News

Kickers Announce 2020 Pro Camps

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, February 3, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are excited to announce the 2020 Pro Camps. These camps will provide motivated players a tremendous opportunity to learn and interact with the Kickers Pro Players and Coaching Staff. Campers will experience the thrill of playing on the City Stadium pitch, and train like the pros at Ukrop Park!

“It will be exciting to meet the campers and future Kickers,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “We are always looking for the future and this crop of players could be wearing red at City Stadium someday.”

Each camp will be four days Monday to Thursday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. On Monday, the camps will take place at the home of the Kickers pro team, City Stadium, as the kids get to train and play on the pro pitch! The remaining days will be held at Ukrop Park. Register now for the pro camps for the early bird price of only $200!

The camp speakers will include:

Darren Sawatzky – Richmond Kickers Pro Head Coach and Sporting Director
Mika Elovaara – Richmond Kickers Pro Assistant Coach
Rob Ukrop – Former MLS and Kickers Pro Player. Former NCAA Leading Scorer/All American
Matt Spear – Kickers Pro Soccer President. Former 18 year NCAA Division I Head Coach

Each camper will receive:

Meet and learn from the Kickers pro players – plus get autographs and photos.
Kickers Pro Soccer Camp shirt
4 General Admission tickets to the Saturday Kickers match following each session (June 20th or August 8th), including a ceremony before the match on the field!
Training and playing on the USL League One Kickers Pro Field at City Stadium (Monday) and seeing the pro team locker room.

Each Pro Camp will be limited to 40 campers, so don’t delay – REGISTER NOW!

2020 Pro Camps Schedule

June 15-18: Boys and Girls ages 10-14
- 9-11:30 am; Monday -Thursday (Mon at City Stadium, Tue-Thu at Ukrop Park)
August 3-6: Boys and Girls ages 7-11
- 9-11:30 am; Monday-Thursday (Mon at City Stadium, Tue-Thu at Ukrop Park)

Register now and find more information at www.richmondkickers.com. If you have any questions, contact Camp Coordinator, Will Selden at wselden@https://www.richmondkickers.com or 804-644-5425 x324.

Kickers Announce 2020 Preseason Schedule

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, January 31, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the 2020 Preseason Schedule, with a slate of eight games kicking off February 8.

“We are excited for the preseason match schedule,” said Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “This schedule allows us to see some tough competition, which will enable us to work through some structure we want to put in place while evaluating players in our team. We are grateful to each of the opponents for the opportunities to play.”

The Kickers will open up the preseason schedule February 8 on the road in a closed door match at USL Championship side North Carolina FC. One week later, the team will be back on the road heading up I-95 to face another USL Championship side in Loudoun United FC. Coming back to Richmond on February 22, the Kickers will host 2016 USL Championship title winners New York Red Bulls II at SportsBackers Stadium.

River City Sportsplex in Chesterfield County will host the first meeting of NCAA competition with Jonathan Bolanos’ collegiate side High Point University on February 26. The first of two straight matches at Ukrop Park comes March 1 as former Kickers defender and current Old Dominion University assistant William Yomby comes to town to face his old club. The Kickers will get a chance to take on a potential opponent in the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when they take on Virginia United six days later.

The final two matches of preseason will take place at City Stadium. First up the Kickers will be playing an intersquad scrimmage March 14 before the Front Office staff takes on the Red Army in the 2020 Our City Our Home Cup. Richmond closes out the preseason schedule March 21 when the Kickers take on Virginia Commonwealth University.

Don’t miss a moment of the 2020 USL League One season with your 2020 Season Membership, on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com. Season Memberships are the ultimate way to support your Richmond Kickers and enjoy the thrill of every matchday at City Stadium. Memberships are a perfect fit for individuals, families, and businesses looking to take advantage of the best prices and exclusive perks we have to offer!

DATE	TEAM	TIME	LOCATION
February 8	@ North Carolina FC^	TBD	TBD
February 15	@ Loudoun United FC^	12:00 PM	Segra Field
February 22	New York Red Bulls II^	12:00 PM	SportsBackers Stadium
February 26	High Point University	7:00 PM	River City Sportsplex Field #1
March 1	Old Dominion University	4:00 PM	Ukrop Park
March 7	Virginia United	7:30 PM	Ukrop Park
March 14	Intersquad	12:00 PM	City Stadium
March 21	Virginia Commonwealth University	TBD	City Stadium

Dates, Times and Venues subject to change.

^Closed Door

Kickers to Host Open Cup Second Round Match

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, January 30, 2020) – U.S. Soccer announced on Wednesday the potential Second Round pairings of the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Kickers will enter the 25th anniversary of winning the Open Cup Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at City Stadium as they host the winner of the First Round match between Virginia United and Christos FC.

The 2019 edition of the tournament saw the Kickers take a decisive 6-2 victory over Virginia United behind a four goal performance from Charles Boateng. In the following match up, the Kickers run in the tournament came to an end at the hands of USL Championship side North Carolina FC with a scoreline of 1-4.

