KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - One Knoxville SC has announced the signing of defender Stuart Ritchie, pending league and federation approval. 

The 22-year-old left back joins One Knoxville SC after an impressive youth career before his development into professional soccer. Ritchie developed through European academies such as FC Groningen in the Netherlands and Hannover 96 in Germany before signing a professional contract in the United States with fellow USL League One team Richmond Kickers. 

Last season, the former USYNT defender played over 1,000 minutes in 16 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro season with Columbus Crew 2. 

"Ritchie is a young man with such a high ceiling," Knoxville Head Coach Mark McKeever said. "His receiving skills and ability to play positively is very exciting for me. Ritchie will bring high energy and I know he loves to cover the ground up and down the field in which I am excited to watch him do so."

"I am extremely excited to be representing the Scruffs and to wear the One Knoxville SC badge," Ritchie said. "We have a strong and competitive group and I will give my all to help this team achieve what we have set out to achieve."