The Philadelphia Union have announced on Tuesday that they have signed Ryan Richter as their new assistant coach. Richter was drafted by the Union in the 2011 MLS Supplemental draft fifth overall and will now step into the role that formerly was held by Pat Noonan who moved on to Cincinnati FC to be their new head coach. 

Ernst Tanner on the hiring of Ryan Richter

“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, 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.”

Before being hired as the new assistant coach, Richter most recently was the ​​as the Head Coach of the Union Academy U15’s. This past season he helped led the team into the first ever MLS Next Cup Final. Before this head coaching role, Richter was the Director of the Philadelphia Union Junior Academy and coach with the Union Academy U12’s and U17’s.

Richter played two seasons professionally in the MLS for Toronto F.C after being drafted in the 2011 Supplemental Draft. For his collegiate career, Richter played at LA Salle where he earned ​​the 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. 

Jim Curtin on the hiring of Ryan Richter

“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, 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.”

The Union start their training camp this week and there is still some uncertainty as to who will be on the roster. All Star left back Kai Wagner looks to be on his way out to Europe without a current replacement on the roster. On top of this, striker Kacper Przybylko may be on in his way out shortly as well.

In good news, the Union signed Jack Elliott The Union now have around six weeks to figure things out before the start of the regular season. I’d expect some more news regarding Wagner and Przybylko in the coming weeks before the start of the clubs 2022 MLS campaign. The Union will head down to Clearwater in the coming weeks for some preseason exhibition matches.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union