Team Announcements

Crisler Returns to Anchor the Kickers Backline

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Jalen Crisler after the veteran centerback’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.

“Jalen was a valuable leader in our group this past season as a constant on our backline,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He continually rose to the occasion when needed, and his growth was consistent over the course of the year. We will look to Jalen as a veteran leader in the 2022 squad as we chase the postseason.”

Crisler was a constant for the Reds during the 2021 season as the Everett, Wash. native started 28 matches in the Kickers backline. His 2,432 minutes played ranked the highest of any outfield player on the team.

“I could not be more excited to be returning to Richmond for year two,” Crisler said. “The Richmond family from top to bottom is an organization that cares. I felt welcomed and trusted by the staff and organization from day one. They gave me an opportunity last year, and I can’t wait to represent the city of Richmond for another year and play in front of the best fans in the league.”

In his first season in the River City, Crisler was a part of a suffocating Richmond backline that finished tied for second in USL League One with 10 clean sheets. He was instrumental in negating danger in the penalty area as he ranked first on the team with a whopping 86 aerial duels won while finishing tied for first on the team with 33 blocks and finishing second on the team with 125 clearances.

On the attacking end, Crisler proved to be a threat on set-pieces thanks to his combination of size and positional awareness. This was best exemplified during the Kickers’ home match on June 19, 2021, when they hosted eventual title winners Union Omaha. Down a goal late in the second half, Zaca Moran served up a free kick from the left wing towards the far post. Crisler rose up above his marker and headed the ball on frame that ricocheted off an Omaha defender and into the back of the net for the equalizer.

Looking to build upon a strong first season in Richmond where he earned USL League One Team of the Week honors in Weeks 7 and 15 and helped lead the Kickers to its first playoff appearance since 2016, Crisler is hungry for more: “Last year we made strides as the year progressed, but the season did not finish as we had hoped,” Crisler said. “I am very excited for us to continue to grow the winning culture that Darren and the staff have laid out. I can’t wait for preseason to start so we can get back to working together to achieve our ultimate goal of bringing more silverware to the fans and city of Richmond.”

With an offseason to reflect, Crisler is raring to get back out on the City Stadium pitch to anchor the defense for the club’s historic 30th consecutive season.

“Playing at City Stadium is always an honor,” Crisler said. “The fans, and especially the Red Army, always bring the energy and noise to help us. We had a great home record last year and that is in large part due to the fans, field crew, and everyone behind the scenes that allow us to succeed. We must continue to win at City Stadium and make it one of the hardest places for opponents to play. With the pieces we have returning and the new players we have added, I am extremely excited to get going. I know we will continue to work and grow together to achieve our goals. I am looking forward to a very successful 2022 season for the Richmond Kickers!”

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://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/richmondkickers/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!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers exercise Jalen Crisler’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 11, 2022.

Moran Set to Hold Down the Kickers Midfield in 2022

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Zaca Moran after the midfielder’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.

“Zaca was a steady force for us this past season and we are looking to him to lead more and more this season with his experience,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “His adjustment to the American game came quickly, and his presence will be paramount to what we are looking to accomplish in 2022. Having a vocal player with his bite and a year under his belt allows us to build on the work we have done as we chase titles in Richmond.”

La máquina (the machine) enjoyed a fruitful first season in Richmond as he started all 26 matches he appeared in, amassing 2,317 minutes played – fourth most of any outfield player.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity of being part of this club again,” Moran said. “Grateful of the staff and each person in the club who do their best on game days so that we have all the tools to do our best on the field. I’m convinced that it’s going to be a great year.

“I’m really happy to return to the Richmond Kickers family for another year. I’m excited to start the preseason, set goals and work to achieve them.”

Moran provided a metronomic consistency to the Kickers’ engine room as he thrived in a holding role. The former River Plate man led the team with an 80 percent passing accuracy while almost 78 percent of his passes went forward to transition the team from defense to attack. He would add three assists to his tally which finished tied for second on the team.

USL League One awarded Moran weekly honors during Weeks 3 and 27 with Moran’s performances in Week 27 proving vital in the club making its first playoff appearance since 2016.

The week began with Moran clamping down on Forward Madison in a midweek 1-0 win for the Kickers against a fellow playoff hopeful. He would lead the Kickers in passes in the opponent’s half, tackles, and blocks while winning 100 percent of his aerial duels. Then, four days later on the weekend, Moran would deliver one of the goals of the year – and the league’s October goal of the month – from outside of the box to spark a comeback and propel the Reds to a 2-1 win on the road against North Texas SC.

Looking ahead to a second season playing in the United States and for the Richmond Kickers, Moran is motivated to help push the club to new heights in its historic 30th consecutive season.

