Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers recently agreed to a multi-year agreement with midfielder Michael Callahan, pending USSF approval. Callahan returns to Richmond in 2012 after playing in 16 matches last season, en route to USL PRO and U.S. Open Cup Semifinals appearances.
“Bringing Michael back was a major priority for the offseason and we are delighted to have secured his services long term,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. “He is a very important player in our system and can dictate the style of play we want to incorporate. We look forward to bringing back several more influential players from last season's team in the upcoming weeks.”
Joining the Kickers roster days before the 2011 home opener, Callahan made an immediate impact and quickly became a regular on the starting lineup before being sidelined through injury midseason. The experienced midfielder returned to action in July, making 16 appearances overall, recording one assist in Kickers uniform in the 2-1 win over the Charleston Battery on April 23.
Before signing with the Kickers last season, Callahan began his professional career with the former USL First Division, USSF Division II side Austin Aztex, where he made 47 appearances over the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Originally from Cary, N.C., Callahan started 79 of 82 games played at UNC-Chapel Hill, notching 10 career goals and 13 career assists over four seasons. He earned NSCAA/adidas Men’s Collegiate Scholar All-America honors his senior year and was a NSCAA/adidas All-America selection.
Off the field, Callahan acts as head coach of the Sportable Power Wheelchair Soccer team. A Richmond-based organization, Sportable specializes in providing individuals with physical disabilities access to adaptive sports and recreational programs.