Typically, the office falls eerily quiet for days after a post-derby loss, but this week was different. Enter Austin Ricci. It was as if a fresh life had swept through, revitalizing both the office and Vancouver FC as a whole.
Hailing from Richmond Hill, Ont., Ricci approached his first day of training with the confidence of a seasoned pro. For most, joining a new club can be daunting, but the 5’11” Italian embodied the spirit of an eagle the moment he stepped through the door. There was a glimmer in his eye we have long been waiting for, his signature fiery attitude and rugged charm on full display as his media day unfolded. Admin broke the ice by showing him a photo of a tense moment with one of VFC’s executive staff from last season, Ricci responded with a nervous yet cheeky laugh: “Hi, I’m Austin Ricci, forward, and I’m happy to be here at Vancouver FC.”
When asked what fans can expect from him, Ricci answered confidently: “I’m going to bring quality, pace, athleticism, and most importantly, goals to help the team get into the playoffs.”
Ricci is one of the CPL’s founding players, having joined the league in its inaugural 2019 season. Since then, he has made 84 appearances across all competitions, representing both York United and Valour FC. Joining a new club with only five games left and a playoff spot on the line is a unique challenge, but Ricci is determined to make an impact both on and off the field. Familiar faces from York United and Valour—Gee, Giantsopoulos, and Romeo—will no doubt help him feel right at home here in The Valley.
His career has had its challenges, including two ACL injuries that prematurely ended promising seasons, most notably his record-breaking year in 2021. Yet Ricci has shown no signs of lingering issues during training this week. The 28-year-old forward has already been showcasing his skills on the field, demonstrating his dominance on the ball and his sharp eye for goal.
Channeling his authentic Italian roots, with his father hailing from Abruzzo, Ricci embodies the essence of ‘forte e gentile’—strong yet gentle. His presence on the field reflects the dominance and determination of his mother’s Calabrian heritage.
Off the field, the self-proclaimed foodie is excited to explore the flavors of Little Italy and indulge in some West Coast cuisine. He also appreciates the slower pace of the golf course and is looking forward to hitting some balls with fellow Eagle teammates Irving, Chung, and Romeo
“Five wins, five hat-tricks, and heading into the playoffs flying high”—that’s Ricci’s ideal scenario for the next five games. It’s safe to say we all share those same hopes with him.
Fans can meet Ricci and cheer the Eagles on in their playoff push this Saturday, Sept. 21, when VFC hosts Forge FC for the club’s Back to School match. The matinée game is set to kick off at 3 p.m. PT at Willoughby Park at the Langley Event Centre, and tickets can be purchased online here.