“The previous year we ended the season with an empty feeling because we couldn’t play in the USL League One Final,” Moran said. “I believe this year we must work harder and train ourselves mentally to be able to achieve this objective as a team. And personally, I will keep on working so I can help the team on and off the field.

“Last year I had great feelings playing at City Stadium. The support from the fans has been incredible and we must play for them in each game. They deserve it!”

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers pick up Zaca Moran’s contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 6, 2022.

Vinyals Returns to the Kickers Engine Room for 2022

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Nil Vinyals after the midfielder’s contract option was picked up for the 2022 season.

“Nil is a special player that can control the tempo of a game and give you that special pass that breaks down a defense,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We are looking forward to watching him continue to grow and lead here in Richmond. He fits the culture here with his professional approach, it will be exciting to watch him buzz in the midfield and lead the young guns.”

Last year, Vinyals slotted right into the Kickers’ lineup in his first season with the club. The Barcelona native started 25 of his 27 appearances and finished with the fifth-most minutes played of the Kickers’ outfield players. He returns to Richmond primed to pull the strings for Sawatzky during the club’s historic 30th consecutive season.

“I’m excited to come back to such a professional and historic club,” Vinyals said. “I’m thankful for the trust that the coaching staff has demonstrated all along, and I’m eager to keep building a winning culture that supports a structured brand of soccer.

“My goal and the team’s goal is to attain a level of consistency that allows us to fight for every title that we are in.”

Vinyals thrived in the role of the team’s facilitator, leading the Reds with four assists and 51 chances created – ranking fifth-best in the league for chances created. His performances were recognized by USL League One’s weekly honors twice when Vinyals was named Player of the Week during Week 9 and was named to the Team of the Week during Week 25.

The Week 9 Player of the Week award highlighted an exceptional night when the Kickers earned a 3-2 victory over New England Revolution II on June 5. Vinyals served up the ‘hockey assist’ for the Kickers’ first goal in the opening 27 seconds of play – the fastest goal scored by the club since joining USL League One – before assisting the final two goals including the game winner.

With a full season and his first playoff appearance under his belt, Vinyals is looking to build on the 2021 campaign and push for more in front of the City Stadium faithful.

“Playing in front of the Red Army, the best supporters in the league, is something that I never take for granted,” Vinyals said. “Last year we were very strong at home and that has to continue if we want to win a title in 2022.”

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers pick up Nil Vinyals’ contract option for the 2022 USL League One season on January 4, 2022.

USL League One Unveils 2022 Regular Season Schedule

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced its competition structure and full schedule for the 2022 season, with the league’s fourth season bringing a balanced 30-game slate set to be played across 28 weeks when the season begins on Saturday, April 2 next spring. Throughout the 2022 campaign, 84-percent of League One matches are slated to be played on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

The 30-game schedule is the longest in League One’s history and will see the 11 teams – including three newcomers to the league – face off against each other three times throughout the regular season. The top six teams in the final regular season standings will then advance to the 2022 USL League One Playoffs.

MORE: See the Full 2022 USL League One Schedule

Central Valley Fuego FC will be the first of three newcomers to feature on the field as it opens the season on the road against three-time League One Finalist Greenville Triumph SC. The game is part of a four-game slate on opening day that also sees a postseason rematch as the Richmond Kickers play host to FC Tucson, while Chattanooga Red Wolves SC will host Forward Madison FC and new Head Coach Matt Glaeser, and South Georgia Tormenta FC will host North Carolina FC.

Defending title-holders Union Omaha will begin their campaign on the road the following weekend as they visit Forward Madison FC at Breese Stevens Field. Newcomers the Charlotte Independence, meanwhile, will host their first game in League One against Fuego FC on Friday, April 8 before Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC makes its opening bow against the Richmond Kickers on April 9.

Central Valley will host its inaugural home opener on Saturday, May 7 as it squares off for the second time with Greenville Triumph SC, while Northern Colorado will open its home at Future Legends Complex in Windsor, Colorado against North Carolina FC on Wednesday, June 8. League One will also see South Georgia Tormenta FC open its permanent home during the new campaign, adding to the outstanding new venues currently being built and opened across the USL ecosystem.

The season will conclude on Saturday, October 15 with a five-game slate of action including an in-state battle between the Charlotte Independence and North Carolina FC and Union Omaha playing host to Central Valley Fuego FC.

The 2022 USL League One Playoffs will begin on the weekend of October 21-23 with the No. 3 seed set to play host to the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed to play host to the No.5 seed in the Quarterfinals. The lower remaining seed will then advance to face the No. 1 seed in the Semifinals, with the No. 2 seed to host the higher remaining seed from the opening round.

The 2022 USL League One Final will be held between November 4-6 at the home venue of the higher remaining seed as the league concludes its campaign.

