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Three 'Meet the Coach' Events Scheduled for This Weekend

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, December 9, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers will be hosting three events this Friday and Saturday to meet with the new Sporting Director and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky and other members of the Kickers Front Office.

The first chance to meet Sawatzky will be this Friday morning, December 13 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the Urban Farmhouse, located at 3015 Norfolk St, Richmond, Va. 23230.

The Kickers will host Sawatzky at their offices, 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 205, Richmond, Va. 23230 on Friday, December 13 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. The final Meet and Greet will be Saturday, December 14 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at SwimRVA, which is located adjacent to Ukrop Park at 5050 Ridgedale Pkwy, Richmond, Va. 23234. Both of these events will be opportunities to purchase your 2020 Season Memberships plus snag some Kickers gear 40% off!

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!”

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!

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.”

2020 Season Memberships On Sale Now

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!

SEASON MEMBERSHIP PERKS

Admission to all 14 USL League One regular season home matches
Admission to all potential U.S. Open Cup home matches
Pre-sale access for tickets to all exhibition and playoff matches at City Stadium
Never Waste a Ticket Program: If you miss a match, no worries! Exchange the unused season ticket for a General Admission ticket to any future 2020 home regular season match.
Exclusive Season Member entrance and ten minute early access to every home match
Invitation to three (3) exclusive Season Member events throughout the year
Preseason Meet the Team event (location TBD). Have the first in-person glimpse of the 2020 roster! Autograph opportunities, food and nonalcoholic beverages included.
Midseason ‘Halftime Huddle’ (location TBD) with coaches, players, and front office staff providing an update on the state of the team.
End of season Field Day at City Stadium–Bring your soccer boots! Games on the field with staff and players along with a cookout on the Party Deck.
Exclusive Season Membership gift and Season Membership card
$1 off draft beers and fountain sodas during each home match
10% off Kickers merchandise during each home match
50% off season parking passes
Discounted 2020 Kickers Scarf opportunity
Dedicated Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer representative
Flexible payment plans, including a monthly subscription option!

THREE SEATING OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

Midfield Club: $196

The best seats in the house! Premium reserved seating with seat backs located at the midfield line.

Payment plans start as low as $19.60 per month (10 month plan Jan. – Oct.)
Save $140 off of matchday pricing (best value)!
Receive the full array of season membership perks

General Admission: $112

For those who don’t like being tied down to the same seat every match!

Payment plans start as low as $11.20 per month (10 month plan Jan. – Oct.)
Save $98 off of matchday pricing!
Receive the full array of season membership perks

Section O: $98

Turn up the volume with the most passionate supporters section in RVA! Join the Red Army in the raucous standing section located on the South End of the stadium. #RVAisRED

Payment plans start as low as $9.80 per month (10 month plan Jan. – Oct.)
Save $112 off of matchday pricing!
Receive the full array of season membership perks

WATCH: Darren Sawatzky Press Conference

The Kickers formally introduced new Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky at a press conference on Friday, November 15 at Tang & Biscuit, located in Scott’s Addition.

Press Conference Scheduled for November 15

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, November 11, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers will formally introduce the new Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky during a press conference scheduled for Friday, November 15 at 12:00 p.m. at Tang and Biscuit, located at 3406 W Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230. Light refreshments will be available, along with other food and beverage options available for purchase.

This event will be open to members of the media as well as 2019 Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Holders. The press conference will be streamed live on www.richmondkickers.com.

The club announced on November 6 the appointment of Sawatzky as the eighth head coach in club history, in addition to the title of Sporting Director.

Any members of the media wishing to attend the press conference can RSVP to Patrick Wood, Director of Communications & Digital at pwood@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/richmondkickers. Kickers season ticket holders will receive an email to RSVP to the event.

Kickers Appoint Darren Sawatzky Sporting Director and Head Coach

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, November 6, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce Darren Sawatzky as the new Sporting Director and Head Coach of the pro team ahead of the 2020 USL League One season. Sawatzky takes the reins as the eighth head coach in the club’s 27 year history.

