RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, February 22, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Maxi Rodriguez for the 2019 season, pending USSF and USL League One approval. 

 

“Maxi comes to us very highly recommended from San Antonio,” commented David Bulow, Kickers Head Coach. “His personality and ability fits exactly what we’re looking for with the new Richmond Kickers Pro team and I’ve been very encouraged by the first couple of weeks of preseason.  We may have one of the best midfielders in all of USL League One with Maxi.”

 

Rodriguez makes the move to Richmond after two seasons with San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. The 23-year old defensive midfielder made 32 appearances for San Antonio, along with playing in five matches of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring two goals in all competitions. 

 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity as well as excited to be part of such a historic club,” said Rodriguez. “After discussing with David in the offseason and understanding his vision for the Kickers, it became clear that Richmond was the perfect place at this point of my career. One thing that really drew me out to Richmond was the roster that David was putting together, guys that have USL championship experience that will help compete for a championship run. It’s been a great week of preseason so far as we continue to build those relationships on and off the field. It’s been a long off season for myself so I'm looking forward to the season starting, but I think it is important to really focus on a good preseason to grow as a team.”

 

Leading the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to a Conference USA regular season title in 2016, Rodriguez played in 60 matches over four seasons, starting in 53 and scored two goals while adding four assists. The 49ers made the NCAA tournament three of his four seasons at UNCC, while being named to the third team All-Conference in 2016.

 

“I am familiar with Maxi from his days playing for a strong, ambitious UNC-Charlotte program,” added Matt Spear, Kickers President. “Long time friend and colleague Darren Powell (now at San Antonio FC) reached out to recommend him."

 

With the addition of Rodriguez, the Kickers roster is now at 12 players for the 2019 season, including Amass Amankona, Matt Bolduc, Dennis Chin, Akira Fitzgerald, Josh Hughes, Eli Lockaby, Mutaya Mwape, Conor Shanosky, Scott Thomsen, and Braeden Troyer.

 

Don’t miss a moment of the inaugural 2019 USL League One season at City Stadium! Order your 2019 Richmond Kickers Season Tickets and receive perks throughout the season including VIP Express Lane at the Craft Beer trucks and merchandise discounts. More details on 2019 Season Tickets can be found at RichmondKickers.com.