HAMPTON ROADS — In December, two Lionsbridge alumni joined the professional ranks after taking very different paths with the club.
Ricky Louis joined LBFC following his freshman year at Georgia Southern and made an immediate impact during the 2025 season. Aided by a rare combination of speed and strength, Louis scored 11 goals in 17 matches and emerged as one of the most dangerous forwards in USL League Two. He returned to Georgia Southern for his sophomore season, continued his rapid rise, earned Hermann Trophy semifinalist honors, and was selected second overall by FC Dallas in the MLS Draft.
Davide Materazzi’s story unfolded over four seasons with Lionsbridge from 2022 to 2025, as he became a constant presence in the back line, appearing in 56 matches, scoring five goals, and helping the club secure three Chesapeake Division titles. Materazzi played five seasons of NCAA soccer, three at Division II Davis & Elkins and two at James Madison University, before signing his first professional contract with New York Cosmos of USL League One. In total, he appeared in 68 college matches and 56 more with Lionsbridge before seeing his pro ambitions realized. Davide also becomes a third-generation professional footballer, following his father Marco and grandfather Giuseppe.
“Everyone at Lionsbridge is incredibly proud and happy for Ricky and Davide. It’s special to see players represent our community, develop under our coaches, and then use this club as a springboard to the professional level. It’s especially cool for Ricky and Davide’s host families, the Franciscos and the Moores, who opened their homes and supported them along the way. We wish Ricky the best in MLS with FC Dallas, and Davide the best in USL League One in New Jersey,” Mike Vest, co-owner of Lionsbridge FC, said.
Louis and Materazzi become the 22nd and 23rd players in club history to move on to the professional game.