great to have the belief from Darren, as well as the Richmond Kickers organization to have me back for a second year here in Richmond,” commented Antley. “A year ago Darren gave me the opportunity to represent this city and I couldn’t be more excited to be returning to finish what we started last season. What I look forward to most is being back in front of the fans and the Red Army in City Stadium. As a first year pro, this past year definitely had its challenges, but having the Red Army show up to every home game definitely gave us an advantage and I look forward to having the best fan section in League One back in City Stadium soon!”
 
Two of Antley’s three assists were on game-winning goals and all three came in victories for Richmond. The first of those came at City Stadium in the first home match of the season, a 1-0 win over Forward Madison FC. Antley served up Emiliano Terzaghi nine minutes into the match for the only goal of the match in the Henny Derby. His most notable assist came August 21 on the road at New England Revolution II. With the game tied at 1-1, Antley served in a long range cross towards the back post as Ryley Kraft slid in for the game-winner. The third assist was to the league MVP once again, this time to level the score against Fort Lauderdale CF as the Kickers would go on to take victory.
A four-year standout at Mercer University, Antley made 56 appearances for the Bears, scoring three goals and adding eight assists. He was one of three Mercer athletes to pick up NSCAA All-South Region honors twice in a career. During his senior season, Antley was co-captain for the team, leading them to the 2016 Southern Conference tournament championship. 
 
“Some of my goals for the 2021 season is to obviously win the championship,” Antley continued. “Coming in with the mentality is important. This year I think we have a different mindset. A mindset that we know we can win this league and other teams know we aren’t going to be a fun and easy game. I obviously have individual goals I’m working towards as well but individual success comes with team success. When we succeed as a group I’m confident the individual goals I have for myself will follow.”
 
Make sure you are there in 2021 to see the impact Antley has in his second season with a 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 to receive introductory pricing of $49.99 (save $10!) – 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.

USL League One MVP Emiliano Terzaghi Returns to Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, December 1, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that the 2020 USL League One Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner Emiliano Terzaghi has re-signed with the club for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, pending USL League One and USSF approval. 
 
“Emiliano was very dynamic this past year for us and he was rewarded with recognition from the league and from our supporters,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “He is a leader in our locker room and we are happy that he, his wife Ornella, and his daughter Josefina are committed to Richmond and what we are building here. He is a top professional and a lethal goalscorer; it’s very exciting to build on the 2020 season with the MVP of USL League One”.
 
Terzaghi initially signed with the Kickers in January of 2020 after an extensive career in his home country of Argentina. In his first season in the United States, Terzaghi made 15 appearances for the Kickers, starting in all but one of those matches.

“I feel very happy to be able to continue with the team,” commented Terzaghi. “It was always my wish to be able to stay here, and I am very happy to be able to achieve it. For next season I want to achieve what this year we were very close to achieving: the championship.”
 
On point with his shots, Terzaghi had a conversion rate of 25.6 percent from his 39 shots taken this year, finding the back of the net every 124.3 minutes en route to 10 goals and the 2020 League One Golden Boot. 
 
“My family and I are very happy,” Terzaghi continued. “It is very important to us. They make us feel at home and we love this team, its people and the city.”
Terzaghi opened up his account in the first match of the season, scoring in his Kickers debut on the road at Greenville. From there he would go on a streak of scoring eight goals in seven matches between August 8 and September 23. With his scoring, Terzaghi helped the team to finish the season with an 8-6-2 record and reach fourth in the league, improving from their ninth place finish in 2019. 
 
“I must say we have a great coach with all his work with the team,” expressed Terzaghi. “Darren is also a great person, I have no doubt that we will give everything again to achieve great goals for this team!”
Not only did Terzaghi receive recognition from the league, he was voted the River City Red Army Supporters Choice MVP. The award was voted on by the fans and presented to the Argentine after the final match of the 2020 season. 
 
“As I said before, I love this team, the city, and the fans,” Terzaghi concluded. “It is a family and I am very proud and grateful to be able to be part of that.”
Before making the move to the States, the Buenos Aires native had a stint at San Martin De Burzaco in Argentina. Prior to joining San Martin, he played a majority of his career with Club Atlético Banfield in the Argentine ‎Primera División, including scoring the game-tying goal against Boca Juniors in the final minute of the match. A regular goal scoring threat, he started with the U-20 side and moved to the second team before finally joining for the first team. During his time with Banfield, Terzaghi played under current San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matías Almeyda.
 
“We are thrilled to have re-signed Emiliano for the 2021 and 2022 seasons,” added Kickers Chairman Rob Ukrop. “Emi made an immediate impact on our Kickers team with his goalscoring as he helped to lead us within minutes of qualifying for the 2020 USL League One Final. We look forward to seeing his wife, Ornella, and his young daughter, Josefina, cheering him on at City Stadium for the next two years.  We appreciate the way the RVA community has embraced Emiliano and his family, and look forward to more success on and off the field in 2021 and beyond.”
The best way to ensure seeing Emiliano Terzaghi on the field in 2021 is with a 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 to receive introductory pricing of $49.99 (save $10!) – 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.

