The Richmond Kickers have been part of the USL Cup Playoffs every season since the league kicked off in 2011, and enter their 25th season with a strong returning core of players that will look to continue that streak as the club itself enters an exciting new phase of its history at City Stadium. With a new 40-year lease at its historic home, City Stadium, and a local television deal for the first time in the club’s history, the Kickers also have a squad capable of continued success as the competition continues to rise each year.

Head Coach: Leigh Cowlishaw
Stadium: City Stadium
2016 results: 12-9-9, 45pts
2016 postseason: L 2-0 (OT) at Louisville City FC

Goalkeeper: The Kickers had a remarkable season in goal, during which no player recorded more than eight appearances after an early-season injury to Ryan Taylor. Taylor had posted a highly creditable 0.83 goals-against average in seven appearances, but his absence left Richmond relying on help from MLS partner D.C. United in the form of Andrew Dykstra and Charlie Horton. This season should be more stable, with former Ottawa Fury FC goalkeeper Marcel DeBellis and Alex Wimmer – who returns from Europe – competing for the starting position.

Defense: That the Kickers managed to have the third-best defensive record in the league despite a rotating cast in goal behind them paid tribute to the solid back four throughout the year. One of that number has moved on, with All-League First Team selection Hugh Roberts heading to Bethlehem Steel FC, but stalwart William Yomby remains, as do Alex Lee and Braeden Troyer. The addition of Conor Shanosky late last season from Louisville should provide solid cover for Roberts’ absence at center back as the Kickers aim to remain stout defensively, while Evan Lee (FC Cincinnati) and Mallan Roberts (FC Edmonton) should also be good additions.

Midfield: Richmond’s midfield, led by All-League Second Team selection Yudai Imura, brought a good level of creativity and work-rate to the side in 2016, and played a role in disrupting opponents to aid the Kickers’ defensive success. Imura leads a solid returning contingent that also includes Fred Owusu Sekyere and Samuel Asante, both of whom were consistent presences a season ago, while the signings of Irish midfielder Patrick McCann and the continued emergence of Jackson Eskay in his second season with the club should allow for good continuity despite the loss of Brian Ownby to Louisville City FC.

Forward: The 2017 season will mark the end of an era for the Kickers with the retirement of the club’s all-time leading scorer Matthew Delicate. The Kickers have signed former Ottawa Fury FC forward Oliver Minatel to help boost a group that recorded only 33 goals a season ago, and much more will be expected from Anthony Grant (3G, 1A) and Sunny Jane (4G, 2A) after getting properly used to their new surroundings a season.

Strengths: The Kickers made a strong return to form defensively in 2016, marking the fifth time in the past six seasons that the club had conceded less than 30 goals in the regular season. Consistency on the back line has played a major role in that success, as has the willingness to work hard to limit opportunities and keep its defensive shape. With a number of key figures in that success back for another season, Richmond will remain a tough opponent for its Eastern rivals.

Weaknesses: The Kickers had patches throughout the season where their attack dried up, with a three-game scoreless streak and run of four games without a goal in their final five games of the season – including the team’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinal with Louisville – a serious concern going into 2017. The Kickers need new addition Oliver Minatel to make a difference, and 2015 PDL Most Valuable Player Anthony Grant to boost his production, so that the pressure on Yudai Imura will lessen.

Key number: 149 – Veteran Kickers defender William Yomby will make his 150th USL regular-season appearance when he first takes to the field in the new season. Yomby is the lone player from the Kickers’ 2011 season who remains with the club.

Noteworthy matchups: With both teams entering their 25th seasons, the first meeting of the season between the Kickers and longtime rivals the Charleston Battery on June 10 at MUSC Health Stadium should be a must-see. The Kickers are also the visitors when the defending USL champion New York Red Bulls II open their new home at Montclair State University, while the rest of June’s schedule – which sees the Red Bulls II, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Charlotte Independence all visit City Stadium – should make for a great month for Richmond soccer fans.

Coach’s view: “I think it’s very possibly going to be our most challenging season [competitively]. Making it to the playoffs is always our objective. But frankly, it will be a massive achievement if we’re able to make it this year.” – Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw

Current roster (updated: March 15, 2017):
Goalkeepers: Marcel DeBellis, Alex Wimmer, Eric Klenofsky
Defenders: William Yomby, Conor Shanosky, Evan Lee, Mallan Roberts, Alex Lee, Braeden Troyer, Chris Durkin
Midfielders: Fred Owusu Sekyere, Finnlay Wyatt, Yudai Imura, Jackson Eskay, Samuel Asante, Simon Fitch, Chris Odoi-Atsem, Maxim Tissot
Forwards: Oliver Minatel, Sunny Jane, Anthony Grant, Luiz Fernando, Alhaji Kamara