Kickers Add VCU Defender Eli Lockaby to Roster

We knew that the Kickers offseason would be a busy one. The team has new owners, a new league, new coach, and is coming off two of the worst seasons in the team’s long history. Just one of these factors would hint at change, all four screams change is coming with a massive bullhorn.

The Kickers will be competing in USL League 1 and the budget for players will be considerably less compared to the Championship League, the Kickers’ former league and one step above. We’d love to tell you more details on that budget gap but the USL keeps that information under wraps for reasons we can’t fathom.

With a new smaller player budget it’s no surprise that the Kickers are looking at college players. It was a nice surprise for locals when they announced last week that they had signed Eli Lockaby a VCU Senior to a professional contract. Lockaby will be finishing up his degree at VCU but will be wearing red instead of gold this year.

The Kickers and Lockaby had this to say:

“Eli is a player that I’ve been very interested in for quite some time and got to watch a lot of him in his senior season at VCU,” commented David Bulow, Kickers Head Coach. “He has the potential to be one of the best young players in all of USL League One and I can’t wait to start working with him.”

Lockaby is coming off a four-year career at VCU, starting in 62 games and appearing in 73 matches for the Rams, including leading the team the regular season title his senior season. During his time at VCU, Lockaby scored on two occasions and assisted in 12 goals. He was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team in both his junior and senior seasons. Throughout his collegiate career, Lockaby spent time with the Orlando City U23s and the Des Moines Menace in USL League Two.

“I am truly thrilled to begin my professional career with the Kickers,” said Lockaby. “I would like to thank my family, friends and teammates for their continuous support and encouragement over the years. I would also like to thank Coach Giffard and VCU soccer for allowing me the opportunity to continue playing the beautiful game while earning my degree. Richmond has been my home the past four years and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Richmond Kickers organization. I hope the Red Army is ready because it’s going to be an incredible year in RVA and I can’t wait to get right to work!”

Growing up in Orlando, Florida, Lockaby played in the Orlando City SC youth system and played through the OCSC Academy U18 Team. Prior to joining VCU, he was a Regional Finalist and named to the 2013 All-Central Florida First Team.

“It’s awesome to get a quality player like Eli from VCU, an excellent NCAA Division I program and a University that is an important partner on several levels,” commented Matt Spear, Kickers President. “I am familiar with Eli as a very successful and talented full back on the Rams’ A-10 regular season champion squad.”

The Kickers announced the signing of midfielder Mutaya Mwape today (Monday, 1/21) which brings the total of players up to eight.

Mutaya Mwape – Midfielder – Previous team: Charlotte Independence – Team Press Announcement

“Mutaya showed great desire from our first conversation to be a part of the new Richmond Kickers Pro organization,” said David Bulow, Kickers Head Coach. “He is very explosive and dynamic with USL Championship experience and will be an important player for the Richmond Kickers in 2019.”

Amass Amankona – Midfielder – Previous Team: Indy Eleven – Team Press Announcement

“Amass is a player that I tried to sign last season, but it didn’t quite work out,” said Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “He is a highly recommended and talented midfielder who has shown great desire to be a part of the new Richmond Kickers Pro team and I can’t wait to start working with him.”

Matt Bolduc – Midfielder – Previous Team: Richmond Kickers – Team Press Announcement

“When it was announced last season that we would be moving to USL League One, Matt was the first to express a desire to stay with the Kickers despite the change in leagues,” said Kickers head coach David Bulow. “He has expressed a love for the city, the club and its fan base on multiple occasions and will be a very valuable veteran as we take the new Richmond Kickers Pro into the future.”

Dennis Chin – Forward – Previous Team: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Team Press Announcement

“When I learned that there may be an opportunity to sign Dennis, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “Having played against him when he was at Orlando City, I am sure his speed, goals and passion are going to make him a fan favorite of anyone coming to watch the new look Richmond Kickers Pro team.”

Josh Hughes – Midfielder – Previous Team: Nashville SC – Team Press Announcement “

Josh is a very hard working, intelligent midfielder who is very excited for the future of the Richmond Kickers,” remarked Kickers head coach David Bulow. “His enthusiasm for the city and club made it a no brainer to get him signed as soon as possible. I am excited for the Red Army and the rest of the fans to see what a quality player we have signed.”

Eli Lockaby – Defender – Previous Team: VCU – Team Press Announcement

“Eli is a player that I’ve been very interested in for quite some time and got to watch a lot of him in his senior season at VCU,” commented David Bulow, Kickers Head Coach. “He has the potential to be one of the best young players in all of USL League One and I can’t wait to start working with him.”

Scott Thomsen – Defender – Previous Team: – Team Press Announcement

“Scott is a player that brings a lot of experience and USL Championship level quality,” commented Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “He has shown a great desire to be part of our evolving organization, and his leadership will be invaluable to bringing glory back to the Richmond Kickers.”

Braeden Troyer – Defender – Previous Team: Richmond Kickers – Team Press Announcement

“Braeden is one of the most versatile and effective defenders in all of the USL,” said Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “The loss of Braeden through injury last season was a major blow to the team, and we are delighted that he has decided to come back to Richmond for the 2019 Season. Braeden’s experience and professionalism will be a huge asset to our up and coming young players in the club.”