October 12, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – Richmond Kickers midfielder Jonathan Bolanos was voted USL League One’s Player of the Month for August. League One’s assist leader, Bolanos added to two his tally in September to go along with a pair of scores for the top-of-the-table Kickers.
“Being named Player of the Month is the biggest personal accolade of my professional career,” Bolanos said. “I would like to thank the fans that voted, my teammates and the coaching staff. To be nominated by the league is always an honor. To be singled out in such a manner is clearly a privilege, and to be playing at a high level to close out the season is something you dream about.
“Winning is a culture and consistency is a standard we set for each other. Our season and team goals are not yet complete and we realize our job is not yet done. There is still much to play for as the playoffs approach and we want to take home a trophy that represents these attributes.”
Bolanos is enjoying a breakout season that has seen the 24-year-old nearly double his combined goals and assists total from his first two professional seasons in 2022 alone. After finishing August with a one-goal, two-assist performance in a big win against Omaha, Bolanos bookended Richmond’s unbeaten September with two goals and one assist in a win against Tormenta FC on Sept. 7 and an assist in a draw against Fuego FC on Sept. 24.
“We are proud of the work Jono has put in over this past year,” Kickers Head Coach and Sporting Director Darren Sawatzky said. “He has spent countless hours after training and in the video room working to add more end product in games. That work has come to fruition in 2022 and we are all happy for him. To be recognized as Player of the Month is a great reward for the work he has put in and we look forward to watching him continue his production through the playoffs.”
Bolanos received 39% of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. FC Tucson goalkeeper Carlos Merancio finished second on 25% after totaling 19 saves and three clean sheets, while Chattanooga Red Wolves SC midfielder Moe Espinoza finished third on 14% after recording three goals.
USL League One Player of the Month – September
Nominee
Fan Vote
Weight
USL Vote
Weight
Total Vote
Jonathan Bolanos (RIC)
39%
23%
40%
16%
39%
Carlos Merancio (TUC)
15%
9%
40%
16%
25%
Moe Espinoza (CHA)
23%
14%
0%
0%
14%
Arthur Rogers…