December 16, 2022...York United FC Announces Re-Signing of Canadian Forward Austin Ricci (from York United FC website)

YORK UNITED FC ANNOUNCES RE-SIGNING OF CANADIAN FORWARD AUSTIN RICCI

In a difficult year, the 26-year-old displayed exceptional strength of character and mental fortitude.

York United FC is very happy to announce the re-signing of forward Austin Ricci.

The 26-year-old has agreed a one-year deal, plus a club option.

2022 proved a difficult year for the roving attacker, though he displayed exceptional strength
of character and mental fortitude. Having worked tirelessly to battle back after an ACL injury sustained
the previous September while playing for Valour FC, local boy Ricci - a native of Richmond Hill, ON
- impressed Head Coach Martin Nash after taking part in The Nine Stripes pre-season. Hungry, motivated
and with his sharpness returning each week, Ricci was rewarded for his efforts with a contract.

Just two days later, Ricci featured in York United's third game of the season: a memorable 2-0 home win
over Cavalry FC at York Lions Stadium. He'd waited a long time for those nine minutes off the bench.

With Nash wary of pushing Ricci too much, there was another cameo in the next game against Atletico Ottawa
(16 minutes as a substitute) before he was handed the majority of the second-half in what proved another
excellent victory at home to Forge FC.

And then came a bitter setback.

In the Canadian Championship qualifying round clash away to Atletico Ottawa in early May, Ricci was
introduced after 65 minutes with the game tied at 1-1. Just before full-time, Ricci innocuously fell
to the ground close to the touchline and was forced off. Days later, the news everyone feared was confirmed:
another ACL injury.

Ricci underwent surgery on 1st June and immediately immersed himself, once again, in what's been a lengthy
rehabilitation process.

"Austin was so unfortunate that he re-injured his knee," says Angus McNab, York United FC's CEO/President
and GM.

"The work he's put in post-surgery is an example to everyone in our squad. He’s exactly the kind of guy
you want in the locker room because he could have been extremely bitter. Instead, he just comes in every
day, works incredibly hard and does it all with a smile on his face. Beyond that, Austin is a player who
is a real threat in front of goal. He loves to lead the press and his work ethic suits what Nashy
is looking to do."

back to 2022 York United FC menu