January 18, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Philadelphia Union News Release
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced today they have named Ryan Richter as an Assistant Coach. Richter, a Philadelphia native, was drafted by the Union in 2011 as the fifth overall pick in the MLS Supplemental draft.
“We’re thrilled to have Ryan join our first team staff as an assistant coach. Since joining the organization as a player, he has developed into an exceptional coach with a proven record of developing top young talent,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. “His teams were quite successful on the pitch, but just as importantly, they showed the mentality and aggression our philosophy demands. This club is dedicated to success through developing both top young players and coaches, and we believe Ryan is another Homegrown talent that can help our club toward our goals.”
“We’re a club that not only believes in young players, but also young coaches. I got my chance after spending time with our academy and through a similar path Ryan has earned the opportunity to join our first team staff and help us implement our philosophy,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach, Jim Curtin. “I’ve worked with Ryan a lot during our shared time with the club and I’ve seen firsthand what a great coach he is. I’m confident he’s the right person to step in and contribute to this culture of success that our veterans have helped build and that allows our young players to thrive.”
“I’d like to thank Ernst Tanner and Jim Curtin for the opportunity to join the first team staff. I’m excited to help build on the culture and philosophy that has driven the club to success over the past seasons,” said Richter. “I’d like to thank Richie and Steve Graham, Iain Munro, and Tommy Wilson for their support of me over the past three and a half years working in the academy. I’d also like to thank my colleagues, family, and most importantly the players that I have worked with during my time in the academy. I look forward to seeing their development over the next few years and hope many of them can continue to make the step to the first team.”
Richter will fill the role of former longtime assistant Pat Noonan, who departed this offseason to assume the head coaching role at FC Cincinnati.
Most recently, Richter served as the Head Coach of the Union Academy U15’s, who he brought to the first ever MLS Next Cup Final this past season after making it through four single-elimination playoff matches. Prior to his head coaching role, Richter served as the Director of the Philadelphia Union Junior Academy and as a coach with the Union Academy U12’s and U17’s.
Richter played soccer professionally for seven years. After being drafted fifth overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Union, he went on to play professionally for Toronto FC for two seasons, playing over 1100 minutes. He also spent time playing in the North American Soccer League, where he was named All-Decade Best XI Player in NASL by The Athletic. Collegiately, Richter played at La Salle University where he captained the men’s team, earning several accolades along the way including Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, Atlantic 10 Student Athlete of the Year, CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team, two-time Philadelphia Player of the Year and two-time regional All American.
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