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.