The winger won two straight Big South Championships with the High Point Panthers to close out his collegiate career
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of forward Antonio (Toni) Pineda to his first professional contract, pending league and federation approval.
Pineda signs his first professional contract after a college career that included stops at High Point University (2018, 2021-23) and West Virginia University (2019-21). During his second stint with the Panthers, Pineda and his teammates earned two straight Big South Championships. While with the Mountaineers in 2021, Pineda was part of a run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight that included wins over Virginia Tech and No. 6 Tulsa before falling to No. 3 Georgetown in penalty kicks.
The Statesville, N.C. native specializes in getting the ball into dangerous areas of the pitch and taking on defenders in one-on-one scenarios. In scoring situations, Pineda is well-rounded both in assisting his teammates and scoring himself with six of his total 19 career collegiate goals being game-winners.
Pineda began his freshman year with a bang in 2018 as an impact player off of the bench, scoring seven goals and assisting five which was tied for second on the team with former Richmond Kicker Jonathan Bolanos. He finished that campaign as the Big South Freshman of the Year, a member of the Big South All-Conference First Team, and a member of the Big South All-Conference Freshman Team.
He transferred to West Virginia for his sophomore season where he was again an impact player off of the bench, scoring two goals and adding four assists as the Mountaineers claimed the MAC Championship and made it to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Following the canceled Fall 2020 season, Pineda started all 10 matches of the Spring 2021 season when he notched three goals with two being game-winners. He went on to add another goal and an assist to his points tally during the Fall 2021 season as No. 8 West Virginia made its tournament run.
Pineda returned to High Point to see out his extended year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic and he stayed on for a final season as a graduate student.
In his first season back with the Panthers, he notched two goals including an equalizer at Georgetown in six appearances. He finished out his final season starting 17 of 19 matches while scoring five goals and assisting three more. His final point of his college career was assisting the equalizer against UNC Asheville which eventually saw the Panthers win the championship in penalty kicks.
Pineda was named a Big South Honorable Mention in the final conference postseason awards.
Toni Pineda said:
“I felt wanted by the Kickers and knew I could further my game and develop as a person on and off the field here in Richmond. Ultimately it was a no-brainer for me to sign with the Kickers. My first impression of the club was how much support they receive from the fan base game in and game out alongside the success of the club in recent years. With joining the team I’m looking forward to making even more history and being a part of the Richmond Kickers family.
“My message to the supporters is that I’m looking forward to meeting all of them very soon. And they can look forward to a player that will give them everything game in and game out. My goal for this season individually is to make an impact on the team however that may be: contributing to as many team goals as I can whether that’s scoring or assisting. As a team, my goal is to bring home as many trophies as possible to the city of Richmond.”
Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:
“Toni is a fiery winger with the ability to take players on, burn past opposition with his pace, and create chances for himself and others. He can play in the pocket or as an out-and-out wide threat which allows us to use his skill set in different ways. He was humble in showcasing his abilities and his personality fits into our culture here in Richmond. We appreciate Zach Haines at High Point because he is always honest about player level, and we all believe Toni has a high ceiling.”
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TRANSACTION: Antonio Pineda signs with the Richmond Kickers on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
