TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced that Richmond Kickers forward Emiliano Terzaghi was voted the 2022 USL League One Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive season. With the honor, Terzaghi becomes the first player in American outdoor professional soccer history to be named Most Valuable Player in three consecutive seasons.
This season, the three-time Golden Boot winner and reigning back-to-back MVP became the first player in league history to score 10-plus goals in three or more seasons. Terzaghi's 17 goals were the second-most scored in a single season behind the Argentine's own record of 18 set a season ago.
“Being named MVP for the third time along with three Golden Boots as well is a great source of pride for me,” Terzaghi said. “It is something very difficult to achieve, to improve myself every season with all the work and effort that it requires. I thank each of my teammates, coaches and family members because without them none of this would be possible. I feel very proud.”
“Emiliano showed his class again this year winning the Golden Boot and the MVP of League One,” Richmond Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer Darren Sawatzky said. “To accomplish this feat three years in a row is incredible, and it's a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game. To be consistent in scoring goals at any level is difficult. League One is a very competitive league where players already know Emiliano can score goals, and to score 17 goals is an amazing accomplishment for a very good player. There are many quality players that epitomize the role of MVP for their teams in our league, and we are happy for Emiliano that he was recognized again.”
The Kickers captain led Richmond to a 9-1-4 record when scoring, and three of his 17 goals served as match-winning scores. Terzaghi served as a catalyst for Richmond’s finish atop the League One table with his side’s best finish since 2013.
A Buenos Aires native, Terzaghi began his career in the youth ranks of Argentine Primera División side Club Atlético Banfield. From 2011 to 2019, Terzaghi spent time with Argentine clubs Banfield, Temperley, Boca Unidos and Defensores de Belgrano before making the move to the United States with the Kickers in 2020. In just three seasons of play, Terzaghi is League One’s all-time leading scorer with 45 regular season and postseason goals.
“I think that you can always improve by working and getting over yourself with humility and sacrifice,” Terzaghi added. “Giving the maximum for yourself and not settling for what has been achieved. I'm always fighting and working to achieve new goals.
“For the Richmond fans, your words of thanks are incredible. Thank you for the support, the affection and the bond that we have formed over these years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you on the field.”
Terzaghi finished first with 50% of the ballot to earn the award. Fellow Richmond teammate and 2022 Assists Champion Jonathan Bolanos finished second on 33% with a league-record 11 assists, while Northern Colorado defender and 2022 Defender of the Year Arthur Rogers finished third on 17% with his league-record 80 chances created.
USL League One Most Valuable Player
2022 – Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers
2021 – Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers
2020 – Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers
2019 – Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC
2022 USL League One Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year: Rashid Nuhu, Union Omaha
Defender of the Year: Arthur Rogers, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Young Player of the Year: Ethan Bryant, Richmond Kickers
Comeback Player of the Year: Adrian Billhardt, South Georgia Tormenta FC
Coach of the Year: Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers
Most Valuable Player: Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers