Know Your Enemy: Fort Wayne FC

The Richmond Kickers host Fort Wayne FC at City Stadium on Saturday in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

The visitors are part of the 2026 expansion class and have exceeded expectations so far. They currently sit seventh in the table, level on points with AC Boise, making them the highest-ranked expansion clubs in USL League One.

Fort Wayne hasn't lost a regular season match since March 28, posting a 4-0-5 record over that stretch. While they've struggled to turn draws into wins, they've consistently picked up points to remain firmly in the playoff race.

For Richmond, Saturday marks the beginning of a new era. It will be the first match since longtime Head Coach Darren Sawatzky departed following last weekend's loss at Corpus Christi. The 2027 expansion club Sporting Cascades bought out the remainder of his contract to make him its head coach next season.

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That makes Saturday the head coaching debut of interim manager Brian Ownby, who was promoted from assistant earlier this week. A Richmond-area native, Ownby enjoyed a lengthy playing career with Louisville City, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Houston Dynamo and the Kickers.

Fort Wayne's roster is an intriguing mix of mostly League One newcomers and a few experienced veterans. Here are four players Kickers fans should keep an eye on this Saturday.

Taig Healy

The rookie midfielder won a national championship with North Carolina State before turning professional with Fort Wayne. During that title-winning season, he started 22 matches, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. He's carried that form into League One, leading Fort Wayne with six goals and putting himself firmly in the Golden Boot race after just 12 matches.

What Healy lacks in size, he makes up for with speed, timing and a dangerous left foot. While he often leaves the more physical midfield battles to bigger teammates, he still holds his own in duels when called upon.

His relentless pressing is a perfect fit for Head Coach Mike Avery's aggressive style of play. Richmond's midfield and back line will need to stay physical, organized and disciplined if they're going to keep him quiet.

Lilian Ricol

The other half of Avery's rookie attacking duo, the 23-year-old has started all but one regular season match at striker. He's rewarded that faith with five goals and an assist. While Healy brings pace and quickness, the 6-foot-2 Ricol offers size and strength, giving Fort Wayne a dangerous one-two punch up front.

Ricol appeared on several MLS SuperDraft scouting reports before ultimately going undrafted and signing with Fort Wayne. Scouts highlighted his physical presence and finishing ability after a 13-goal season at UCF in 2025.

He scored braces against both Sarasota and Boise and, as Fort Wayne's primary central striker, leads the team in both shots and shots on target. The combination of Ricol's physicality and Healy's pace presents an obvious challenge for opposing defenses, forcing center backs to deal with two very different types of attackers.

Ryan Becher

The 25-year-old midfielder spent more than half of the 2025 season on loan with Union Omaha from St. Louis CITY2. There, he scored eight goals and added three assists in 18 matches, helping spark Omaha's 12-match unbeaten run to close the season.

After being released by St. Louis, Becher became one of Fort Wayne's marquee veteran signings ahead of the 2026 campaign. An injury sidelined him for most of May, but he returned to the starting lineup on June 10 and headed home the equalizer against Forward Madison just a week later.

With Becher back in the lineup, Fort Wayne adds yet another proven attacking option to complement the rookie duo of Healy and Ricol. If he can quickly regain his 2025 form, he'll give Richmond one more player to account for in the final third.

Michael Rempel

For the fourth player, we asked Brian Biedenbach of Fort Wayne Footy if there was an under-the-radar name Richmond fans should watch. His answer was left back Michael Rempel, who he described as a player with "an engine that never stops."

Another rookie enjoying a strong first professional season, Rempel ranks second on the team in minutes played and second in the league in crosses. When announcing his signing, Avery praised Rempel's intelligence, decision-making and passing ability, qualities that have been evident throughout the season.

Rempel is a true two-way wingback. He leads Fort Wayne in tackles won while also sitting tied with midfielder Javier Armas for the team lead in chances created. If Armas is limited as he works his way back from injury, expect much of Fort Wayne's play on the left flank to run through Rempel, who will be looking to supply Healy, Ricol and Becher with scoring opportunities.

Richmond Kickers vs. Fort Wayne FC: How to Watch

If you're not at City Stadium, the match will broadcast on ESPN+. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

Special thanks to our friends John Morrissey of USL Tactics for the player card, and Brian Biedenbach and Jared Haagen of Fort Wayne Footy for the photos.

For further reading, check out Fort Wayne Defender's Opposition Report on the Kickers.