Kickers' Pascale says '12 will be his final season as a player

Credit: 2009, EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH

Ronnie Pascale is a three-time USL goalkeeper of the year

By: Vic Dorr | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: February 13, 2012

For 21 of the 22 members of the Richmond Kickers' roster, the swift approach of the 2012 USL PRO season represents a beginning. For veteran goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale, it represents the beginning of the end.

Pascale, a 35-year-old veteran of 13 summers of professional soccer, says the upcoming season "will definitely be my last" as a player. "I've said all along that when it's time to stop, I'll know it," said Pascale, a member of the Kickers' roster since 2000 and the club's No. 1 goalkeeper since 2002. "Well, the time is coming, and I know it. And you know what? I feel OK about it."

He said the responsibilities of a full-time job (he is a territory manager for Shaw Sportexe, a synthetic turf manufacturer) and full-time parenthood (he is the father of 11-year-old Tabatha and 5-year-old Brayden) are making it increasingly difficult to conjure up the investment of time and energy required of a five-month USL PRO season

"I wouldn't trade my time with the Kickers for anything," said Pascale, a three-time USL goalkeeper of the year. "But there just comes a time when it's time to move on. There are so many things [he and his wife, Stacy] want to do with the kids while they're still young. We want to travel. We want to take family vacations. Once my summers are free we'll be able to do a lot of those things."

Pascale will serve in two capacities this year: as a player and as an assistant to Kickers head coach Leigh Cowlishaw. The Kickers have been searching for an assistant coach since long-time aide Jesse Myers departed in October to become the head coach of USL PRO's Rochester Rhinos franchise.

Cowlishaw called the dual role "a perfect scenario" and "a very comfortable fit." He said Pascale will function well as a coach because he "understands the expectations and culture of the club. He knows what's required to win at this level. He brings 100 percent effort, commitment and dedication every day. We want [that sort of mindset] to rub off on our young players."

(This has been a breaking news update. Read more in tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.)