Winthrop Alumni, Nil Vinyals (Class of '18) Signs with Spokane Velocity FC of USL League One
USLLeagueOne.com Staff
SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane Velocity FC today announced it has signed 28-year-old Spanish midfielder and two-time All-League selection Nil Vinyals ahead of its second season, pending league and federation approval.
Named to the USL League One All-League First Team in 2023 and Second Team in 2024, Vinyals is now among the top four and top six players in League One history in matches played and goal contributions, respectively. The midfielder earned his second consecutive All-League recognition following his two-goal, five-assist 2024 campaign with the Kickers, helping Richmond qualify for the postseason for the first time since winning the USL League One Players' Shield in 2022.
A native of Barcelona, Spain, Vinyals moved to the United States in 2014 to play for Union University before transferring to Winthrop University, where he helped the Eagles claim the Big South Conference crown in 2015.
After spending time with South Georgia Tormenta FC in USL League Two, Vinyals made his professional debut with the Ibises in 2019 as the club transitioned to the professional ranks of League One. He spent the 2019 and 2020 League One season in Statesboro, recording five goal contributions in 35 appearances for the club during that time.
From 2021 to 2024, Vinyals' professional career took off at City Stadium with the Richmond Kickers. Through four seasons with the historic club, Vinyals tallied 19 goals and 18 assists in 116 appearances. The midfielder helped the Roos claim the Players' Shield in 2022.
"Nil brings real quality and a killer instinct to our attack," said Velocity FC Head Coach Leigh Veidman. "His consistent production year on year, along with his winning mentality, and leadership, are going to be a huge addition to our team.
"He brings excellent experience of what it takes to be successful from his Players' Shield in 2022 to his community service work. He co-founded a nonprofit, Project Inspire, which works with athletes who have intellectual disabilities. We are gaining an amazing person who really cares about the community."
"I'm really excited to join such a professional organization that's focused on building a strong community and creating a great environment for players," Vinyals said. "Spokane has quickly set a new standard for supporting players and creating a positive culture. I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success on the field and getting to know the incredible community around the team."
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