LANSING, Mich. — Lansing Ignite FC has unveiled today Ricardo “Richi” Perez as the latest addition to the 2019 roster, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old midfielder joins LIFC after being a part the Colorado Rapids organization in Major League Soccer.
Born in Mexico, Perez played collegiately at Creighton University and was named Big East Conference Midfielder of the Year in 2016 before signing as a Homegrown Player for Major League Soccer’s Rapids in 2017. He appeared in six games on loan with the Switchbacks in 2017 and recorded 14 appearances for the Independence on loan the following season.
“Richi is a great signing for our club,” LIFC Head Coach Nate Miller said. “He has real quality on the ball and is able to break opponents down with precise passing. Richi has the personality and character that we look for, and I believe he is in the cusp of really taking his game to the next level. We are thrilled he is with us in Lansing.”
Before turning professional, Perez also competed in USL League Two (formerly the Premier Development League), playing for Albuquerque Sol FC in 2014 and Southern Conference champions Ocala Stampede in 2015.
“I can’t wait to get started and make an impact as soon as possible,” Perez said. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to working with Coach Miller this season.”
LIFC will kick off its USL League One campaign against the Richmond Kickers in Richmond, Virginia, on March 30 and against Greenville Triumph SC in Greenville, South Carolina, on April 6. The team will then return home to prepare for its week-long, home-opening celebration. LIFC will hold a celebration in downtown Lansing ahead of the team’s first League One match at Cooley Law School Stadium against the Kickers on April 13, and the celebration of soccer in the Michigan capital will continue three days later, when LIFC faces off against the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital Cup, presented by Sparrow. For more information on Ignite FC, visit www.lansingignite.com [lansingignite.com] or follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram [instagram.com].