The Kickers made history with their remarkable run to the semifinals in 2011. Becoming the first lower division team to defeat back-to-back MLS teams on the road, the Kickers ejected the Columbus Crew in the third round before handing Sporting Kansas City their first-ever loss at Children’s Mercy Park in the quarterfinals. Advancing to the semifinals for the second time in franchise history, the Kickers narrowly missed the Championship berth, conceding a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire last August.

The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the Professional Era in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round five times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011) and the semifinal round twice (1995, 2011), ousting five Major League Soccer teams along the way, including Colorado Rapids in 2000, D.C. United in 2004, LA Galaxy in 2007 and Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City in 2011.

Matt Broomall Re-Signs with the Kickers

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, January 30, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of goalkeeper Matt Broomall for the 2020 USL League One season, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“Matt returns for us as a player after spending the off-season overseas gaining experience,” said Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “He adds to our goalkeeping group that will breed competition with each training session.”

Broomall is back for his second season with the Kickers after playing a season with Atlantic City FC in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). In 2017, the Somers Point, NJ native played a season at Sodertalje FK in Sweden, his first professional club after five seasons at Rutgers University Newark.

“Doing what you love day in and day out is nothing short of a blessing,” commented Broomall. “I am ecstatic to have the Kickers welcome me back for a second year. Looking forward to working with the entire family here in RVA!”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Matt Broomall, Akira Fitzgerald, Lee Johnston

Defenders (7): Wahab Ackwei, Ian Antley, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, Kyle Venter

Midfielders (10): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Jonathan Bolanos, Matt Bolduc, Gianluca Cuomo, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (3): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng, Emiliano Terzaghi

Kickers Sign Argentinian Forward Emiliano Terzaghi

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, January 24, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of forward Emiliano Terzaghi for the 2020 USL League One season, pending ITC, USL League One and USSF approval.

“Emiliano is a clever, explosive attacking player that scores goals,” said Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “We worked to find a striker with the ability to change the game on his own while also fighting with a group of players to win as a collective. We feel that Emiliano has the potential to score goals in USL League One and we are excited to get him here and into our team.”

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Terzaghi comes to the Kickers after playing at San Martin De Burzaco in Argentina. Before joining San Martin, he has 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 moving to the second team before finally signing for the first team. During his time with Banfield, Terzaghi played under current San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matías Almeyda.

“I want to thank the Richmond Kickers and the coaching staff, for the opportunity to join the team and grow in my career,” commented Terzaghi. “I’m very anxious to be there and meet the players and fans. I have no doubt I will adapt to the team and give the best of me on and off of the field for the club, but mostly for the fans.”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (2): Akira Fitzgerald, Lee Johnston

Defenders (7): Wahab Ackwei, Ian Antley, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, Kyle Venter

Midfielders (9): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Gianluca Cuomo, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (3): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng, Emiliano Terzaghi

Lee Johnston Added for 2020 Season

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 22, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Lee Johnston for the 2020 USL League One season, pending ITC, USL League One and USSF approval.

“Lee impressed us during his training with our staff and his tryout weekend was very good,” said Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “Having two good goalkeepers signed breeds competition in a spot we already feel very comfortable in.”

A native of Newberry, Florida, Johnston started his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, making 28 appearances for the Panthers where he made 133 saves over two seasons. Transferring to West Virginia University for his Junior and Senior seasons, Johnston recorded ten shutouts over 29 matches with the Mountaineers. The goalkeeper has spent the last three seasons in the USL Championships with San Antonio FC, joining them in their inaugural season.

“I’m delighted to join the Kickers,” commented Johnston. “It’s a great opportunity at a historic club and I look forward to getting started.”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (2): Akira Fitzgerald, Lee Johnston

Defenders (7): Wahab Ackwei, Ian Antley, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, Kyle Venter

Midfielders (9): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Gianluca Cuomo, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (2): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng

Kickers Sign Gianluca Cuomo

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, January 20, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have signed midfielder Gianluca Cuomo for the 2020 season, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“We are looking forward to having Gianluca in our midfield,” said Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “He adds a different type of player to an already great core of players. His experience and approach will compliment our group and we are glad he is coming aboard.”

A native of Rochester, NY, Cuomo made 15 appearances in one season at Warner University in the Sun Conference. He was named to the All-Conference Second team in 2015. Cuomo went on to play two seasons with the Rochester River Dogz, where he was honored on the 2016 NPSL First Team All Supporters XI. Making a move to the USL Championship in 2018, Cuomo joined San Antonio FC for the season after a successful trial with the club. Cuomo went overseas in 2019 to play with Mosta Football Club in Malta.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent such a historic club and city,” commented Cuomo. “Growing up in Rochester New York I remember going many times to watch the Richmond Kickers play the Rochester Rhinos as a youth in the old A-League which is now the USL. I’m very excited to be a part of the organization and get to know the people of Richmond.”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (1): Akira Fitzgerald

Defenders (7): Wahab Ackwei, Ian Antley, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, Kyle Venter

Midfielders (9): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Gianluca Cuomo, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (2): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng

Kyle Venter Added for 2020 Season

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, January 15, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have signed veteran defender Kyle Venter, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“Kyle Venter was one of the top central defenders in USL League One last year and he was an obvious choice to pursue this offseason,” stated Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “His leadership ability and his experience are paramount in helping with the growth of young players on our team and his ability to score on set pieces adds another attacking force for us.”

