Payne, Ritchie and Vinyals Named to USL League One Week 25 Team of the Week
September 19, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ defenders Stephen Payne and Stuart Ritchie and midfielder Nils Vinyals were named to the league’s team of the week for week 25 following their performances in the Kickers’ comeback 3-2 over at Union Omaha and 2-2 draw at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC that saw the Kickers strengthen their hold on first place in USL League One. Payne, Ritchie and Vinyals’ team of the week-worthy performances are presented by Legends Soccer Co.
Vinyals earns his fifth placement in the league’s weekly honors that include a player of the week nod in week 1 along with three other team of the week nods. Ritchie makes his third appearance on the team of the week after appearing in weeks 10 and 19. Payne earns his first weekly nod since week 1.
In the Kickers’ 3-2 win at defending league champs, Union Omaha, Vinyals was the man pulling the strings for the Wednesday-night victory. He assisted Ethan Vanacore-Decker’s equalizer from a free kick before playing the hockey assist on Payne’s equalizer that was assisted by Ritchie. Finally, the Spaniard buried the walk-off penalty kick in the 97th minute to close out the victory for the Roos.
At Chattanooga on Saturday night, Vinyals assisted Owayne Gordon’s goal that saw the Kickers earn a 2-0 lead early in the second half against Red Wolves.
“It’s encouraging to see that we can rely on so many players to create and score goals,” Vinyals said. “Our results last week were a reflection of that. I’m happy to be able to contribute on that note.”
Ritchie and Payne combined to score the Kickers’ second equalizer of the night in Omaha in the 88th minute. Ritchie made a perfectly-timed run to create space for himself in the box and played a perfect cross that froze the keeper, made it across the goal mouth, and found the foot of Payne who was crashing towards the far post.
On top of the assist, Ritchie won two-thirds of his tackles while racking up four interceptions and three clearances across the two matches.
“I’m really happy to be named to the team of the week after the tough road trip we went on,” Ritchie said. “As a team, we want to win every game, but we will take coming home with the 4 points.
“It was an amazing feeling assisting Payne in the Omaha game as it was an outside back to outside back goal and it’s something we talked about all season. And also important flying straight to Chattanooga and fighting for a point where we needed everyone. With the season getting closer to the end, I hope I can keep helping out the team.”
Payne’s first goal for the Kickers also proved to be his first professional goal scored in the United States after most recently playing in Portugal. Additionally, he recorded five clearances and two interceptions.
“It’s a huge honor and I’m proud to share this with the team,” Payne said. “In these last two games on the road, this team showed spirit to grab important points on this late stretch. The group has been pushing me to improve and increase my level so it’s always great to see it pay off.”
The Kickers are back at home next Saturday, September 24 to host Central Valley Fuego FC during Hispanic Heritage Night. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
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