RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers today announced the signing of defender Jake Mecham for the 2023 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

“Jake is a very quick, athletic outside back with a fiery approach to go with his ability,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He has a particular bite to his game and he is a hard competitor. We think Jake fits into the attacking style of play we work to play in Richmond and he plugs right into the culture in our locker room. We are happy he is with us and we believe the City Stadium faithful will find him a favorite.”

Mecham starts his professional career in RVA after a successful collegiate run across stints at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Denver, respectively. He made a name for himself by combining his penchant for one-on-one defending and helping his defense pitch shutouts with his ability to bomb forward on the wing and provide service to the attack.

“When talking to Darren I was really pleased with his passion behind coaching and the love for the club,” Mecham said. “He holds himself and the team to very high standards which is something I know we both share and are alike in.

“My impression of the Kickers last season reflects the outcome of them being regular season champions. I was impressed by the consistent ability to dominate opponents with their own identity and style of play. I am excited to join this squad.”

A native of Las Vegas, Mecham played for the Rebels during his freshman and sophomore years. He started a freshman-high 11 of 19 matches in his first season, scoring one goal and assisting one more in that time. As a sophomore, he started 16 of 19 matches.

Mecham transferred to Denver ahead of what would be a shortened spring 2021 season after the 2020 fall season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He started all seven matches and earned an assist in his debut. It was also during the spring 2021 season that Mecham played on the backline commanded by fellow Kickers player Will Palmquist who was in his final season between the pipes for the Pioneers.

The fall 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Mecham play a key role for a Pioneers defense that was nationally known for its suffocating play. 

Starting 18 of 19 matches in 2021, Mecham and his teammates earned a goals-against average of 0.736 which ranked ninth in the country. Additionally, he scored one goal and assisted another during that season. The Pioneers finished with a 10-4-5 record on their way to winning the Summit League Conference Championship and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual tournament champions, No. 1 Clemson.

They would improve further in 2022 with an eye-watering 0.591 shutout percentage which ranked third in the country with a goals-against average of 0.675 which ranked seventh in the country; Mecham started 20 of 22 matches. Denver earned a 14-3-5 record on their way to winning their second-straight Summit League Conference Championship and another second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament, falling to eventual quarterfinalists, No. 7 Duke.

After a successful college career, Mecham is excited to do his part on the Richmond backline that let in the second-fewest goals during the 2022 USL League One season.

“My goal is always first and foremost to win games and championships,” Mecham said. “I believe that everything in terms of my own individual goals will follow along with the success of our team as a whole. I couldn’t think of a better place to start my professional career than here in Richmond. I am looking forward to March 18th as we start our journey to win a championship.”