USL PRO Defender of the Year Finalist and All-League First Team defender William Yomby has signed a multi-year contract with the Richmond Kickers, which will begin with the 2015 season.
USL PRO Defender of the Year Finalist and All-League First Team defender William Yomby has signed a multi-year contract with the Richmond Kickers, which will begin with the 2015 season.
“We are delighted to re-sign Yomby to a long term contract,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “He has shown year in, year out that he is one of the top defenders in USL PRO, and we look forward to his signing as the first of several key players to return.”
Yomby is very happy to be staying here in Richmond. “It feels good. I’ve been here for quite a long time already and I feel at home here.” Yomby, who recently received six consecutive All-League First Team nominations, and made 27 appearances during the 2014 regular season, posting over 2,800 minutes through all competitions, has been integral on both sides of the ball.
A native of Cameroon, Yomby added two goals while allowing just 28 and contributed to seven shutouts. He was named USL PRO Defender of the Year after guiding the Kickers to a first place finish in the league in 2009.
“To win that award in 2009, that was my first year with the Kickers. We had a fantastic team. All the guys were hungry for a trophy,” Yomby said. “It’s always a good feeling being a winner and in 2009 I thank my teammates for that.”
Prior to signing with the Kickers, Yomby was drafted by Sporting Kansas City in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, inking a developmental contract with the Major League Soccer side before joining the Puerto Rico Islanders later that season.
A graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, he was selected to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie Team before making 48 appearances over three seasons.
He also earned All-CAA Second Team honors and was named to the CAA All-Tournament and All-State teams.
With all of the accolades Yomby has received over the years, even though they feel good, he says he’ll always be hungry for more. “Right now I’ll be with the Kickers and looking forward to give my best and show them that I’m more than capable to play at the next level.”
Over the past six seasons, he has made 154 appearances with the Kickers, collecting over 13,000 minutes, adding 11 goals and four assists while contributing to 57 shutouts.
Defenders are an integral position to soccer, but are often overlooked. Forwards like Cristiano Rinaldo or Lionel Messi seem to have a more glamorous position and get constant praise.
In spite of Yomby’s awards and praise for his defensive position, he agrees that defenders don’t get as much critical acclaim.
“There are good defenders out there,” Yomby argues. “Unfortunately they don’t score goals, and people like goals. But what people forget is that they do defend goals. They prevent other teams from scoring… It’s always nice to have credit as a defender.”
This past season the Kickers had the high honor of playing Crystal Palace, a top-flight team in the English Premiere League, the highest level in the world.
Yomby said there’s much more exposure in Europe than in the US, and even though the USL isn’t a very high level, it’s still very important. He thought the game against Crystal Palace was fantastic challenge.
“When you’re here for so long, you get used to the American style of soccer, and when you have a chance to play against someone like Crystal Palace, it’s something else. The way they play, the professionalism, the experience. It’s something I will cherish forever.”
Yomby thought the whole experience was great for the team and the fans, and to see Crystal Palace fans travel all the way from England to see them play the Kickers was another high point of the game. Yomby joked that he spoke to a couple of players from Crystal Palace after the game; they mentioned it was a good run, and the Kickers gave them more than they expected.
Soccer is Yomby’s passion, and he plans to be involved with the world of soccer for years to come. Right now he is working with VCU soccer as a Volunteer Assistant Coach, and also coaches with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club.
Photo by Jeanne Faulconer
In the future he sees himself becoming a college coach, but still staying involved in youth soccer. He’s particularly happy with where VCU soccer is heading.
“I’m all about learning everything that soccer has to offer me,” Yomby commented. “Since I’ve been with VCU, [I’ve learned] some details in soccer that I wasn’t aware of. Some things that definitely improved my vision on the field–my passing, my movement. When I showed them what I know about soccer, somehow without knowing, they’ve showed me how to improve my game.”
Soon Yomby will get back into his regular training schedule, gearing up for next year’s season. He can’t wait to be back on the field.