“A clear perk is that Darren was a head coach in USL League One this season,” commented Matt Spear, Richmond Kickers President. “His deep experiences with the Seattle Sounders is huge – especially the many years he ran their top quality U-23 USL League Two and Development Academy squads. He drives players to have a competitive bite and he enhances their best qualities. It helps that he played in Major League Soccer, has been a GM and that he has a deep scouting network and relationships with MLS, USL, international and agents.”

Sawatzky joins the Kickers after a campaign with USL League One side FC Tucson, which is the affiliate of USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC, bringing in experience with coaching in the league. Prior to joining Tucson, Sawatzky made a name for himself in the coaching ranks within the Seattle Sounders FC system. He led the Seattle Sounders U-23 USL League Two squad along with directing the Development Academy, producing talent such as current United States National Team players Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) and DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United). The Seattle native also had a stint steering the Guam National Team, coaching former Kickers defender Alex Lee. He holds a USSF A License and a French Federation Formation license.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the Richmond Kickers and work with the technical staff, the operations staff, and the ownership group here in Richmond,” said Sawatzky. “Watching the Red Army this past year showed me first hand what this team means to this community and I can’t wait to meet the fans here and be a part of this growing phenomenon. Being engaged with the fans and the community and building a winner that launches into each postseason is the goal. We are going to hunt trophies while playing entertaining soccer in 2020!”

Starting his professional playing career in Major League Soccer, Sawatzky was drafted by the New England Revolution in 1996, playing two seasons before moving on to the Dallas Burn in 1998. He went on to sign with the Charleston Battery later that year. Sawatzky was back in MLS the next year with the Colorado Rapids. A year later, Sawatzky found himself back in his hometown, signing with the Seattle Sounders, then a USL Championship side.

“Darren Sawatzky was a tremendous asset to Seattle Sounders Soccer Club, both as an Assistant Coach with me in the USL era, and also an integral part of launching our Academy program during our early years,” added Brian Schmetzer, Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach. “He is a very knowledgeable coach and has a good sense of what it takes to be a professional. His work ethic is very high, which translates to maximizing the strengths of each one of his players.”

The club plans to formally unveil Sawatzky at a press conference next Friday, November 15. Details of the press conference will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled that Darren is joining the Richmond Kickers family along with his wife Ginny and kids,” noted Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers Chairman. “He has a long history of developing young, talented players and preparing them for success at the top level. More importantly, he brings an incredible work rate and an unbridled enthusiasm that we believe will lead our team back to the playoffs.

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

Kickers Announce Pro Tryouts

REGISTRATION CLOSED

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, October 31, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers announced today that the club will host open tryouts December 13-14, 2019. A select number of players will be invited to participate in two days of intense training and scrimmages in front of technical staff at the Kickers state-of-the-art training facility Ukrop Park in Richmond, Virginia. Eligible college seniors, qualified free agents and talented amateur players that are seeking a professional contract are encouraged to register now at www.richmondkickers.com.

“The Richmond Kickers have a long history of finding quality players from the tryouts,” said Mika Elovaara, Kickers Interim Head Coach. “As we continue to build a strong roster for the 2020 season, this tryout is an important opportunity to observe and evaluate talent from all over the world, in hopes of finding the next Braeden Troyer or Robert Ssejjemba.”

Attendance at the player combine is one of the best ways to ensure that a player’s complete soccer resume and professional evaluation is in front of key decision makers for the Richmond Kickers. Training sessions will take place in front of professional coaching staff, led by Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, who will be joined by an array of experienced technical staff and former professional players.

Recently, Kickers Pro Tryouts discovered midfielders Ryley Kraft and Zach Perez, while past trials have also produced such prominent players as 2016 USL Defender of the Year Finalist and All-League First Team Defender Hugh Roberts, 2013 USL Rookie of the Year Nate Robinson, Clyde Simms (New England Revolution, D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL MVP and Ugandan National Team).

Interested players should submit an application and $150 registration fee by November 30, 2019. Space is limited and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Registration fees are non-refundable. Application fees increase to $200 after the registration deadline of November 30, 2019. Attendance at all sessions is required. If you have questions about the tryouts, please email scouting@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/richmondkickers.

