Richmond Kickers add forward Adam Bedell on loan from Columbus Crew

RICHMOND, VA (Via Richmond Kickers) – The Richmond Kickers announced today that Columbus Crew SC forward Adam Bedell will join the team on loan and will be available for selection when the Kickers travel to New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, July 25.

“Adam’s loan provides a timely boost to the squad as we push to solidify our playoff position,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “As we know only too well from our U.S. Open Cup clash he is a technically gifted player with a strong instinct for scoring goals.”

Bedell has made two competitive starts for Crew SC this season, both in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Leading the offense in the Fourth Round on June 17 at City Stadium, Bedell notched his first professional brace in the 3-1 win to oust the Kickers from the tournament. He also started the Round of 16 match at Orlando City SC and made a substitute appearance in Crew SC’s international friendly against Valencia CF. Additionally, Bedell earned experience on-loan with the Austin Aztex earlier this season and made three appearances in May, including two starts, before returning to Crew SC.

“We believe this loan will be a good opportunity for Adam to gain valuable minutes and continue his development in his second season as a professional,” said Columbus Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.

The former University of Detroit Mercy forward has made 16 Major League Soccer regular-season appearances since being drafted by Crew SC in the Third Round (45th overall) in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. He scored two goals in his rookie campaign for the Black & Gold, including his first MLS tally on July 12, 2014 against New York at Red Bull Arena, where the Kickers are scheduled to play on Saturday.

Prior to being drafted, Bedell was a participant in the Black & Gold’s first-ever College Combine, hosted by Columbus’ First Team technical staff on December 14, 2013. While at Detroit, he was named the Horizon League Player of the Year and the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 with his League-leading 11 goals as a junior. His five assists that season also tied for the League lead.

Following a gap in the regular season schedule last weekend that allowed the Kickers to host West Bromwich Albion of the English Premier League in an international friendly in front of 6,832 fans, the Kickers return to USL action when they travel to Red Bull Arena to battle New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, July 25. The Kickers return to City Stadium one week later to host Craft Beer Fest and the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday, August 1.