Most recently, Venter played the last season at under Sawatzky at FC Tucson, where he helped the club to five shutouts over 23 appearances, while also adding four goals and an assist. A familiar foe to Kickers fans, Venter was a constant opponent throughout his time in the USL Championship, including stints with Penn FC, Ottawa Fury FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC (now, FC Tulsa). The native of Aurora, Colorado was drafted number 23 overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Galaxy. He went on to make nine appearances on loan to LA Galaxy II during the club’s inaugural 2014 season.

“I am extremely blessed and grateful to have signed with Richmond for the 2020 season,” said Venter. “Being one of the longest operating professional clubs in this country, the Kickers brand is something special and I know we’ll be looking to add some great things to that history this season. I’m looking forward to getting to the city and beginning the tireless work with my teammates, the staff, and the rest of the organization that will allow us to achieve the success we’re all chasing.”

A four year starter at the University of New Mexico, Venter started in all but one of his 86 matches for the Lobos, finding the back of the net on eight occasions and added four assists. Over his time with the Lobos, Venter was named a three-time NSCAA and College Soccer News All-American. He had a standout senior year picking up Conference USA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors, along with being named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to the top college player annually. Venter lead the Lobos to the NCAA tournament each year, including a berth into the semifinals of the NCAA College Cup in 2013. During his time at New Mexico, Venter made 11 appearances for USL League Two side Real Colorado Foxes in 2012.

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (1): Akira Fitzgerald

Defenders (6): Wahab Ackwei, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, Kyle Venter

Midfielders (8): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (2): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng

Victor Falck Signs with Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, January 13, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have signed former Richmond United midfielder Victor Falck, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“Victor had a very good college career and he fits with our mission of working to develop players for the next level,” said Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “His connection to the area and his work in our youth programming make him a perfect fit for us. He brings a competitive fire to the group in a position that we needed competition in. We look forward to Victor contributing right away in our team.”

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.

“I am very excited to sign and return to Richmond after four years at the collegiate level,” said Falck. “I have fond memories from my time with Richmond and I admire the overall mindset of the club and the individuals within it. When I was with Richmond United, I was able to train with the Kickers on numerous occasions which was inspiring and a great learning experience for me. It is especially exciting to be the first Richmond United alumnus to sign a pro contract with the Kickers, and I am sure that many will follow in my footsteps as there are many talented alumni that are doing well in college at the moment, and many talented coaches and players still within the club at the academy level.”

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 becomes the first Richmond United graduate to sign a professional contract.

“We are thrilled for Victor to sign his first professional contract for his home state team,” added Sascha Görres, Richmond United Technical Director. “Through his incredible commitment and focus, Victor has created a path for himself that will serve as an example for other Richmond United players to follow. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to following his professional career.”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (1): Akira Fitzgerald

Defenders (5): Wahab Ackwei, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen

Midfielders (8): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, David Diosa, Victor Falck, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone

Forwards (2): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng

Stanley Alves Joins the Kickers

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, January 10, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers have signed forward Stanley Alves, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“Stanley was a player we watched during the college season at Lowell and he attended our combine weekend in December,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “He is clinical in his finishing and he puts himself in good positions to finish off opportunities created by the team. Having another attacking option creates competition and brings the level of players up in our team. We look forward to getting Stanley in front of the goal.”

A native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Alves was named to the Bay State League three times along with being named to the Eastern Mass All-Star team in high school before committing to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Over 51 matches with the Riverhawks, Alves scored 13 goals and notched four assists. During his collegiate career, Alves has stints with Seacoast United in USL League Two and the New England Revolution U-23s. Alves joins the Kickers signing his first professional contract.

“I want to start off by thanking the coaching staff, teammates, family, and ultimately God for putting me in a place where I didn’t see a limit for growth,” said Alves. “Some say that the people you are surrounded by are the ones that shape you. It could not have been more apparent at UMass Lowell. From academic advisors to coaches to some of my best friends, I owe my success on and off the field to them. It truly is a blessing to have them around me because work ethic that embodies myself, shows in the people around me. Thanks to them, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of signing a professional contract. In addition, I’d like to thank coach Darren for seeing something special in me and offering me my first pro contract. The first is always a special one.”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Goalkeepers (1): Akira Fitzgerald
Defenders (5): Wahab Ackwei, Devante Dubose, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen
Midfielders (7): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, David Diosa, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape, Luke Pavone
Forwards (2): Stanley Alves, Charles Boateng

« Previous Page

Kickers Announce 2020 Pro Camps

Kickers Announce 2020 Preseason Schedule

Kickers to Host Open Cup Second Round Match

Matt Broomall Re-Signs with the Kickers

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Kickers Sign Argentinian Forward Emiliano Terzaghi

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Lee Johnston Added for 2020 Season

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Kickers Sign Gianluca Cuomo

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Kyle Venter Added for 2020 Season

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Victor Falck Signs with Richmond

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Stanley Alves Joins the Kickers

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!

Presented By

News

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!

Presented By

Archives