Fitzgerald Named Finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year

TAMPA, Fla. – (Thursday, October 17, 2019) – The finalists for the 2019 USL League One Awards were announced on Thursday as standout performers in five categories earned nomination after a remarkable inaugural season for the league. The winners will be announced during League One Awards Week between Monday, Oct. 28 and Friday, Nov. 1.

Kickers goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald is a finalist for the 2019 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Signing with the Kickers after an extensive career in both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer, Fitzgerald posted nine shutouts this season which tied him for second in the league this season. That is also the highest shutout total for an individual player for the club since the 2013 season. Fitzgerald was second in the league with 73 saves.

The 2019 USL League One Awards were voted on by team leadership.

2019 USL AWARD FINALISTS

2019 Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Monday, Oct. 28

Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: Fitzgerald ranked second in the league with 73 saves and tied for second with nine shutouts as he posted a 69.5 save percentage for the Kickers.

Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC: Jaye led the league with 14 shutouts and a 0.78 goals-against average in the regular season to claim the League One Golden Glove, while recording 47 saves in 27 appearances.

Alex Mangels, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Mangels led League One with 85 saves as he played every minute of the regular season, posting six clean sheets and a 69.7 save percentage for the Red Wolves.

2019 Defender of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Tuesday, Oct. 29

Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley finished tied for the league-lead among defenders with six goals, led all outfield players with 201 recoveries, ranked third in the league with 208 duels won at a success rate of 56.2 percent and ranked tied for fourth in the league with 49 interceptions.

Christian Diaz, Forward Madison FC: Diaz ranked second in the league with 52 interceptions, won 191 duels at a success rate of 64.5 percent, made 165 recoveries and was only dribbled past by an opponent 28 times as he ranked fourth in the league with 50 tackles.

Tyler Polak, Greenville Triumph SC: Polak led the league with 63 interceptions, ranked first among defenders with 51 tackles, won 155 duels at a success rate of 61.3 percent and recorded three assists and 27 chances created.

2019 Coach of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Wednesday, Oct. 30

John Harkes, Greenville Triumph SC: For a second time, Harkes led a side to the postseason in its inaugural season as Greenville featured the best defense in the league, conceding only 22 goals in 28 games and posting 13 clean sheets.

Nate Miller, Lansing Ignite FC: Miller led Lansing to a second-place finish in the regular season as the club accumulated the longest undefeated streak of the year at 12 games, while sitting second in the league with 49 goals.

Eric Quill, North Texas SC: Quill’s side finished top of the League One standings and recorded a league- best 53 goals in the regular season, while also producing two separate five-game winning streaks to create a 10-point gap to second place in the final standings.

2019 Young Player of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Thursday, Oct. 31

Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: Damus recorded the most combined goals and assists in League One with his 16 tallies on 31 shots on goal earning the Haiti international the league’s Golden Boot award.

Ricardo Pepi, North Texas SC: Pepi opened his professional career with League One’s first hat trick on the opening weekend of the regular season, and he finished with nine goals in 12 appearances at a rate of a goal every 114.8 minutes.

Jordan Perruzza, Toronto FC II: Perruzza finished second in League One with 15 goals, accounting for more than one-third of TFC II’s attacking output, while also finishing second in shots on goal with 29 and a scoring rate of a goal every 120.6 minutes.

Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC: Rodriguez led the league in assists with 10 and chances created with 72, but also ranked first in the league in tackles won with 61 and was one of only seven players to complete at least 1,150 passes in the regular season.

2019 Most Valuable Player Finalists – Winner announced Friday, Nov. 1

Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley’s six goals and six assists highlighted a standout two-way season that also saw him lead the league with 201 recoveries, win 40 of 52 tackles and 208 duels at a success rate of 56.2 percent.

Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: Damus recorded a league-leading 16 goals at a rate of a tally every 87 minutes in 20 appearances, led the league in shots on goal with 31 on a shooting accuracy rate of 60.8 percent and finished the regular season with a shot conversion rate of 31.4 percent.

Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC: The lone player to appear in every game for North Texas, Rodriguez combined a league-leading 10 assists and 72 chances created with seven goals on a 21.2 percent shot conversion rate to help power League One’s best attack.

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