RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and the Richmond Strikers plan to celebrate the life of David Bulow in a pregame ceremony at Saturday’s June 5 match at City Stadium.
Taking place shortly before Saturday’s 6:30 pm kickoff, the ceremony will be led by representatives of both the Kickers’ organization and Bulow’s Richmond Strikers U19 Boys and Girls Elite Teams. A special tribute penned by members of both organizations will be read aloud over the public address during the ceremony. There will be a collection point inside City Stadium where fans can drop off cards or write memories of David that will be presented to the Bulow family.
Bulow, a long-time fixture in the Richmond soccer community as a player and coach for the Richmond Kickers’ professional and youth sides, Richmond United academy teams, and, most recently, a coach with the Richmond Strikers youth teams, passed away on May 6, 2021. He was 41.
Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers to CommemorateDavid Bulow atJune 5 Match
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and the Richmond Strikers plan to celebrate the life of David Bulow in a pregame ceremony at Saturday’s June 5 match at City Stadium.
Taking place shortly before Saturday’s 6:30 pm kickoff, the ceremony will be led by representatives of both the Kickers’ organization and Bulow’s Richmond Strikers U19 Boys and Girls Elite Teams. A special tribute penned by members of both organizations will be read aloud over the public address during the ceremony. There will be a collection point inside City Stadium where fans can drop off cards or write memories of David that will be presented to the Bulow family.
Bulow, a long-time fixture in the Richmond soccer community as a player and coach for the Richmond Kickers’ professional and youth sides, Richmond United academy teams, and, most recently, a coach with the Richmond Strikers youth teams, passed away on May 6, 2021. He was 41.
Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers to CommemorateDavid Bulow atJune 5 Match
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and the Richmond Strikers plan to celebrate the life of David Bulow in a pregame ceremony at Saturday’s June 5 match at City Stadium.
Taking place shortly before Saturday’s 6:30 pm kickoff, the ceremony will be led by representatives of both the Kickers’ organization and Bulow’s Richmond Strikers U19 Boys and Girls Elite Teams. A special tribute penned by members of both organizations will be read aloud over the public address during the ceremony. There will be a collection point inside City Stadium where fans can drop off cards or write memories of David that will be presented to the Bulow family.
Bulow, a long-time fixture in the Richmond soccer community as a player and coach for the Richmond Kickers’ professional and youth sides, Richmond United academy teams, and, most recently, a coach with the Richmond Strikers youth teams, passed away on May 6, 2021. He was 41.
Akira Fitzgerald Nominated for USL League One Player of the Month
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Thursday the five nominees for the League One Player of the Month award for April and May, with top performers from the season’s opening rounds selected for the ballot.
Voting in the League One Player of the Month Award will be conducted by the following two voting bodies:
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A fan vote on USLLeagueOne.com will comprise 60 percent of the poll. The fan vote will run through Monday, June 7 at 12 p.m. ET.
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The USL Technical Committee’s ballots comprise 40 percent of the poll.
The award winner and complete voting results will be announced on Thursday, June 10.
Please note: The League One Player of the Month selection process in no way is tied directly to the voting and selection process of End of the Year awards such as League One Most Valuable Player or position players of the year.
USL League One Player of the Month – April/May
Marios Lomis, Greenville Triumph SC – Lomis tallied a league-best five goals in five appearances during April and May, averaging a goal every 74 minutes of play. He also made four key passes in helping Greenville remain unbeaten through its opening five games.
Dámia Viader, Union Omaha – The Spanish fullback was a major contributor to a defensive unit which allowed only two goals in five games, and also tallied a goal and an assist in that span.
George Acosta, Fort Lauderdale CF – One of League One’s top creators this season thus far, Acosta recorded a league-high four assists in his seven appearances during April and May. The 21-year-old midfielder also scored a goal of his own and made 18 key passes.
Garrett McLaughlin, Toronto FC II – The forward came flying out of the gates in his first appearances with Toronto FC II, contributing to all four of the Young Reds’ goals in its opening three games. McLaughlin scored three himself and assisted the other.
Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers – Fitzgerald ended May in a tie for the league lead with three clean sheets in five appearances. The veteran goalkeeper boasts a 78.6 percent save percentage, having stopped 11 of the 14 shots he’s faced so far this season.
The Richmond Kickers Announce Stadium Capacity Update
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that City Stadium will return to 100 percent capacity beginning with the upcoming June 5 match against New England Revolution II.
“We’re beyond excited to see City Stadium back to full capacity after a challenging season in 2020,” said Kickers’ COO Camp Peery. “Last year required a lot of adaptation, but our staff and supporters did an incredible job observing the safety protocols that allowed us to be one of the only clubs in the state to host professional sporting events with fans.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience, and for those who haven’t been able to make it out to the stadium in the last year. We can’t wait for you to experience all the improvements we’ve made to City Stadium, including a new LED lighting system and upgraded concourse.”
