Philadelphia Union II

Bethlehem Steel acquire former Union man Ryan Richter

Photo: Nate Monahan

Bethlehem Steel announced on Tuesday the acquisition of Ryan Richter via a full transfer from NASL side Ottawa Fury.

Bethlehem Steel head coach Brendan Burke said in a statement, “We are very happy to have Ryan back in the Union family. We know that he had serious interest from a number of other clubs around USL and NASL, so this proved to be a key signing for us. He is a local guy and this move made a lot of sense for everyone involved.”

A graduate of William Tennent High School and La Salle University who also played for Ocean City Nor’easters, Richter was selected by the Union in the 2011 Supplemental Draft. Richter did not make an appearance for the Union in league play during the 2011 season.

After the Union declined to pick up his option in January of 2012, Richter signed with USL side Charleston Battery, making 24 appearances and scoring two goals in a season that ended with the Battery as USL champions.

In 2013, Richter signed with Toronto FC, earning his MLS debut in the 1-1 draw against the Union at PPL Park on April 13, eventually recording 13 appearances.

Richter was loaned to NASL side Ottawa Fury in 2014 and signed with the club for the 2015 season, advancing with the club to the 2015 Fall Championship game.

Said Union sporting director Earnie Stewart of Richter, “We’re very excited to be able to land a player of Ryan’s caliber to boost our expansion club. Not only do we think highly of his skill set, but we believe in all of the professional intangibles Ryan will bring on a daily basis.”

Drafted as a midfielder by the Union, Richter has been playing as a right fullback.

4 Comments

  1. Per the Union’s press release:
    .
    “We’re very excited to be able to land a player of Ryan’s caliber to boost our expansion club,” Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said. “Not only do we think highly of his skill set, but we believe in all of the professional intangibles Ryan will bring on a daily basis.”
    .
    I immediately filed this quote in my mental never said/doesn’t exist box.
    .
    I image the actual quote was this.
    .
    “Who?”
    .
    “So he is local then. Does that matter?”
    .
    “OK whatever. Does he wear a size large? We get a huge price break if we order over 500 jerseys.”
    .
    “Well can he just kind of squeez in one anyway?”

  2. In regards to the Union is there anything more imporant that being local?

  3. I think its fair to say… that were this club not to sign Ryan Richter many would be like, “why didn’t BSFC sign Richter, he’s available…local kid.”
    .
    Stuff like this becomes an untenable position for the parent and sibling club… damned if it does damned if it doesn’t.

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