Team Announcements
Club Statement
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers terminate Esteban Calvo’s contract for the 2022 USL League One season on February 1, 2022.
Pavone Returns for Fourth Season in Richmond
Pavone has been a constant presence in the Kickers’ dressing room since the 2019 season when he was brought in under then Head Coach David Bulow. Since joining the Reds, he has thrived in a Swiss Army Knife role, playing all over the field including as a forward and as an outside back.
His versatility has shown in his two seasons under Sawatzky. During the 2020 season when he made 11 starts in 14 appearances, Pavone was utilized in a center forward role that allowed him to attack opposing defenses from the tip of the spear. He played additional roles in 2021 when early-season injuries required Pavone to play on the defense. He would finish the season with 21 appearances and six starts including his postseason debut at FC Tucson in the USL League One Quarterfinals.
“My individual goals always align with the team goals,” Pavone said. “For me, it’s about winning at the end of the day and chasing the trophy. We have created a culture with Darren the last few years that buys into that team-first mentality and that’s most important to me.”
Aune Returns to Richmond Hungry to Expand Role
Aune returns for a second season with the Reds after proving his ability to be a jack of all trades in 2021. While predominantly lining up as a centerback, Aune also showed off his dynamic athleticism in a holding midfielder role and even lining up as a striker when needed.
The Everett, Wash. native made 15 appearances and four starts including a start in the Kickers’ playoff match at FC Tucson – the club’s first since the 2016 season.
“My goal this year is to have a more consistent role within the squad, be a leader on the field and within the locker room, and do whatever is asked of me as a player,” Aune said. “This team’s goals are to compete for the USL League One title this year, and, with many players returning, we will be on the same page with that.”
Richmond Kickers to Swap Home Dates with Charlotte Independence
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and Charlotte Independence have agreed to swap home dates in the clubs’ first season together as regional rivals in USL League One.
The home match at City Stadium against Charlotte on Saturday, April 23, 2022, will now be played in Charlotte on Friday, April 22.
The Kickers will host the Independence at City Stadium on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
Times for both matches are still TBD.
2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! The USL League One schedule is live and fans can begin to plot their nights at City Stadium! Reserve your spot today at https://www.richmondkickers.com/seasontickets where you can purchase full-season general admission or premium seating options!
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
Former US Youth National Team Player Stuart Ritchie Joins The Richmond Backline
Ritchie is a versatile left back that thrives in a supporting role going forward, utilizing his speed to make overlapping runs or cut inside to progress the ball into dangerous areas. While mirroring the traits of the modern offensive-minded fullback, Ritchie relishes the opportunity to patrol the defensive area and get stuck into a tackle.
“When I met with Darren, we talked for a long time and he expressed his interest in me and that he was excited to see what I can do on the field. He made me feel wanted and that was exactly what I was looking for.”
He would be called up again for the U-20 MNT in late 2019. While in camp, the team played multiple friendlies in the Czech Republic where the team faced off against the hosts as well as Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary.
Juan Pablo Monticelli Announces His Retirement
Monticelli quickly earned a fan-favorite status in his only season with the Kickers. The defender scored in his debut at New England Revolution II on April 17, 2021. In the dying moments of the first half, Monticelli crashed into the box on a corner kick and beat the keeper to double the lead for the Reds as they went on to win the match 3-0.
“Monti came in last year and quickly established himself as a hard-nosed left back for us during preseason,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, “His relentless bite and full personality will be missed on the field and in the locker room. We wish him the greatest of luck in his new adventure and he is welcome here anytime as one of the Reds.”
Stephen Payne Brings European Experience to Richmond’s Backline
Calvo Brings His Hard-Nosed Defensive Style Back To The Kickers Defense
Calvo made his Kickers debut in a 2-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC on May 8, 2021. Starting with the match against Tormenta, Calvo anchored the right side of the Kickers’ defense for nine of the team’s 10 clean sheets in 2021. The Costa Rican defender went on to start all 24 matches he appeared in while amassing 2,028 minutes played – ranking seventh-most among Kickers’ outfield players.
He thrived when challenging opposing forwards one-on-one and led all Kickers defenders with 25 tackles won at a 66 percent success rate. Calvo would also finish in the top 3 amongst Kickers defenders in interceptions (35) and duels won (105).
“Individually, I want to do everything I can to help the team in any way. Last year I hit a tough spot in the middle of the season where I didn’t feel 100 percent. I want to make sure this year that doesn’t happen. I am working harder on my form and doing everything I can to limit my mistakes.”
“Playing at City Stadium is always great,” Calvo said. “The field is great and so is the Red Army. Our fans are incredible and they always support us regardless of the situation. Teams fear us at home and it should be that way; they have to know it’s our home and they have to respect it. We always do our best to protect our house.”
Reigning Back-to-Back League MVP Terzaghi Returns For A Third Season In Richmond
“I am very happy to stay in the club that feels like my home,” Terzaghi said. “We hope to bring joy to the fans fighting to lead the Kickers to the top of the league.”
Almost as impressive as his lethal goal-scoring threat is Terzaghi’s offensive efficiency. While leading the league with 72 shots and placing 42 shots on target, Terzaghi would finish the season with a 25 percent conversion rate which led the Kickers and exceeded his expected goals (xG=17). Terzaghi’s hustle, intelligence, and positional awareness allowed him to score 17 of his 18 goals from inside the 18-yard box. Beyond his prolific scoring, Terzaghi averaged almost one chance created per game, and along with setting the new single-season goal-scoring record and becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer in 2021 (28 career goals), he also assisted two goals, including the game winner against North Texas SC on July 3, 2021.