October 14, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – El Paso Locomotive FC News Release
EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that Midfielder Richie Ryan has retired after four seasons with the club. The Irish veteran was a member of the inaugural 2019 team and provided much needed experience and leadership during his time with El Paso, helping lift the club to back-to-back Western Conference Finals in 2019 and 2020.
Ryan has amassed a legendary professional career that spans over 19 years and two continents. He made his professional debut with Sunderland in the English Premier League in the 2002-2003 season. After an 11-year career in Europe, playing in the first division in Ireland, Scotland, and Belgium, Ryan moved to North America and joined then NASL club Ottawa Fury for the 2014 season where they reached the finals. Prior to joining Locomotive, Ryan played with USL Championship club FC Cincinnati, before they made their debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2019.
With El Paso, Ryan made over 100 appearances donning the Locomotive crest. He served as a mentor and leader to his teammates and used his experience to elevate the players around him. Known for his ability to connect the attack and defense while boasting high passing accuracy, the Irish midfielder held down the number 6 position with class.
Across his storied career, Ryan has appeared in 265 matches equating to just under 19,000 minutes played for nine clubs. He is a two-time Irish Cup Winner (Sligo Rovers) and Irish League Cup Winner (Sligo Rovers, Shamrock Rovers), a USL Regular Season Champion (FC Cincinnati), and a 2021 Copa Tejas Champion (El Paso Locomotive FC).
We at El Paso Locomotive FC would like to thank Richie for his time in the Sun City and for his commitment to the club. Wishing you the best in your retirement.
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