SAN JOSE, Calif. - Will Richmond will continue playing soccer in the Bay Area after signing a Homegrown Player Contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, the team announced on Monday. The Piedmont, California native will rejoin the ranks of the Earthquakes after competing with the academy team prior to joining Stanford in 2018.
The Homegrown Player Rule allows Major League Soccer teams to sign local players from their own development academies directly to MLS first team rosters.
"When Will came to Stanford, his goals were to have a stellar career, graduate, and then sign for his childhood club," said the Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "It would appear he has checked the boxes! Will has been an ever present contributor over his collegiate career, and has enough ability to make an impact as he moves onto his next challenge. We are excited to cheer him on and follow his exciting journey moving forward."
The midfielder had an impressive career on The Farm, winning two Pac-12 championships while also being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region Second Team in 2020. He earned two All-Pac-12 selections, including one this year, was twice named CoSIDA Academic All-District, and he also earned a spot on the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll twice.
During his four year career for the Cardinal, Richmond featured in 72 games and earned 50 starts. He recorded 11 goals and 11 assists, including three goals during the fall 2021 season, the third-most on the team.
Richmond served as a constant offensive force for Stanford, consistently finding the back of the net or setting up his teammates to score. During the 2020-21 season, he ranked third on the team with five goals and tied for first with six assists. He totaled 16 points that season, which also ranked second on the team and he was one of two players in the Pac-12 with at least five goals and six assists.