In addition to the return to full capacity, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated individuals at City Stadium, but face coverings are still strongly recommended for non-vaccinated individuals per CDC and state guidelines.
Tickets for the Saturday, June 5 match against New England Revolution II are still available. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance as all tickets are now digitally processed, and walk-up purchasing is not available.
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
Kickers Unveil Alternate Black Kit, Partnership with First Tee – Greater Richmond for Front of Kit
RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, May 19, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce a new partnership with First Tee – Greater Richmond, who will feature on the front of the Kickers’ new alternate black kit. First Tee – Greater Richmond is the first non-profit to feature on the front of a Richmond Kickers’ kit in the club’s 29 seasons.
“We are excited to partner with First Tee – Greater Richmond because of our similar missions to strengthen community connections,” said Kickers Chairman, Rob Ukrop. “The values learned at the golf course and on the soccer field will help prepare the next generation of young people to lead. We believe introducing both soccer and golf to the wider RVA community will make us stronger together.”
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, the First Tee Life Skills Experience, the First Tee School Program, and collaborative community partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 71,000 youth in 2019.
“We are proud to be included on the Kickers’ alternate kit and partner with another like-minded organization,” added Brent Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of First Tee of Greater Richmond. “Through their commitment to the community and to making soccer accessible for all, they were a natural fit within our vision at First Tee – Greater Richmond: to strengthen the character of our community.
“We look forward to the partnership and collaborating on additional ways where our organizations can work together within the greater Richmond community.”
As with the primary and secondary kits, Bon Secours will feature on the back of the alternate kit during the 2021 season.
Bon Secours enters their seventh year as a partner of the Kickers. As the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Richmond Kickers, Bon Secours brings a full spectrum of high-quality sports medicine care and services to both the Kickers professional team and youth players, including concussion awareness and management, orthopedic care, sports performance services, physical therapy, safety education, and injury prevention practices.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Richmond Kickers, and we are proud of the work we have done together over the last several years to strengthen the health of our community by helping Richmond’s youth stay active,” added Ryan Stuhlreyer, Vice President of Service Line Strategy, Bon Secours Richmond. “We look forward to maintaining this momentum into another great year and season ahead.”
The Kickers will debut the new alternate black kit in front of the home fans at City Stadium this Saturday night against North Carolina FC. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:30 p.m. The match will also stream live on ESPN+, and locally in Richmond on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466). A limited number of tickets are still available at www.richmondkickers.com/tickets.
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 including the new alternate kit 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. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
Kickers Sign Defender Chris Cole
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of defender Chris Cole, pending league and federation approval. Cole will be available for selection Sunday when the Kickers travel to Fort Lauderdale CF.
“Chris Cole has worked incredibly hard over the past two years to get an opportunity in professional soccer,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky. “He came into preseason with us and he fit immediately with our culture here. His competitive nature and hard-nosed defending gives us another piece to our team at the back, and his approach to every day on and off the field adds another solid brick to the foundation.”
A gritty defender, Cole started his college career at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina. His next season, he went back to his home state of Washington to play at Bellevue College, where he scored four goals and added three assists. His final three college seasons were played at Seattle Pacific University. In his senior season, Cole made 15 appearances and was named co-captain, scoring two goals, including the game-winning goal against Montana State Billings and added two assists.
“Being able to sign my first pro contract with the Kickers is really a blessing and a dream come true” commented Cole. “I believe the culture that Rob, Darren and everyone else in the organization have built is what makes this club so special. In the short time I’ve been here, I can already see how much this team means to the city and I’m beyond excited to be a part of it.”
In 2019, the Duvall, Washington native spent the season with the Seattle Sounders U23s in USL League Two. That season the club finished with a 7-3-4 record and was second in the Northwest Division.
“My goal this season is to star in my role within the group and do whatever is required to help this team win games,” added Cole. “If we can all do that, we’ll be in a good position to accomplish the team goal — lifting a trophy in November.”
The Kickers return to action Sunday night on the road as they travel down to Fort Lauderdale CF for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and will be streamed on ESPN+. This match is also going to be available in Spanish on the radio on WULT Ultra 94.1FM/1540AM.
Causey Signs Initial Pro Contract; Becomes Club's First Second-Generation Player
RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, April 6, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce they have signed goalkeeper Austin Causey for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“We brought Austin in this preseason to evaluate him among professional players,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “Adding him to our roster is in line with our goal of developing young players for the Richmond Kickers and beyond. He has trained incredibly well and has earned the opportunity here as a young pro. The real work starts now for him and we are excited to watch his growth and to see his competitive fire every day in training.”
After impressing the technical staff during this preseason, Causey signs his first professional contract with the Kickers. He began his academy career in Richmond, playing for Richmond United with both the U14 and U16 teams for the 2015-16 season, making 16 appearances for the club, and posting a 61.6 save percentage.
“It is very exciting for me to have this opportunity, and to sign my first professional contract with the Kickers,” said Causey. “Being able to join such a historic club, not only in U.S. Soccer but within my family, is a dream come true. From day one, I was instantly drawn to the positive and demanding environment that Darren, the staff, and the team had created. It’s a privilege to play for a team with this mindset, and the support and guidance I’ve received from everybody so far has been unbelievable.”
For the 2016-17 season, Causey returned to his home state of Massachusetts to play with the New England Revolution Academy making nine appearances. During the 2017-18 season, Causey split time with the U17s and the U19s, boasting a 65.5 save percentage in 21 matches. His final two seasons with the Revs saw him make 20 appearances with the U19s.
“We are thrilled to sign Austin to his first pro contract,” said Rob Ukrop, Kickers Chairman. “Like his dad [Jeff Causey] in 1995, Austin not only adds goalkeeping quality but also a team-first mentality that has been critical to our success on and off the field. We are honored to be the first step in Austin’s professional career.”
Causey continued to talk about his father’s influence in not only his decision in signing with the Kickers to become the club’s first second-generation professional player but also playing as a goalkeeper.
“Being able to have the same opportunities as my Dad when he was a professional is something that I’m very thankful for. He began his professional soccer career with the Kickers, and now I am fortunate to be doing the same thing! Being a goalkeeper himself, naturally, I shifted in the same direction. His guidance over the years has been a defining factor in having this opportunity, and it’s amazing that it is with the Kickers. As a family, and for me personally, it’s all very exciting.”
A stalwart goalkeeper during his professional career, Jeff Causey manned the goal for the Kickers during their run to both the league title and the U.S. Open Cup Championship in 1995, playing in 25 matches and posting seven shutouts. The Kickers would end the season with just three losses and included a streak of 15 straight wins. He would go on to win the MLS Cup with D.C. United in 1996 along with his second-straight U.S. Open Cup, making 20 appearances in the inaugural season of Major League Soccer. Joining the New England Revolution the next season, Causey made 64 appearances for the Revs until he retired from professional soccer in April 2002.
“As a team, the goal is to win games and bring the USL League One trophy home to Richmond,” Causey continued. “For me, my goal is to contribute to that in every way I can. Each day, I hope to keep getting better, both as an individual and collectively as a team. The passionate and committed culture that the organization emanates is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to the season that lies ahead!”
The 2021 home opener is April 24 and you need to be there with your Kickers+ membership. 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. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
Kickers Invite Three Players into Preseason
RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, March 15, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have invited three players to compete through the preseason in hopes of earning a spot on the official roster: goalkeeper Austin Causey, defender Chris Cole, and forward Sam Solomon.
“As we look for the best ways to develop our club and the best pathways to develop players, we want to open up channels of opportunity to young players and players from different backgrounds,” said Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer, “Austin, Sam, and Chris all come from good soccer backgrounds and are eager to earn contracts in professional soccer. They are now part of our club and part of our culture and it is up to them to earn their way into time under the lights at City Stadium. We will continue to open up opportunities to players as protocols allow.”
Growing up in Richmond, Causey joined Richmond United during the 2015-16 season, making 16 appearances in goal for the club. Moving back to his home state of Massachusetts, Causey joined the New England Revolution Academy, where he would play in 50 matches between 2016 and 2020. Following in his father’s footsteps in the goalkeeper position, he is the son of former Richmond Kickers shot-stopper, Jeff Causey.
A stalwart goalkeeper during his professional career, Jeff Causey manned the goal for the Kickers during their run to both the league title and the U.S. Open Cup Championship in 1995, playing in 25 matches and posting seven shutouts. The Kickers would end the season with just three losses and included a streak of 15 straight wins. He would go on to win the MLS Cup with D.C. United in 1996 along with his second-straight U.S. Open Cup, making 20 appearances in the inaugural first season of Major League Soccer. Joining the New England Revolution the next season, Causey made 64 appearances for the Revs until he retired from professional soccer in April 2002.
“We are excited to have three young trialists with us this preseason,” added Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers Chairman. “Darren has a keen eye for talent, and we look forward to evaluating Austin, Chris, and Sam in the coming weeks as we aim to strengthen our squad. It is especially exciting to have Austin with us for the preseason, not only as a former Richmond United player but also since his father Jeff was a defensive cornerstone of our Kickers’ success in 1995, leading us to USL league and U.S. Open Cup championships.”
