RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, December 5, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers announced on Tuesday that forward Joe Gallardo has been transferred to USL Championship side and 2019 USL Championship Title-Winners Real Monarchs SLC, the affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. In return for the transfer, the Kickers acquired a transfer fee, plus future considerations. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

"Joe had a great year in 2019 and we are excited for the opportunity that Real Monarchs SLC have given him,” commented Darren Sawatzky, Kickers Sporting Director and Head Coach. “He is a dynamic player who wishes to test his metal at the next level and we support that. Having the newly minted champion from the USL Championship come calling is a testament to Joe's hard work and to the pathway we want to create with the Richomnd Kickers. We wish Joe success! We will develop other dynamic players to help us win in Richmond - with their potential to also move on to the next level."

Gallardo signed with the Kickers prior to the start of the inaugural USL League One season. He made 25 appearances for the club, all of which were starts, and went on to score six goals and adding two assists. Growing up in the Monterrey academy system until 2016, Gallardo made the move to the United States in 2016 joining the Orlando City U-17/18 Academy. In 2017, the San Diego native signed a contract with Orlando City B and went on to make seven appearances in the USL Championship.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone in Richmond - my teammates, the coaches, the staff, the fans and of course Red Army,” said Gallardo. “The club will always be in my heart. The club believed in me and the club was tremendous for my career as it gave me a huge opportunity to shine and grow on and off the field. My dream is to play the sport I love at the very top level and the Kickers are a key piece of that journey. And they have proven their focus on developing people by enabling my transfer to a next level team that is part of an MLS club.”