November 18, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that back-to-back-to-back USL League One Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot Winner Emiliano Terzaghi has signed a new multi-year contract with the club, pending league and federation approval.
“For me and my family, it was very important to stay here,” Terzaghi said. “We call Richmond home. When I told my daughter we were staying in Richmond again, she got so excited and screamed, singing for the Kickers. She loves Richmond like we do so we are very excited to be here for a long time.”
“Emi has been at the forefront of building a winning culture in Richmond and he has delivered for the past three seasons,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “We are very happy to have Emi and his family back for years to come.”
“Wow, this is an exciting day for the RVA community as we announce the re-signing of Emiliano,” Kickers’ Chairman Rob Ukrop Jr. added. “Emi along with his wife, Ornella, and daughter, Josefína, are an important part of our Richmond Kickers family. As we look to build on our success from the 2022 season, it is nice to have the three-time USL League One MVP and Golden Boot Winner leading the way. Emi’s hard-working and joyful approach to the beautiful game resonates with our core values!”
Since arriving in 2020 from his hometown in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Terzaghi has ingratiated himself with the Kickers’ fanbase while becoming a more visible and committed member of the community.
Initially moving to Richmond without his wife Ornella and daughter Josefína, two months prior to global lockdowns happening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Terzaghi had to overcome language barriers and physical barriers to become a leader in then first-year Head Coach Darren Sawatzky’s dressing room.
By the end of a truncated 2020 league season, Terzaghi evolved from an intriguing yet unfamiliar international talent to building the foundation of becoming the face of both USL League One and the modern era of the Kickers. He was also reunited with his family as they were able to make the move to Richmond, and they began to plant their roots as Terzaghi signed an extension in November 2020.
“Emi was looking for a place to make his home with his family,” Coach Sawatzky said. “In order to do that, you must perform. He has scored goals and led our team over the past three years, and…