Nathan Aune Signs New Contract to Lead the Kickers’ Backline

December 20, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce defender Nathan Aune has signed a new multi-year contract with the club, pending league and federation approval.

“Nathan is a young player that I have known for a long time,” Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He was an exceptional youth and collegiate player and he was drafted into MLS. He has spent time in the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two.

“He has worked incredibly hard over the past two seasons and we see him as a very important part of our club for years to come. His commitment to Richmond should be celebrated. His leadership and bite will be paramount to the 2023 campaign.”

Aune re-commits to the Kickers after two seasons as a member of the Kickers’ bruising backline. The 6-foot-4 centerback made 15 league starts in 24 appearances last season for a defense that let up the second-fewest goals (36) in USL League One and amassed seven clean sheets.

“I’m very excited to continue my playing career with the Richmond Kickers,” Aune said. “Since joining the Kickers I have rediscovered my passion for the game and have regained confidence that I can play at a high level.”

Aune was a gladiator in the back in 2022, amassing a 69 percent win rate during aerial duels along with a 63 percent win rate during all duels. He finished second on the team with 20 blocks and fourth on the team with 46 clearances.

Not only an enforcer in front of his own goal, Aune showed off his versatility in his second Kickers’ season, scoring two goals including a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in October to earn a point on the road at eventual champions South Georgia Tormenta FC.

On top of his two goals, Aune contributed an assist back in June, picking out Jalen Crisler with a cross from the right wing at City Stadium – also against Tormenta. He even earned a hockey assist on Emiliano Terzaghi’s equalizer against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in April after delivering a long throw-in to the box that Crisler deflected onto Terzaghi.

Now the sole longest-tenured defender on the Richmond backline, Aune looks to continue his own development as a player and leader while helping the club defend its 2022 USL League One regular season title.

“This year my goals are to continue to be a leader within this team and to be a constant presence in the backline every time the Kickers take the…