RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers announced Wednesday the return of midfielders Jackson Eskay, Sunny Jane and Luiz Fernando for the 2017 season, pending league and federation approval.

“We are delighted to return Sunny, Jackson and Luiz,” said Kickers Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw. “All three players made a positive impact to our attack last season and we expect even bigger contributions next season.

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Splitting time between the Kickers and the Lesotho National Team in 2016, Jane recorded four goals and two assists during 25 regular-season games. The native of Mosotho, Lesotho, was a standout player at Maryland who joined Richmond this past season after two years with Wilmington Hammerheads FC.

Discovered at the Kickers’ January tryouts, Eskay earned his first professional contract following the event. He made his professional debut during the Kickers’ 4-0 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round victory against Aromas Cafe FC in May, and posted his first professional goal in dramatic fashion with a last gasp game-winner against the eventual USL Champions New York Red Bulls II in July. The former William & Mary midfielder made 14 appearances during the 2016 USL season.

Fernando tallied a goal and assist in 22 regular-season matches last season. The 19-year old departed midseason to tend to family business in his native Sao Paulo, Brazil. Joining the renowned Brazilian club S.C. Corinthians as a homegrown youth player, he was a starter with the Corinthians U20s and also featured regularly with AA Flamengo before signing with the Kickers.