A native of Duvall, Washington, Cole played collegiately at Seattle Pacific University. In his senior season in 2018, he made 15 appearances for the Falcons. He had an assist and scored the game-winner over Montana State Billings. In 2019, Cole played one season with the Seattle Sounders U23s in USL League Two.
Named the Capital Gazette Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2016, Solomon stayed in his home state of Maryland to feature at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Over his three seasons, he made 31 appearances for the Retrievers, scoring two goals. During his senior season, Solomon played for Northern Virginia United.
The Kickers are getting set to open up the 2021 season and you need to be 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 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. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
Taublieb Making 2021 a Comeback Year in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, March 10, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers have re-signed midfielder Zev Taublieb for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“The 2020 season had many challenges and Zev suffered an unfortunate injury right at the time that his impact in our group was starting to blossom,” stated Darren Sawatzky, Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach. “He has been working diligently to get ready for the 2021 season and as he progresses into full fitness, we will integrate him into our team. Zev’s experience across all levels in the American soccer pyramid as well as his international playing experience gives us another midfielder that can control the tempo of a game. We are pleased that Zev has returned and we can’t wait to get him competing in training.”
Playing in his first match with the Kickers on August 8, 2020, his season was cut short just as it was getting started with an injury sidelining him for the entire season only minutes into his debut.
“I would say this year is less so of a redemption year, and more so of a comeback year,” said Taublieb. “I am very fortunate that the coaching staff and the club really believe in me and what it is I have to offer. I am looking forward to helping the group and I cannot wait to get back on the field with my teammates again. It was a very special group last year and I was devastated when the injury happened. That said, I have learned a lot in this process and the group this year is even more special. I am incredibly excited to play my role in helping us win a championship.”
Richmond provided a great support structure for Taublieb as he recovered from his injury, from the staff to the fans.
“The decision to return to the Kickers was an easy one. The people at Richmond are not just amazing, they are sensational. Rob Ukrop, the Chairman of the Richmond Kickers, sent me multiple handwritten letters and a book to read called ‘The Coffee Bean’ directly after my surgery. His words of encouragement and the knowledge he has shared have inspired me more than words can express.
“Coach Darren has been incredibly supportive and kind to me through my recovery process and it has made the world of a difference. He has reached out to me nearly every day checking in on me seeing how the process is going. He has been through many injuries himself so I know he understands the ups and downs of a surgery like this. His constant encouragement inspires me every day I go into the gym so I am ready to help the group in any way I can.
“I want to add, the fans of the Kickers all sent me get-well notes via social media and truly care about my recovery process. I am so grateful to them.”
Despite being sidelined with his injury for the majority of the 2020 season, Taublieb continued to work within soccer taking on a role as an assistant coach for Viterbo University, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In this role, he worked under a former assistant college coach from his time at Valparaiso University, Luke Dunn. Taublieb holds a UEFA B license.
“Certainly, my goal for myself is to come back firing on all cylinders,” added Taublieb. “I have been doing intense physical therapy 3-4 hours a day every day for the last six months. In many ways, I already feel better than I ever have. In regards to the team, our goal is clear. We want to bring home the championship. Through this injury and the current state of the world, I have learned that all of our days are numbered whether that be on the field or in life. Coach Darren encourages us to reach for the stars, but instead of telling us to reach for the stars to land on the moon, he tells us to grab that bloody star and take our destiny into our own hands. We look forward to bringing home the championship this year.”
Before making the move to Richmond in May 2020, Taublieb gained experience internationally featuring for Åtvidabergs FF and Varbergs BoIS in Sweden. Taublieb had stints at former USL Championship rivals Charlotte Independence in 2017 and with the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2015 and 2016. He made his league debut in 2015, making 10 appearances with Sacramento Republic FC, scoring one goal.
Throughout his collegiate career, Taublieb played with the Des Moines Menace and first played under Sawatzky at the Seattle Sounders U23s in USL League Two.
Playing four years at Valparaiso, Taublieb made 65 appearances for the Crusaders, starting in 59 matches. In his senior season, he led the Crusaders to their first-ever Top 25 ranking and the team’s best record since 2011. He would earn All-Horizon League Second Team honors, was on the NSCAA Scholar All-North/Central Region Second Team, and named to the First-Team All-American by the Jewish Sports Review.
“To return back to the Kickers was a no-brainer,” concluded Taublieb. “I have played all over the world and I promise you, there is not a club I would rather be at.”
With the 2021 roster set, it is time for you to get set to be 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 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. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!
