Meet Richardo Israel, also known as “Chardo” on the field. Coming from Jamaica via Ohio, this left back brings his skills and experience to Stumptown Athletic. From playing back home and in the U.S. to being awarded preseason All-American status for four years to Rookie of the Year at the University of Cincinnati, his talent speaks for itself.

When did you start playing soccer? 

I started when I was around four years old, kicking the ball around with my brother, Gary. I started playing on a team in basic school, which we call kindergarten in America, and that led me to play on the primary team at six years old. I got really good playing with all the other kids there including my current teammate, Sergio Campbell. 

When did your soccer career take off? 

I started playing in Jamaica with the Sporting Center Academy and went on to play for the U20 national team there as well. Then I began getting offers to play in the U.S. and went to play for the University of Cincinnati, where I earned All-Rookie Team honors. After graduating, I played with the MASL2 Cincinnati Swerve for three years. I loved the experiences these teams gave me and really think they helped me progress as a player. 

Who do you admire?

My brother, Gary; we grew up together and played the same position, where we complimented each other on the field. In my opinion, he was the best in the country, but he always told me I was better than him and encouraged me. When I got my first offer I called Gary to tell him, but I wasn’t going to take it because I had nothing to come over here with. He came over immediately and gave me his nicest pants and shirt and told me I had to go. I knew I couldn’t let him down. The love and support he has for me is why I continue and I would not be here without him. I still think he’s a better player than me.

As I watched soccer growing up, I became a fan of Van Dijk from Liverpool’s team. I think he is the best center back in the world - hands down. Another one is Sergio Ramos on the Real Madrid team. His passion is incredible, but I also think we have the same personality as a player. 

What do you want people to know about you?

I want people to know me as a player that is going to give 100 percent, who is disciplined, and a leader. On the field I am a rough player, but off the field I’m one of the nicest people. I’m a player who believes in God and doing good, who looks out for my teammates as well as everyone around me. I want the people with me to be happy around me, have a good time, and I hope people want Chardo on their team.

What do you do off the soccer field?

I like reading, trying new foods, hanging out with friends, checking in on my family, and playing soccer with different people. I like to watch what they do, see their style, and emulate their principles, whether it be amateur or pro, just to learn from them. Oh, and I also like to swim.

If you didn’t play soccer, what would you be doing careerwise?

If I didn’t play soccer, I would like to do athletic advising. At Cincinnati, my advisor Lory Rice got me acquainted with school. Coming here, I didn’t know what to do and didn’t have a lot of guidance. I want to be able to give advice to people like me who came here to play sports, as well as give back what’s been given to me.

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