RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers today announced the signing of 25-year-old defender Marcelo Lage, following his release from Spokane Velocity FC on July 8.

"We have the ability to create and score goals, but we have to improve in the area of keeping the opposition off the scoreline on game day," Richmond Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. "Marcelo is a proven defender who also has the ability to start the attack, and at times, finish in the run of play and on set pieces. We welcome his presence on the pitch and in the locker room as we head into the second half of the league season."

Lage spent the 2024 season and the beginning of the 2025 campaign with Spokane. With Velocity FC, the defender totaled 46 appearances across all competitions and helped the expansion club to the USL League One Final in its inaugural season.

Lage signed his first professional contract in 2023 with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights FC, recording 27 appearances and four goals across all competitions.

Before turning pro, Lage played collegiately at George Washington University (2018), Coastal Carolina University (2019-21) and Hofstra University (2022) and earned multiple all-conference honors across his pre-professional career.

Lage began his collegiate play at George Washington University in 2018, where he started all 17 matches, notched four total points, and earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team. 

The defender transferred to Coastal Carolina for his sophomore season, playing in 18 matches and netting one goal. Lage's breakout season came in 2020-21, as he led Coastal Carolina in scoring with 11 points, including five goals, and was named to the Sun Belt Conference Championship All-Tournament Team. As a senior in 2021, Lage started nine matches and found the back of the net twice for the Chanticleers. 

He transitioned to Hofstra University as a graduate student for the 2022 season, where he appeared in 21 matches, recorded 1,711 minutes on the pitch, and tallied three goals for the Pride.

As a youth player, the Massachusetts native trained with the New England Revolution and the Boston Bolts before heading to college. 

"Looking forward to playing in front of some great fans and for a historic club like Richmond," Lage said. "I'm excited to be on the East Coast and grateful for the opportunity."