Marcelo Lage Signs with Richmond Kickers
The center back adds size and depth after mutually terminating with Spokane
The Richmond Kickers announced today the signing of center back Marcelo Lage. The 25 year old mutually terminated his contract with Spokane at the end of June, and signs with Richmond for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Lage is in the middle of his third professional season, which started with Las Vegas Lights of USL Championship in 2023. There, he made 18 starts in 25 appearances and scored four goals. His option was not picked up as Las Vegas headed into a massive rebuild after winning only three matches.
He was one of Spokane’s signings ahead of its inaugural 2024 season, starting in all but two matches that season, including all three in the team’s surprising run to the playoff final.
This season, Lage has mostly served in a backup or rotational role around fellow center backs David Garcia and Camron Miller. Garcia joined Spokane in the off-season from Northern Colorado after winning a Jägermeister Cup and securing second team all league honors there. Under the watch of Lage, Garcia and Miller, Spokane has the best defense in the league with only 0.64 goals conceded per match.
Spokane also signed league veteran Jalen Crisler ahead of this season, although he has only made a single appearance in an Open Cup match. The depth at the position may be a factor in Lage’s decision to part ways with the club.
Richmond’s defense has been shaky this season, tied for third-worst with 24 goals conceded in regular season play. The centerback pairing has been a rotation that includes second year professionals Gui Franca and Griffin Garnett along with veterans Kladi Cela, James Vaughan and Dakota Barnathan. The latter two have typically played central defensive midfield this season.
Lage will add another year of experience to the rotation, along with a sizable presence at 6’5”, making him the tallest player on the team.
Said Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky:
“We have the ability to create and score goals but we have to improve in the area of keeping the opposition off the scoreline on game day. Marcelo is a proven defender who also has the ability to start the attack, and at times, finish in the run of play and on set pieces. We welcome his presence on the pitch and in the locker room as we head into the second half of the league season.”
Richmond added midfielder Ryan Baer on loan from Seattle Sounders yesterday. Both should be available for selection this weekend when the Kickers host the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Saturday night.