RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers today announced the acquisition of 23-year-old midfielder Ryan Baer, who joins on a season-long loan from MLS NEXT Pro side Tacoma Defiance. Baer claimed a Sun Belt Conference Men's Soccer Championship with West Virginia University in 2024 before being selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft 2025.

"We are delighted to add Ryan to the midfield here in Richmond," Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. "He brings tenacity, bite, and a box-to-box mentality that will help us with our challenges so far this season. With the injuries we have taken on and Ryan's desire to play professional minutes, this is a great fit here in Richmond."

"This loan is a great opportunity for Ryan to continue his development in a new environment," said Seattle Sounders FC Director of Development Wade Webber. "USL League One offers a strong culture and a demanding level of play, and we believe this experience will accelerate Ryan's growth both on and off the field. We're excited to see how he embraces his time in Richmond."

The Huntersville, N.C. native developed in the Charlotte Independence system, appearing for Charlotte Independence II in USL League Two, and joined the Independence first team on a USL Academy contract in 2019. Baer was an unused substitute in five matches for the Jacks during the 2019 USL Championship season. The midfielder also spent time in League Two with Asheville City SC.

During his time with West Virginia, Baer made himself known. The midfielder holds the record for most matches started in WVU history with 87, having played in 92. He played all over the pitch in Morgantown, dishing out seven assists across his career and rarely leaving the pitch for the Mountaineers.

In 2023, Baer and the Mountaineers finished as runners-up in the Sun Belt Conference Men's Soccer Championship, ultimately advancing to the NCAA College Cup semifinals.

In 2024, Baer helped West Virginia claim the Sun Belt Conference Men's Soccer Championship, defeating Marshall on penalty kicks before returning to the NCAA men's soccer tournament.

Selected with the 28th overall pick by Seattle in the MLS SuperDraft 2025, Baer made his professional debut in the U.S. Open Cup with Tacoma, playing for 45 minutes in the First Round against local qualifier Washington Athletic Club. The midfielder made one appearance during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.

"Joining the Kickers for the remainder of the season is such a great opportunity for me," Baer said. "I'm buzzing to be back on the East Coast and thankful Darren [Sawatzky] has given me this chance to play and compete here in Richmond."