RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers announced on Tuesday the return to the club of midfielder Matt Bolduc for the 2022 USL League One season, his sixth overall with the club.

"Matt has the ability to change games when he is in the mood,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He represents the character and culture here well and we look forward to him having an excellent year for the group in 2022."

Bolduc was a consistent presence across the pitch for the Reds during the 2021 season. The veteran made 29 appearances -- tied for the team high -- while starting 22 of those matches. Whether he was required on the right wing or in the center of the park, Bolduc was relied upon to link play and get the ball forward into dangerous areas.

A tenacious attacker, Bolduc’s signature highlight of the 2021 season came in the opening seconds of the club’s contest against the New England Revolution II on June 5. The Kickers built up play from the left side, with Jonathan Bolanos carrying the ball into the box and then finding Bolduc with a key pass. Bolduc, who timed his run perfectly, shook his defender to receive the pass and finish the shot into the back of the net in the opening 26 seconds of play -- the fastest Kickers’ goal scored in the USL League One era.

Bolduc was a key piece of the Kickers’ attacking threat through the season, as he finished third on the team with 30 chances created. He recorded two assists, including the goal that sparked the Kickers’ comeback at South Georgia Tormenta FC, when he served up Emiliano Terzaghi to score the first of two unanswered Kickers’ goals in the second half.

“I’m extremely grateful and blessed to be returning for my sixth season in Richmond,” Bolduc said. “When I started off my career, I couldn’t imagine a better place to play my football. It’s the most historic club in the nation and our supporters are best in class without question.”

Bolduc has been a fixture in the River City since he joined the club for the 2017 season from the Harrisburg City Islanders. He is closing in on 100 total appearances for the club while he is one of three Richmond Kickers players to reach 50 USL League One appearances wearing red.

“I’ve never taken a day for granted with this team, in this city, and I promise to keep working until our ultimate goal is achieved,” said Bolduc. “Obviously, the last two years have been positive in our mindset and our results, but the main goal is to bring silverware back to City Stadium. We look forward to the 2022 season with our team’s core pillars of humility, intelligence, respect, and effort in the front of our minds. One love to everybody who supports us. RVA is red!”