In only his second year with the Philadelphia Union, Richie Marquez has flawlessly developed from a promising USL leader to a proven MLS starter.
After leading former Union affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders to the league championship in his 2014 rookie season, Marquez was immediately called to Philadelphia. Since making his start for the Union in 2015, he hasn’t looked back.
Marquez has been the whole package for the Union in 2016. Missing the first game of the season due to a hamstring injury, he rallied to earn his starting position in just the following week. The center back has not only started all 13 consecutive matches since, but has also played the full 90 minutes in each of those starts. Despite being the farthest defender from the opponent’s goal, Marquez has still managed to pose an offensive threat with one goal on the year.
At only 24 years old, Marquez has already established himself as an integral part of one of the best defenses in the league. His relentless style of play personifies the team’s defensively focused identity, an imperative aspect of Union head coach Jim Curtin’s approach in 2016. Only four teams in the MLS have allowed fewer goals than Philadelphia this season, and Marquez is an irrefutable reason why.
Most Notable Season Performance:
May 20, 2016 – DC @ PHI
Marquez’s defensive effort has been noteworthy in every match this season, but his lone score against D.C. United on May 20 is undeniably his most electrifying performance of 2016. With the match tied 0-0, it appeared as though the United were going to escape Philadelphia with a draw on the road. Then in the 91st minute, Union forward Sebastien Le Toux fired an arcing assist across the field to Marquez. As the ball plummeted back to the ground, it was perfectly intercepted by Marquez’s foot in the midst of a full-speed slide towards the goal. Simply outmaneuvered by the speed and accuracy of Marquez’s remarkable shot, D.C. United goalkeeper Travis Worra’s blocking attempt was a step too late as the ball bounced past his hands. This go-ahead score would give the Union a final 1-0 edge over D.C. United.
What they’re saying about Richie Marquez…
“Richie was committed to get in the box; actually scores a pretty difficult goal, it got on him fast, a great ball from Seba (Sebastien Le Toux). Happy for him to get his first goal; most happy with the zero at home. That’s where it starts.” – Union head coach Jim Curtin.
“Richie’s a guy that I believe in… and Richie’s a guy who gives you everything.” – Union head coach Jim Curtin.
“… their names don’t show up a lot on the stat sheet, but Richie is a great player, a young center back that’s growing in confidence with the ball. Really is improved, it is nice to get a goal, but I still like when it’s quiet and you’re not talking about the center backs too much, that usually means we’re having success defensively.” – Union head coach Jim Curtin.
