Team Announcements

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.”

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!

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

Kickers Re-Sign Luke Pavone

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, January 7, 2020) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of midfielder Luke Pavone, pending USL League One and USSF approval.

“Luke returns for us after working hard this past year,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “We are ready to see him battle for minutes with a good attacking group of players.”

Pavone made four appearances for the Kickers in his first season in 2019. Starting his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts for two seasons, Pavone played his final three years at Buffalo State College. In 2018, Pavone signed his first professional contract with Hapoel Petach-Tikvah in Isreal.

“Once last season ended, I knew immediately that Richmond was where I wanted to be in 2020 and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be back,” said Pavone. “I fell in love with the diverse culture of the city, the southern climate, and want to bring our beloved fans the Championship they deserve!”

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Kickers Sign Devante Dubose

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, December 6, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of defender Devante Dubose, pending USL League One and USSF approval. Dubose marks the first new signing for the 2020 season, along with being the first signing under new Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky.

“Devante represents a very athletic, experienced, and ultra competitive player for our team,” commented Sawatzky. “He has the ability to get into the attack and he defends very well from the outside back position. We look forward to getting him in to Richmond and getting started with preseason.”

A native of Oakland, Ca., Dubose played four years at Virginia Tech making 60 appearances for the Hokies. The right back was selected 66th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. He went on to join then-USL League Two side FC Tucson, where he made 11 appearances and scored one goal. The next season Dubose went on to sign with USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC after a successful campaign with the club’s U-23 team. Dubose joined Phoenix Rising FC, where he played in 15 matches and notched one goal en route to the USL Championship Western Conference title. Most recently, he played for Oakland Roots in NISA.

“It feels good to be going back to Virginia, it is my second home,” said Dubose. “It’s where I went to college, where I met the love of my life. I have family here, and I’ve made a lot of memories throughout my life here, so I have nothing but love for Virginia. I am thankful to the City of Richmond and the Kickers community for welcoming me into their family with open arms. It’s an honor to play for a historic club that embraces the community and prides itself on work ethic, so it was a perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to give the Kickers community, the City of Richmond, and my teammates all I got because love and hard work is all I have to give!”

Kickers Transfer Gallardo to Real Monarchs SLC

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, December 5, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers announced on Tuesday that forward Joe Gallardo has been transferred to USL Championship side and 2019 USL Championship Title-Winners Real Monarchs SLC, the affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. In return for the transfer, the Kickers acquired a transfer fee, plus future considerations. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“Joe had a great year in 2019 and we are excited for the opportunity that Real Monarchs SLC have given him,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “He is a dynamic player who wishes to test his metal at the next level and we support that. Having the newly minted champion from the USL Championship come calling is a testament to Joe’s hard work and to the pathway we want to create with the Richomnd Kickers. We wish Joe success! We will develop other dynamic players to help us win in Richmond – with their potential to also move on to the next level.”

Gallardo signed with the Kickers prior to the start of the inaugural USL League One season. He made 25 appearances for the club, all of which were starts, and went on to score six goals and adding two assists. Growing up in the Monterrey academy system until 2016, Gallardo made the move to the United States in 2016 joining the Orlando City U-17/18 Academy. In 2017, the San Diego native signed a contract with Orlando City B and went on to make seven appearances in the USL Championship.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone in Richmond – my teammates, the coaches, the staff, the fans and of course Red Army,” said Gallardo. “The club will always be in my heart. The club believed in me and the club was tremendous for my career as it gave me a huge opportunity to shine and grow on and off the field. My dream is to play the sport I love at the very top level and the Kickers are a key piece of that journey. And they have proven their focus on developing people by enabling my transfer to a next level team that is part of an MLS club.”

Kickers Announce Initial Roster Changes

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, November 5, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers announced the initial updates to the roster ahead of the 2020 USL League One Season. The club has exercised the contracts of nine players from the 2019 roster. With three players currently under contract, the 2020 roster currently stands at 12 players.

“I am excited about the quality of players returning for the 2020 season,” said Interim Head Coach Mika Elovaara. “Bringing back the defensive core that helped us keep 10 clean sheets, combined with our leading scorer and assists leader makes for a strong foundation to build on. Overall, we feel that the 2020 roster is starting to shape up very nicely.”

Already on contract for the 2020 season, the Kickers will see forward Joe Gallardo, midfielder Ryley Kraft and defender Scott Thomsen return to City Stadium.

The club has exercised the options for goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, defenders Wahab Ackwei, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, midfielders Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Mutaya Mwape and forward Charles Boateng.

More announcements will be coming soon regarding the head coach and more roster additions ahead of the 2020 season.

The current Richmond Kickers roster ahead of the 2020 USL League One season, listed by position alphabetically, is below:

Goalkeepers (1): Akira Fitzgerald

Defenders (4): Wahab Ackwei, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen

Midfielders (5): Amass Amankona, Greg Boehme, Matt Bolduc, Ryley Kraft, Mutaya Mwape

Forwards (2): Charles Boateng, Joe Gallardo

« Previous Page

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

Kickers Re-Sign Luke Pavone

2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

Kickers Sign Devante Dubose

Kickers Transfer Gallardo to Real Monarchs SLC

Kickers Announce Initial Roster Changes

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2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

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2020 Richmond Kickers Roster

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