The Richmond Kickers maintained their streak of reaching the USL Cup Playoffs for a sixth consecutive year, and despite seeing numerous changes in net after an early-season injury to Ryan Taylor were still able to post one of the best defensive records in the USL this year as the trio of Hugh Roberts, William Yomby and Braeden Troyer came to the fore.

At the center of the club’s success, however, was Japanese midfielder Yudai Imura, who took a major jump forward in his second season with the club. Imura’s finished helped power a six-game winning streak and 10-game undefeated streak across July and August that sealed the Kickers’ place in the postseason.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 12-9-9, 45pts
Place: Seventh in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 26
USL Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals (L 2-0 [OT] at Louisville City FC)

2016 leaders: Yudai Imura (10 goals, 3 assists), Brian Ownby (3 assists), Andrew Dykstra (25 saves) 

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Kickers’ defense, led by All-League First Team selection Hugh Roberts, was outstanding despite the fact that six different goalkeepers were called upon during the season. The Kickers conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the USL (26), while at the other end of the field Yudai Imura notched an impressive 10 goals to claim the club’s other All-League selection.

WHAT WENT WRONG

While Imura was a very bright spot, the Kickers attack had issues with consistency throughout the season. Matthew Delicate’s absence due to a health scare that required surgery hurt, but production from 2015 All-League selection Jason Yeisley disappeared (1 goal, 1 assist), while former PDL standout Anthony Grant had only three goals. Richmond’s 33 tallies were their lowest total since 2012, and a far cry from the back-to-back 50-goal seasons the side put together in 2013-14.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Yudai Imura led the Kickers with 10 goals in 2016, and his best might have been this game-winner on the road against the Rochester Rhinos that sent Richmond’s winning streak to five games.

Jackson Eskay’s first professional goal proved a memorable one, as his stoppage-time finish allowed the Kickers to be one of only three teams to defeat USL champion the New York Red Bulls II this season.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Matt Turner conceded only three goals in seven games for the Kickers during his loan spell with the club thanks in part to saves like this against FC Montreal.

Charlie Horton joined the Kickers on loan in mid-season, and pulled off an excellent save to deny David Estrada of the Charlotte Independence in June.

HE SAID IT

“It's been a productive year, and I'm proud of the collective effort shown by everyone at the club – on and off the field. I think making the playoffs is always a big benchmark for us and it is going to continue getting harder each season, but you can't really ask for more than that and to always be competitive against the top teams of the league.” – Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw