SPOKANE, Wash. – Former Gonzaga men's soccer defender Jalen Crisler has found a new professional home with the USL One's Richmond Kickers.
From the Seattle area with experience with the Sounders' U23 team as well as in multiple pro leagues, Crisler looks to solidify a Kickers back line that also features recent signee Chris Aune. Both have prior experience playing for Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky in Seattle.
"Richmond was one of the first teams I spoke to this offseason and there was a mutual interest," Crisler said. "Three summer breaks during my time at Gonzaga were spent playing for [Sawatzky] at the Seattle Sounders U-23s. He is someone I've stayed in touch with and stayed close with over the years. Darren and I had a conversation about the vision, goals, and plan for the team and I immediately knew Richmond was the spot for me. They have a great team, fan base, and history, and all of those things were appealing to me."
Crisler appeared in two matches in League One last season for Forward Madison FC, after spending 2019 with the NISA's Detroit City FC, scoring one goal in ten appearances.
In four seasons at GU, he made 64 appearances with 50 starts, scoring six goals and adding three assists, culminating in an All-WCC First Team nod in 2016. An ACL injury on senior night initially complicated his professional ventures, but to Sawatzky, his experience since speaks for itself.
"Jalen worked hard and blossomed toward the later parts of his youth career," he said. "He grew into a strong, hard-nosed defender and he had a great college career at Gonzaga University as a leader in their team. He played well for the Seattle Sounders U23 team in the summer months and it translated into an all-league level fall at Gonzaga. Jalen has since played two professional seasons and grown into a valuable asset at the back that we look forward to having with us here in Richmond."
Crisler said the center back position was a priority to fill for the Kickers, one that would be up for grabs as the season began. He leapt at the opportunity to compete for a more substantial role.
"That's what being a pro is: stepping up and taking your opportunities," he said. "I feel confident in my abilities to fill the role. Playing in NISA for Detroit City FC was a great spot to get my pro career started and to get games under my belt after graduating from GU.
"I never lost my confidence in my ability to play in League One. We have a very good team in Richmond, and everyone will need to earn their spot. I'm excited for the opportunity to do that."
