Ryan Richter Named Philadelphia Union II Head Coach
Former Bethlehem Steel Captain and Union Assistant Coach Takes Charge of Union II for 2025.
Chester, Pa. — Philadelphia Union announced yesterday, January 15, that Ryan Richter has been named the next head coach of Philadelphia Union II. Richter becomes the fourth head coach in team history, succeeding Marlon LeBlanc, who led the team since August 2020.
Richter’s appointment marks another step in his rapid ascent within the Union organization. A former assistant coach on the first team under Jim Curtin for the last three seasons, Richter was promoted to that role in January 2022.
Since joining the Union in 2018, Richter has held multiple positions, including Director of the Philadelphia Union Junior Academy, U12 and U17 coach, and head coach of the U15s. As U15 head coach, he led the team to the MLS NEXT Cup final in 2021, where they fell 2-0 to RSL.
“We are incredibly excited to name Ryan Richter as the next head coach of Union II. Ryan’s experience across our entire pathway has given him a deep understanding of our club’s values, both on and off the pitch,” said Jon Scheer, Philadelphia Union’s Director of Academy and Professional Development. “I am confident Ryan will build upon the unprecedented success Union II achieved last year, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to our core mission of developing players who can ultimately contribute to the sustainable success of our First Team in MLS.”
“Ryan’s new role as head coach of Union II is a great testament to our commitment to developing talent not only in our players but also in our coaches and staff,” added Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “His dedication and alignment with our club’s philosophy make him a great leader and mentor for players coming through the Union pipeline. We’re excited to see him continue to grow and contribute to the overall success of the organization.”
Before his coaching career, Richter enjoyed a standout playing career, beginning at La Salle University (2007–2010), where he scored 28 goals and recorded 13 assists. A two-time regional All-American and two-time Philadelphia Player of the Year, Richter was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia Union in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft.
Richter’s professional playing career spanned six years, including stints with Charleston Battery, Toronto FC, and Ottawa Fury. He made his MLS debut with Toronto FC on April 13, 2013, in a 1-1 draw against the Union. His return to the Philadelphia area came in 2016 when he joined Bethlehem Steel (Union II) as the club’s first captain during their inaugural season. That year, he started all 29 games, scoring five goals and assisting once.
After briefly joining the New York Cosmos in 2016 and 2017, Richter retired from professional soccer, finishing with 157 career appearances, nine goals, and 20 assists.
As he takes on the Union II head coaching role, Richter brings a wealth of experience as both a player and coach, along with a deep connection to the Union organization.