RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers announced Wednesday that the club re-signed striker Stanley Alves for the 2021 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. 

"We are looking forward to watching Stanley take the next step in scoring goals regularly with us in 2021,” said Kickers Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “As a rookie, he was clinical during the preseason and was unfortunate to take on an injury early that limited his early season participation.

"As we progressed through the season, he got stronger and started to show his scoring form, culminating in a good goal against Orlando City B. We see Stanley hitting the onion bag more this year and his character fits with the pillars of our club." 

Playing his first professional season in 2020, Alves made 11 appearances for the Kickers and started in three of those matches. He scored his first professional goal on October 21, a game-winner on the road at Orlando City B. He completed 72 percent of his passes, created five chances and had nine key passes in his rookie season.

“I'm blessed to be playing under Darren as fine detail and the consistency to achieve more are always being highlighted,” said Alves. “Being excited is an understatement to be able to play in front of our fans.  They always bring their passion for the game on the sidelines, so the least I can do is bring that to the field, with a little bit of samba.”

Born in Boston, Mass., to Brazilian parents, Alves was a consistent attacking threat on all levels before turning pro. In high school, he was named to the Bay State All-League team three times. He started his collegiate career at Dean College, leading the team to an undefeated season in 2015 with 19 goals and six assists in 16 matches, which earned him recognition on the NJCAA Division I All-New England team.

After his freshman season, Alves transferred to the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Playing in 52 matches with the Riverhawks, he led the team in goals and points both in 2018 and 2019, finishing his Riverhawk-career with 13 goals and four assists. Earning the respect of coaches around the league, he was named into America East All-Conference Second Team in his junior year and America East All-Conference First Team as well as United Soccer Coaches All-Northeast Region team in his senior year.

Throughout his time in college, Alves had stints with Seacoast United in USL League Two and the New England Revolution U-23s.

“Collectively, the group is on the same page as we know what we are capable of doing,” Alves said. “2021 is a big year for the Reds and we all have silverware in sight. My mentality to win is fueled by the culture we create in the locker room, organization, and fans. That being said, my team helps me do the thing I love to do most: putting the ball in the back of the net. I hope to do a lot more of it this year.”