January 11, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of English midfielder Chandler O’Dwyer, pending league and federation approval.
O’Dwyer continues his career with the Kickers after previously signing his first professional contract with the club ahead of the 2022 Players’ Shield-winning season. The Lingfield, England native’s contract option was then exercised ahead of the 2023 season, and he showed marked improvements in his sophomore season.
The 24-year-old made 24 appearances during the 2023 season while earning 10 starts and amassing 1,008 minutes played, and he was counted upon down the final stretch of the season, starting seven of the club’s last eight matches while playing 80 minutes or more in six.
A jack-of-all-trades player with a 6-foot-2 frame capable of playing across the spine of the formation, O’Dwyer proved to be a gladiator last season as he won nearly 56 percent of his total duels and 51 percent of his aerial duels.
He became a threat in front of goal after notching his first goal with the club – a header – in an international friendly against Guatemalan giants Comunicaciones FC. He was especially dangerous on set pieces and went on to score his first-ever league goals in the final third of the 2023 season. Both from corners, his first was a backheel finish at the near post, and his second was a headed finish, also at the near post.
O’Dwyer earned his first appearance on USL League One’s weekly honors in the final week of the 2023 season with an appearance on the Team of the Week Bench following a full 90 minutes played with a goal scored, 71 percent of his duels won, and an 86 percent passing accuracy.
Chandler O’Dwyer said:
“Darren’s view for the club moving forward is something I want to be a driving force of, whilst bringing silverware to the city of Richmond and this amazing club. It was an easy decision for me. This is my second contract with the club, and in the past two years, I’ve been able to grow a lot as a player and individual. The club as well as the fans will get the most evolved and best version of me, and that is something I’m extremely excited about. The city is amazing to live in, so it’s very desirable to stay.
“My goals individually this year is to be a staple in the team, relied on week in, week out. Bring more goals to the team, whilst also providing the defensive work rate and structure we need. As a…