Know Your Enemy: Westchester SC

The Richmond Kickers will host Westchester SC this Friday for the season's first matchup between the sides.

So far, Westchester shows slight improvements over last year's bottom of the table finish. After going all in on a failed experiment with a veteran heavy roster, the club fired the coaching staff and then let ten players walk. For 2025, new coach George Gjokaj has a group of newcomers mostly from the NCAA ranks to augment the returning veterans.

One notable departure was that of last years's Golden Boot winner J.C. Obregón, now captaining Brooklyn FC in USL Championship. The striker had been slated to return, but was abruptly transferred in mid-January. 

Richmond did not finish much better in 2025, just one place above Westchester to end the season. However, they did win the three match series against Westchester, with two draws followed by a 2-0 win. Richmond scored eight goals against Westchester over this series, including four in the first match in April.

So far this season, its been a mixed bag for both teams. Westchester currently sits at seventh in the table, but with three losses: against Knoxville, at Greenville and at Boise. The side's two wins came from lower ranked expansion sides Corpus Christi and Sarasota.

Richmond meanwhile remains stuck in 14th place with just one win against a solid Union Omaha side on April 18th.

Here's who Richmond fans should keep an eye on this Friday on the Westchester squad.

Daniel Burko, Forward #77

One of the top signings in Westchester's gamble on newcomers, the 23 year old striker joined from Hofstra University after going undrafted by MLS. Draft reports called him "pro ready" and mentioned his height, physicality and breakaway speed.

So far he’s made five regular season starts, and has contributed a pair of assists on only five chances created. With most of Westchester's goals coming from the wing and the midfield, unlocking Burko's potential up front could be the spark the team needs to turn around its fortunes.

Kyle Evans, Attacking Midfielder #83

Another rookie making an immediate impact for his club, the 20 year old from Marist College has started in every regular season match so far with one goal and one assist in six appearances, along with another goal against MLS club NYCFC in Open Cup play. Evans also assisted on both goals against Portland Hearts of Pine in last week's USL Cup match. He's on pace to compete for the league's Young Player of the Year award, and presents a dangerous tandem playing alongside and behind Burko. 

Dean Guezen, Midfielder #10

The 27 year old winger had a respectable start to USL League One play last season, with two goals and four assists. So far in 2026, he's already doubled his goals, with four in six matches, including a brace against Sarasota. Guezen is a utility midfielder, natural on the right wing, but capable of contributing from either side or the middle.

Conor McGlynn, Midfielder #6

McGlynn brought 112 USL Championship regular season appearances on his resume when he joined Westchester ahead of the 2025 season. Like Guezen, he had a respectable but not quite as good as expected year, with four goals and assist. And also like Guezen, he's off to a hot start so far this season, already scoring four in only six matches. The captain is a utility, box-to-box  midfielder, and can start in the anchor or in the attack as needed.

BONUS READ: 914th Infantry

Check out what Westchester's supporter group had to say about the match, including who to watch on the Richmond side.