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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Veteran Defender Chris Cole Signs New Multi-Year Contract to Continue Career in RVA

February 8, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce defender Chris Cole has signed a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2023 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

"Chris came to us a couple years ago and he won his way into the lineup," Richmond Kickers' Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. "He is a hard center back that plays left back well when needed. Because of his progression, he became an important offseason priority. We see Chris playing significant minutes this year and leading through example as we work to build a winning culture here into the future. Chris makes our team better and he makes our locker room stronger."

Cole returns for a third season and more in Richmond after initially joining the club in 2021. The Duvall, Wash. native began as a trialist during that preseason before signing his first professional contract in April 2021.

Since then, Cole has racked up 16 combined starts across 28 appearances, amassing 1,605 minutes played while fitting in as an outside back and in central defense.

"I'm very excited to be back in RVA this year," Cole said. "Being a part of the culture and community here in Richmond is a privilege, and I can't wait to get going for the 2023 season. I look forward to embracing my role within the group and building on the success we had in 2022."

During the Kickers' run to the postseason in the second half of the 2021 season specifically, Cole stepped into a starting role and anchored the left flank.

The Kickers rode a five-match winning streak to claim a spot in the 2021 USL League One playoffs - the club's first trip to the postseason since 2016. During that stretch, Cole's first professional goal in front of the City Stadium faithful proved crucial against rivals Forward Madison FC while shutting down would-be attacks.

Cole improved his defensive efficiency from his rookie season to his second season in 2022. After posting a 49.2 percent duels win rate and a 43 percent aerial duel win rate in 2021, he won 60 percent of his aerial duels and 55 percent of his total duels in 2022.

Now, Cole prepares to rep the Kickers' badge again and help the Richmond defense replicate and improve upon its success in 2022 which saw the Kickers concede the second-fewest goals in the league on its way to the USL League One regular-season title.

He added, "it's no secret that City Stadium and the Red Army make for an incredible atmosphere. I can't wait to get back out under the lights in front of the best fans in the league!"

The 2023 season will be here before you know it and 2023 Season Tickets are on sale now! For a cost as low as $10 per match, Kickers fans can save the most with Season Tickets while unlocking exclusive perks and experiences. With one additional regular season match and two new opponents joining USL League One in 2023, City Stadium will be the place to be! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.

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

TRANSACTION: Chris signs a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2023 USL League One season on February 8, 2023.

Rostered Players for 2023 as of February 8, 2023

GOALKEEPERS: Akira Fitzgerald, Will Palmquist, Eli Mumford

DEFENDERS: Nathan Aune, Michael Hornsby, Dakota Barnathan, Simon Fitch, Otavio Zerbini, Beckett Howell, Jake Mecham, Chris Cole

MIDFIELDERS: Chandler O'Dwyer, João Gomiero, Nil Vinyals, Zaca Moran, Gabe Cox

FORWARDS: Emiliano Terzaghi, Matthew Bentley, Owayne Gordon, Luke Pavone, David Olsen, Justin Sukow

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from February 8, 2023


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