Luke Vercollone was more than a little concerned about his future in soccer.

The 26-year-old midfielder had been told that his contract with the Charleston Battery (United Soccer Leagues First Division) would not be renewed. After four years in the professional game, was it time to look for a job in the real world?

"I just had to basically decide if I wanted to continue playing or not," said Vercollone, who signed with the Richmond Kickers in the offseason. "But the more time I took off, the more I needed to play. I love it, and I missed it too much. I was looking for a team where I could play and coach, so this is definitely a good fit."

Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw feels the same way about Vercollone, who will make his ninth start when the Kickers (4-4-0) entertain the Bermuda Hogges (2-4-0) today at 7 p.m. in a USL2 match at University of Richmond Stadium.

"When we heard he was available, we certainly recruited very hard to get him," Cowlishaw said. "He's the consummate professional. All heart. He'll run all day. He'll do the extra work for everybody. He's always positive. These are the type of players you want on the team if you're going to be a successful, championship team. These type of players make a difference."

When he was drafted in the fifth round (2004) out of Seton Hall by the Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer), Vercollone thought he would be making a difference at the highest level of U.S. pro soccer.

But he quickly was traded to the New England Revolution, where he was used mostly on the developmental (reserve) squad for two years.

"That was good because that's where I'm from," said the native of Pembroke, Mass. "I played a few games with the first team and captained the developmental team."

After being released by New England, he signed with Charleston, where he played in every game for two years, producing three goals and six assists for the Battery.

"Being at the higher level is nice, but it was tough sitting on the bench," the 5-10 160-pounder said. "I've been much happier now. I really enjoyed playing with Charleston and now with Richmond. It's a good level, good competition."

Vercollone started this season as more of a defensive midfielder but has since moved into more of an attacking position in the central midfield.

"He has such versatility," Cowlishaw said. "Right now, he's in the center, where he can do a lot of the dirty work, clean up all the defensive plays -- pick up all the trash -- and start an attack for us. He's very mobile and can join the attack. He gets himself in fantastic positions out wide. I think he's just got to clean up the quality of the final finish, and he could score a lot of goals."

With a degree in sports management, Vercollone would like to get into coaching and/or campus ministry one day. He's coaching one of the Kickers' youth teams this season.

Vercollone got married a couple of months ago and bought a house in Midlothian, so this could be a place for him to settle down.

"I still love playing and I enjoy helping young kids get better, too," he said. "After last season in Charleston, I knew I was getting married and I wanted a little bit of security. Wanted to be able to plan our future, and in soccer, that's always tough to find. I guess I'm getting old."
Contact John Packett at (804) 649-6313 or jpackett@timesdispatch.com.