For more information on USL League One, visit the league website at www.uslleagueone.com, or follow the league on social media @USLLeagueOne via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Matt Bentley Joins the Richmond Forward Line

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Minnesota United MLS SuperDraft pick and Lionsbridge FC forward Matt Bentley for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

“Matt Bentley has scored goals wherever he has played,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We saw him up close this past season and he has been on our list for the 2022 season. He brings a solid soccer acumen, ability to take players on and stretch defenses, and he finishes the chances he creates. He will be another weapon in the attack for us.”

The London native caught the eyes of the Kickers’ technical staff following a fruitful 2021 campaign at the USL League Two side. Playing just over an hour’s drive down I64, Bentley bagged nine (9) goals and three (3) assists in 16 appearances. Following the conclusion of the 2021 League Two season, Bentley accepted an invitation to train with the Kickers’ first team during the summer months.

“Training in the summer with the Kickers was cool and it was nice to be back in that full team environment again after Covid had ruined my 2020 year footballing wise,” Bentley said. “I trained well the first couple of days and I’m quite a sociable person so I got along with a lot of the team quickly and that made training a lot easier.”

He continued, “After training with the team, Coach Sawatzky said he wanted me for 2022 and stayed true to his word. Having the faith of the manager always encourages you to sign for a team.”

Bentley was an exceptional college soccer player at Missouri State University, picking up Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors while finishing as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist as one of the top players in Division I soccer in 2019.

The forward scored 15 goals including six (6) game-winning goals during his landmark senior season. The MSU Bears would earn a top-10 ranking while finishing as a finalist in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and taking No. 8 University of Central Florida to the brink in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament.

Bentley was selected in the fourth round (88th overall) in the MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC.

“I think I offer a different option going forward for sure in terms of movement in behind, dribbling with the ball and, ultimately, finishing,” Bentley said. “I’m a very direct player and my first thought is always to go forward. This should blend in well with the creative players we already have in the team.

The signing of Bentley marks the second time a Lionsbridge FC player has made the move inland after goalkeeper Joe Rice signed with the Kickers in 2019.

“We are very pleased for Matthew,” Lionsbridge FC Head Coach Chris Whalley said. “He had a terrific season for Lionsbridge last summer and we look forward to following his success with the Kickers in USL League One.”

Bentley says he is excited to take the pitch and replicate his goal scoring and goal creating success as the Kickers build upon the success of the 2021 season that saw the Reds make their first playoff appearance since 2016.

He added, “the goals for 2022 are simple really. Win it all!”

2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! Reserve your spot at City Stadium, today at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/richmondkickers/seasontickets!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Matt Bentley for the 2022 USL League One season on December 16, 2021.

Bryant Inks Permanent Deal with the Kickers

RICHMOND, Va. –The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of Ethan Bryant to a permanent deal in 2022, pending league and federation approval.

“Ethan came in for us last year and provided a spark in the midfield,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He is a young pro and we were delighted with the punch he brought to the group as we chased the end of the season into the playoffs.

Sawatzky continued, “He was a priority to re-sign and we are happy he will be with us in 2022. We see him building on last year, running at defenses, and smashing the onion bag when needed.”

Bryant joined the Kickers on loan from USL Championship side San Antonio FC on August 12, 2021. The Longview, Texas native quickly slotted into the matchday roster and made his first appearance for the club off of the bench on August 14 against New England Revolution II before starting the remaining 12 matches of the 2021 season including the team’s USL League One Quarterfinal match at FC Tucson.

“I want 2022 to be my breakout year, and I think Richmond has everything I need to do it,” Bryant said. “The way last season ended left a sour taste in our mouths, and I know the team and I will do everything in our power to build on our success and bring silverware to Richmond.”

The 20-year-old quickly became a fan-favorite with his tenacious versatility in the Kickers’ engine room. Capable of playing box-to-box to more advanced roles and even slotting on the right wing, Bryant grew into the side rapidly as the team mounted its playoff push, including a five-match winning streak that extended from late September to mid-October.

Bryant finished second on the team amongst players with a minimum of 10 appearances in passing accuracy (66.3%) in the opponent’s half. On top of his work in the middle, Bryant was a threat in the attack as he placed 57 percent of his shots on target. He was also effective in disrupting the opponent’s attacks as he recorded a 64% successful tackle rate.

“I really enjoyed my time in Richmond in 2021,” Bryant said. “I felt welcomed and valued by the club from day one, and that’s a big reason I wanted to return.

“Playing at City Stadium in front of the Red Army was special for me, and I look forward to some amazing nights at City Stadium in 2022.”

2022 marks our historic 30th consecutive season! Reserve your spot at City Stadium, today at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/richmondkickers/seasontickets! Get your season tickets by Dec. 15 to receive an exclusive 30th season scarf!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Ethan Bryant for the 2022 USL League One season on December 14, 2021.

Causey Returns to Richmond to Build On Successful Rookie Season

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of goalkeeper Austin Causey for the 2022 season.

