League One Fun – Episode 79: Richmond Kickers Coach Darren Sawatzky

Rise of Richmond

The Richmond Kickers turnaround this year has been astounding. After returning a dozen players, many of whom are starting this season, Richmond finds themselves at the top of the League One standings in points per game. The defeat of the Greenville Triumph at some last weekend sets up for an exciting race for the one match championship match.

However, Richmond Head Coach Darren Sawatzky isn’t taking anything for granted. “There’s a long way to go,” he told League One Fun host Ira Jersey on this episode of the show. Perhaps, however Richmond the moment has had the power combination of pressing, ball possession, and great finishing. That finishing has come often by golden boot leader Emiliano Terzaghi. The Coach and Ira talk about this signing and planning for the future with younger players in the pipeline, and what it’s going to be like going to Darren’s last post in Tucson this weekend.

Ira is @irajersey, Jason is @homesweetsoccer, and the show is @league1fun.

For last week’s show listen to episode 78.

What is League One Fun

League One Fun is the Beautiful Game Network podcast that covers the entirety of USL League One. Jason and Ira discuss the third tier and lowest tier of professional soccer. The two conduct player, coach and front office interviews as well as review matches and league news. Independent franchises include Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta, Richmond Kickers, Chattanooga Red Wolves, Forward Madison and Union Omaha. The league also includes USL Championship Phoenix Rising’s second team FC Tucson. There are now five MLS2 sides. These include Fort Lauderdale CF (InterMiami), New England Revolution II, Toronto FC II, North Texas SC (FC Dallas), and Orlando City B.

Ira Jersey

twitter: @irajersey Soccer fanatic and nerd with many hobbies, Ira is a New York Red Bull supporter who loves lower division soccer. He is a youth coach with several USSF and United Soccer Coaches licenses; and also a competitive youth referee. He writes and podcasts on USL League One for BGN. Ira has worked in finance for more than two decades focusing on bond markets and is currently the Chief U.S. Interest Rate Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, Bloomberg LP's research arm.