Shot Stopping Will Palmquist Returns for His Second Season Between the Pipes in RVA

January 26, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of goalkeeper Will Palmquist for his second season with the club, pending league and federation approval.

“Will worked very hard last year and he helped us advance in the Open Cup,” Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “His day-to-day demeanor, banter in the locker room, and his training approach earned him the opportunity to sign and have further impact on game days. We are looking forward to watching him continue to grow and lead. We know he is ready for games in our league, and we feel 2023 will be a very good year for him.”

Palmquist returns for a second season in the River City following a successful year under the tutelage of Kickers’ Goalkeeping Coach Akira Fitzgerald. The 25-year-old showed off his shot-stopping prowess throughout the preseason and was deputized to start between the pipes in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round on April 20 before earning his USL League One debut on August 28 against Union Omaha.

“I am very grateful to be returning to Richmond for my second season as a Kicker,” Palmquist said. “The city, fans, teammates, and organization make it such a special place, and I can’t wait to create more memories with this club.

“I’ve made huge strides as a player since coming to Richmond, in large part due to the high standards and expectations ingrained in the culture of this organization.”

It was Palmquist’s start in the Open Cup against NC Fusion that will burn bright in the memories of the City Stadium faithful. The Denver native put in a heroic effort in a match that went 120 minutes, but, most importantly, the keeper pulled off a save in the 87th minute that guaranteed the Kickers an opportunity to find the match winner in extra time.

Following a Kickers’ corner in the 87th minute, NC Fusion was able to gather the ball and hit on the counter. Fusion forward Steven Hernandez-Mortimer raced up the left wing and carried the ball into the box. Palmquist perfectly timed when he crashed toward the attacker and made a powerful diving kick save to keep the score knotted up at 0-0.

The Kickers went on to win 1-0 with a 118th-minute goal from Emiliano Terzaghi, but it was Palmquist who was named man of the match.

“My goal this year is to compete for minutes and help push our goalkeeping core forward,” Palmquist said. “We were a tough team to score on…