The 29-year-old ranks second amongst goalkeepers all-time in league appearances and minutes played
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of 2022 USL League One Champion and veteran goalkeeper Pablo Jara to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval.
Jara joins the Kickers following a storied career at fellow USL League One rivals, South Georgia Tormenta FC where he started 108 of 109 total appearances while amassing 9,657 minutes played which all rank second amongst goalkeepers all-time in league history. In 2022, Jara helped lead Tormenta FC to its only League One title as he came on in the final 10 minutes of the 2022 USL League One Final to help the Ibises secure the 2-1 victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
The keeper from Santiago, Chile, first joined Tormenta FC in 2018 when the club competed in the PDL – now known as USL League Two – and went undefeated in the regular season and took home the Deep South Division Championship. He then signed his first professional contract with Tormenta when they joined USL League One ahead of the 2019 season.
Since signing pro, Jara has made 286 saves which ranks second all-time in league history and he has earned 26 clean sheets which ranks fourth all-time.
Jara reunites with former Tormenta player Nil Vinyals who also played on Tormenta FC in 2018 and signed pro with the club the following season.
Pablo Jara said:
“Coach Darren was very active and honest with the initial intentions to have me be a part of the Kickers. I love the belief he has in me. The sense that I will be part of an organization that has been around for over 31 years in the game adds a massive value to the table. The belief in me from Coach Darren is the most valuable asset I can ask for. The most exciting part of being in the team is to share goals with quality players and individuals. I am lucky enough to know on a personal level multiple Kickers players and I can’t wait to wear the colors with them.”
“It was never easy to face the Kickers at the City Stadium. I don’t remember a game I played at City Stadium in which the fans’ sections were not packed. The Red Army is very valuable to the game itself and the entire Richmond community makes up some of the best atmospheres in the entire league. I’m extremely excited to be on the “good guys” side this coming season.”
“My message to the Richmond Kickers supporters is that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join your club and your city. I will do my very best to make a difference in the community in a positive manner. I will work hard to achieve our championship goals. And that I will do my best to make you proud.”
Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:
“We have watched Pablo perform for the past five seasons in League One and he has performed in ways that allowed his teams to chase trophies. Along with his pedigree as a top goalkeeper, his leadership ability and his locker room presence were gems we could not pass up when we looked at who we wanted to add this year and for the future. The Richmond Kickers have been blessed with quality goalkeeping and Pablo helps us keep that lineage alive as we head into the 2024 season. We are absolutely ecstatic to add Pablo to the goalkeeping department and bring his personality and bite to City Stadium.”
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TRANSACTION: Pablo Jara signs a multi-year contract with the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.
