CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati has acquired the rights to goalkeeper Spencer Richey from Vancouver in exchange for a 2020 third-round MLS SuperDraft pick. Richey, 26, will return to the Queen City after spending the 2018 season with FC Cincinnati’s USL team on loan from Vancouver.

As a United States citizen, Richey will occupy a domestic roster spot on Cincinnati’s 2019 MLS roster. He is one of six players currently signed to the 2019 roster.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Cincinnati,” Richey said. “I could see where this club was heading when I first arrived on loan. I knew there was a possibility of coming here not just for the short term, but also the long term. I’m excited with how things have played out and I think this will be best for my career.”

Richey joined FC Cincinnati on loan at the beginning of the 2018 calendar year. During his season with the Orange and Blue in the USL, Richey made 14 regular-season appearances and posted an 11-1-2 record with a 1.29 goals against average.

“Spencer is someone that we are very excited to bring back to Cincinnati as we continue to build our roster,” Koch said. “Last season, he battled and remained resilient in a competitive goalkeeping environment and showcased his abilities with fantastic performances at the end of the year. We believe Spencer displayed significant growth over the course of the year and we are excited to give him a well-deserved opportunity with this club in MLS.”

The Seattle, Wash. native emerged as FC Cincinnati’s top goalkeeping option midway through the season. After appearing in only four of FC Cincinnati’s first 20 matches, Richey earned starts in 10 of FCC’s last 14 regular-season matches, as well as both USL Cup Playoff contests.

Richey’s professional career began in 2015, when he was drafted in the third round, 61st overall, by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft after a four-year career at the University of Washington. After not making the Whitecaps roster after preseason, Richey signed with Whitecaps FC 2. With the USL side, Richey made 26 starts during the 2015-16 seasons. Following the conclusion of the 2016 USL season, Richey signed a contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC of MLS. In 2017, the Seattle native made five appearances across all competitions for the Whitecaps, as well as 17 appearances on loan with Whitecaps 2. After the 2017 MLS season, Richey was loaned to FC Cincinnati for the 2018 USL season.

The next time Cincinnati takes the field, it will be as MLS’ 24th team in 2019 when the club debuts in the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada. Season tickets for the 2019 season are now on sale at fccincinnati.com/tickets.

For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. For more information about FC Cincinnati tickets - including 2019 season tickets - call 513-977-KICK (5425) or visit fccincinnati.com/tickets.

Transaction: FC Cincinnati acquires rights to GK Spencer Richey from Vancouver in exchange for 2020 third-round MLS SuperDraft pick on Dec. 9, 2018.

SPENCER RICHEY

Jersey Number: 18

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6-2

Weight: 194

Birthdate: May 30, 1992

Birthplace: Seattle, Wash.

Hometown: Seattle, Wash.

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)

Nationality: United States

MLS Roster Status: Domestic Player

Twitter: @spencerichey18

How Acquired: Via trade from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for FC Cincinnati’s 2020 third-round MLS SuperDraft pick