Peery, Sawatzky Lead Richmond Kickers into 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, November 19, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer Club is pleased to announce the recent promotions of Camp Peery to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Darren Sawatzky to Chief Sporting Officer (CSO). With the recent departure of Team President, Matt Spear, the Kickers have restructured the front office to reflect a new path forward in 2021. Effective immediately, both will fill the top of the club’s leadership structure with Peery directing business operations and Sawatzky directing sporting operations.
 
“We are excited about the future of the Richmond Kickers, and believe we are in very capable hands with Camp and Darren leading the way,” said Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers Chairman. “Camp joined us in the middle of 2019, and put his stamp on our game day operations, sales, and communications platforms right away while improving the fan experience at City Stadium. Darren added his swashbuckling approach to the game, by strengthening our roster with the addition of 2020 USL League One MVP Emiliano Terzaghi and Captain, Kyle Venter. He also re-engaged our fan base by leading us to within minutes of the 2020 USL League One Final.”
 
In his expanded role, Peery will oversee the club’s partnerships, ticketing, stadium operations, and communications teams moving forward. Sawatzky will provide additional contract oversight in his role as Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach.
 
Peery joined the Kickers in July of 2019 as Vice President of Sales and Operations after working in the Richmond Flying Squirrels organization for seven seasons. A Richmond native (and a former Collegiate track runner of yesteryear for Coach Weldon Bradshaw), Peery began his career in sports as an intern with the Squirrels in 2012, progressing to the role of Executive Director of Group Sales by the end of his tenure. Upon arrival with the Kickers, Peery implemented a variety of measures to help improve revenue and fan experience across the board, including new group and hospitality options, an updated season membership model, a revamped food & beverage program, and more.  Peery also spearheaded the Kickers Covid-19 readiness plan this past season to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for fans at City Stadium.
 
Sawatzky returned the Kickers to their winning ways in 2020 after taking over at the helm in November of 2019. The team finished the season with an 8-6-2 record, the first winning record for the club in four years and had the team into the hunt for the USL League One final heading into the final match of the season. Sawatzky joined the club after a year with league opponents FC Tucson. Prior to that move, Sawatzky made a name for himself in the coaching ranks within the Seattle Sounders FC system. He led the Seattle Sounders U-23 USL League Two squad along with directing the Development Academy, producing talent such as current United States National Team players Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) and DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United). The Seattle native also holds a USSF A License and a French Federation Formation license.
 
The Kickers anticipate to make several more exciting announcements, including several player signings and the launch of Kickers Plus in the coming weeks as the club pushes to build from a successful 2020 season towards the 2021 USL League One season. Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Emiliano Terzaghi Named USL League One Most Valuable Player

TAMPA, Fla. – (Friday, November 13, 2020) – Seeking a return to their former glory, the Richmond Kickers underwent an overhaul before the 2020 USL League One season.
 
In new arrival Emiliano Terzaghi, they found the centerpiece for a return to postseason contention. On Friday, the winner of the League One Golden Boot this year added the league’s Most Valuable Player award after an outstanding campaign that saw him record 10 goals and potentially start a new era of success at City Stadium.
 
The Argentine who began his career at Primera Division club Banfield became the first Kickers player since 2016 to record double-digit goals in a campaign as Richmond fell only four goals short of its goal total from the 2019 season in 12 fewer games. Terzaghi began as he intended to go on, scoring in his first appearance for the club against eventual title-winner Greenville Triumph SC. 
 
What followed over August and much of September saw the Argentine rarely fail. Between August 8 and September 23, the 27-year-old scored in every appearance, notching eight goals in seven games across that span. Terzaghi was twice a finalist for the League One Player of the Month award and came away with victory in September as he took the lead in the race for the Golden Boot for good.
 
As the Kickers look to build on their best campaign since Yudai Imura’s 10 goals led them to the 2016 USL Championship Playoffs, Terzaghi in 2020 provided a stepping-stone to potential future success.
 
Terzaghi earned 53 percent of the vote to earn the award. Greenville Triumph SC’s Alex Morrell finished in second place with 26 percent, while Triumph SC teammate Dallas Jaye finished in third on 16 percent.
 
The 2020 USL League One Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2020 League One regular season.
 
2020 USL League One Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year: Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC
Defender of the Year: Brandon Fricke, Greenville Triumph SC
Coach of the Year: John Harkes, Greenville Triumph SC
Young Player of the Year: Chris Brady, Forward Madison FC
Most Valuable Player: Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers
 
USL League One Most Valuable Player
2019: Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC

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