Kickers Sign Lucca Dourado from South Georgia Tormenta

The Richmond Kickers shocked the league today, announcing the signing of Lucca Dourado from the South Georgia Tormenta free agent pool.

The 25 year old striker was one of the marquee signings for Tormenta prior to the club suddenly going on hiatus two weeks before the season was set to begin. Sources tell us Tormenta outbid several teams for Dourado, including Forward Madison, where he spent 2025 on loan from Birmingham Legion.

Dourado joined Madison in late May and quickly had an impact on his new team, scoring three and providing two assists in his first nine matches. He'd cap off the season with a goal at City Stadium in October, his eighth of the season. He finished second in team goals behind Derek Gebhard.

Prior to his time at Madison, Dourado made two early season appearances with Birmingham in the USL Championship, his first professional contract. His option was not picked up as Birmingham looked to overhaul its roster after a last place finish.

He immediately became one of the top free agent strikers in USL League One, and was an early signing announcement for Tormenta in December. There, he was set to join Yaniv Bazini, another second-year striker who had a breakout rookie campaign.

In Richmond, Dourado joins a striker crew that includes Josh Kirkland and Tyler Freeman, giving Head Coach Darren Sawatzky fresh tactical options up front. Sawatzky said he was looking for "an attacking threat that allows our team to attack in different ways," in targeting Dourado when he became available.

Tormenta's Head Coach Mark McKeever echoed this when he signed Dourado, touting his ability to "to score various types of goals in and around the penalty box."

McKeever also spoke of Dourado's "high ceiling" and potential, something that fits in to what Sawatzky has mentioned about what he was looking for in new players this season.

Dourado will also re-join defender Ethan Kos, with whom he spent the 2025 preseason and first few matches at Birmingham.

Per the team, Dourado joins the Kickers on a multi-year contract.

The Kickers open the 2026 season on the road at AV Alta FC on Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 PM ET.