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USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Richie Williams Returns to Richmond

February 26, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, February 26, 2004) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Major League Soccer star and U.S. Men's National team player, midfielder Richie Williams, after a nine year hiatus from the Kickers. The terms of the contract were not disclosed.

A member of the Richmond Kickers for its first three seasons (1993-1995), Williams tallied four goals and eight assists in 1995 to help lead the team to the "Double" with the Kickers only two championships, a USISL Premiership title and the U.S. Open Cup Championship.

"We are extremely excited to be able to bring back a player of Richie's quality and experience to the Richmond Kickers," says Kickers General Manager, Paul Sterbenz. "There is no question that he is a proven winner at every level [college, MLS, U.S. Men's National Team] and will hopefully continue that trend for the Kickers in 2004."

With the inception of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United acquired Williams, where he played through the 2000 season. In the nation's capital, Richie helped guide United to three MLS Cup Championships (1996, 1997, 1999), as well as the "Double" in 1996 with a U.S. Open Cup title. After appearing in 21 games for 1,868 minutes in 2001 with the NY/NJ MetroStars, Williams was traded back to D.C. for the 2002 season. He then returned to the MetroStars in 2003 after playing a total of 169 games with 45 points for D.C. United throughout his career. In 2003, he logged 2,337 minutes in 47 games with the MetroStars.

Richmond Kickers Head Coach, Leigh Cowlishaw comments "Richie is a valuable addition to our club. I know from experience that he is a fierce competitor who hates to lose. I look forward to him raising the overall professionalism of our team and leading us to a successful 2004 season."

The defensive center midfielder made his debut on the U.S. Men's National Team in 1998 and has played a total of 15 games in four seasons (1998-2001). He won a bronze medal with the 1999 squad at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico. A graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Sociology, Williams won two NCAA titles with the Cavaliers in 1989 and 1991.

"I'm excited to be back in Richmond," remarks Richie Williams. "I had a great experience here in the early part of my career. Richmond has transformed into one of the better organizations in the country and I'm happy to continue my career with them."

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