“Austin was an amazing pro beyond his years in 2021,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He showed up every day, worked his tail off, and performed very well in a very competitive environment. His growth was evident both on and off the field this past year. I have full confidence that Austin will fight his way into games in 2022.”

Causey returns for his second professional season with the Reds following a successful apprenticeship under USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year and Kickers’ goalkeeping coach Akira Fitzgerald during the 2021 season. He signed his first professional contract at the age of 19 with the club in April 2021 after impressing the technical staff during a trial period in the preseason.

The rookie went on to make the Kickers’ gameday roster in 23 matches including the team’s USL League One Quarterfinal match at FC Tucson.

“I’m very excited to get back to City Stadium for another year with the Kickers,” Causey said. “It’s a milestone year with the club celebrating its 30th consecutive season, and I hope to build on what we did this past season.

“Personally, I’m looking to build on the work done with Akira [Fitzgerald] last year and implement the positive advice and guidance he’s given as an experienced pro.”

A natural shot stopper who thrives on frustrating opposing strikers, Causey joined the Kickers following a successful run in the New England Revolution Academy from 2016-19. The goalkeeper featured for both the U17 and U19 teams and registered 20 appearances during his time with the U19 team.

Before his time in New England, Causey began his academy career with Richmond United during the 2015-16 season while making 16 appearances across the U14 and U16 teams.

Causey made history signing his rookie contract with the Kickers making him the first second-generation Kickers’ pro player. Austin follows in the footsteps of his father Jeff Causey who was the goalkeeper for the Kickers during the 1995 season when the Reds collected its historic double by winning the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and the USISL Championship. The elder Causey would go on to start for DC United in the inaugural season of the MLS before finishing his career at New England Revolution making 64 appearances with the Massachusetts-based club.

Knowing his father’s experience in Richmond and his own time as a Richmond academy player, Causey was excited to begin his professional career in the River City. He now enters the 2022 season motivated to make his own name.

“I love the culture and atmosphere that the Red Army and Richmond community bring to City Stadium, and I’m pushing for my chance to hear them roar when I take the field. Can’t wait to start it all up again!”

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers retain Austin Causey for the 2022 USL League One season on December 9, 2021.

Matt Bolduc Returns For His Sixth Season inRichmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Matt Bolduc for the 2022 season, his sixth with the club, pending league and federation approval.

“Matt has the ability to change games when he is in the mood,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He represents the character and culture here well and we look forward to him having an excellent year for the group in 2022.”

Bolduc was a consistent presence across the pitch for the Reds during the 2021 season. The veteran made 29 appearances — tied for the team high — while starting 22 of those matches. Whether he was required on the right wing or in the center of the park, Bolduc was relied upon to link play and get the ball forward into dangerous areas.

A tenacious attacker, Bolduc’s signature highlight of the 2021 season came in the opening seconds against New England Revolution II on June 5. The Kickers built up play from the left side, with Jonathan Bolanos carrying the ball into the box and then finding Bolduc with a key pass. Bolduc, who timed his run perfectly, shook his defender to receive the pass and finish the shot into the back of the net in the opening 26 seconds of play — the fastest Kickers’ goal scored in the USL League One era.

Bolduc was a key piece of the Kickers’ attacking threat through the season, as he finished third on the team with 30 chances created. He recorded two assists, including the goal that sparked the Kickers’ comeback at South Georgia Tormenta FC, when he served up Emiliano Terzaghi to score the first of two unanswered Kickers’ goals in the second half.

“I’m extremely grateful and blessed to be returning for my sixth season in Richmond,” Bolduc said. “When I started off my career I couldn’t imagine a better place to play my football. It’s the most historic club in the nation and our supporters are best in class without question.”

Bolduc has been a fixture in the River City since he joined the club for the 2017 season from the Harrisburg City Islanders. He is closing in on 100 total appearances for the club while he is one of three Richmond Kickers players to reach 50 USL League One appearances wearing red.

Bolduc continued, “I’ve never taken a day for granted with this team, in this city, and I promise to keep working until our ultimate goal is achieved. Obviously, the last two years have been positive in our mindset and our results, but the main goal is to bring silverware back to City Stadium. We look forward to the 2022 season with our team’s core pillars of humility, intelligence, respect, and effort in the front of our minds. One love to everybody who supports us. RVA is red!”

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers retain Matt Bolduc for the 2022 USL League One season on December 7, 2021.

Matt Bolduc Returns For His Sixth Season inRichmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Matt Bolduc for the 2022 season, his sixth with the club, pending league and federation approval.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers retain Matt Bolduc for the 2022 USL League One season on December 7, 2021.

Matt Bolduc Returns For His Sixth Season inRichmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of Matt Bolduc for the 2022 season, his sixth with the club, pending league and federation approval.