Kickers Re-Sign Veteran Midfielder Zev Taublieb
September 2, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of midfielder Zev Taublieb for the remainder of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
“Zev has worked incredibly hard to return to the game after a very tough injury in 2020,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “His commitment to hard work and his humble approach to getting back into the team is an inspiration. We are very happy to add his positive energy to a competitive locker room.”
Taublieb joins the Kickers for his third successive season. The midfielder previously signed in May 2020 ahead of the COVID-shortened season, but he picked up a season-ending injury in his Kickers debut against Forward Madison on August 8. Taublieb re-signed in March 2021, but, due to rehab setbacks from the 2020 injury, he would not take the field.
After successfully completing a new regiment of rehab and training with the team this summer, Taublieb is hungry to take the field again and represent the club.
“I am delighted to be back with the Kickers, Taublieb said. “Thanks to Darren and the entire staff because in many ways I feel like I never left. I had a serious injury while playing with the Kickers in 2020 that had some complications making my return take a little longer than anticipated. However, Darren was constantly checking in on me and Mr. Ukrop gave me a life-changing book and multiple handwritten letters.
“To say I am ecstatic to be back is an understatement. This is a club that on the field demands greatness and off it demands humility and respect. I could not ask to be at a better club.”
Taublieb brought a wealth of USL and international experience to the Kickers prior to his signing in 2020. He featured for Åtvidabergs FF and Varbergs BoIS in Sweden during the 2018-19 seasons, respectively. Before heading overseas, Taublieb had stints at local USL Championship rivals Charlotte Independence (2017) and Wilmington Hammerheads (2015-16). He burst onto the USL scene in 2015, making 10 appearances with Sacramento Republic FC in his first professional season, scoring one goal.
As a college soccer player, Taublieb played four years of Division I soccer at Valparaiso University, making 65 appearances for the Crusaders and starting in 59 matches. In his senior season, he led the Crusaders to their first-ever Top 25 ranking and the team’s best record since 2011. He earned All-Horizon League Second Team honors, was on the NSCAA Scholar All-North/Central Region Second Team, and was named to the First-Team All-American by the Jewish Sports Review.
Taublieb played in professional development teams throughout his collegiate career, first playing under Sawatzky for the Seattle Sounders U23s in the Premier Development League now known as USL League Two. He would also play with the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two.
“My goal for the season is to help us win each and every game,” Taublieb said. “Coach has spoken about the importance of committing to our style of play and I am excited to help the group do just that, to help us make history.”
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TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Zev Taublieb for the remainder of the USL League One season on September 2, 2022.
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