February 8, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce defender Chris Cole has signed a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2023 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“Chris came to us a couple years ago and he won his way into the lineup,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “He is a hard center back that plays left back well when needed. Because of his progression, he became an important offseason priority. We see Chris playing significant minutes this year and leading through example as we work to build a winning culture here into the future. Chris makes our team better and he makes our locker room stronger.”
Cole returns for a third season and more in Richmond after initially joining the club in 2021. The Duvall, Wash. native began as a trialist during that preseason before signing his first professional contract in April 2021.
Since then, Cole has racked up 16 combined starts across 28 appearances, amassing 1,605 minutes played while fitting in as an outside back and in central defense.
“I’m very excited to be back in RVA this year,” Cole said. “Being a part of the culture and community here in Richmond is a privilege, and I can’t wait to get going for the 2023 season. I look forward to embracing my role within the group and building on the success we had in 2022.”
During the Kickers’ run to the postseason in the second half of the 2021 season specifically, Cole stepped into a starting role and anchored the left flank.
The Kickers rode a five-match winning streak to claim a spot in the 2021 USL League One playoffs – the club’s first trip to the postseason since 2016. During that stretch, Cole’s first professional goal in front of the City Stadium faithful proved crucial against rivals Forward Madison FC while shutting down would-be attacks.
Cole improved his defensive efficiency from his rookie season to his second season in 2022. After posting a 49.2 percent duels win rate and a 43 percent aerial duel win rate in 2021, he won 60 percent of his aerial duels and 55 percent of his total duels in 2022.
Now, Cole prepares to rep the Kickers’ badge again and help the Richmond defense replicate and improve upon its success in 2022 which saw the Kickers concede the second-fewest goals in the league on its way to the USL League One regular-season title.
He added, “it’s no secret that City Stadium and the…