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Jessica Campbell

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NEW MEXICO UNITED SIGNS 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER TO 2020 ROSTER

Former ‘Team Defender of the Year’, Kalen Ryden, Signs With New Mexico United

(December 19, 2019) ALBUQUERQUE, NM -The states’ soccer club announced today that defender Kalen Ryden will join New Mexico United for the 2020 season.

Ryden is NM United’s second new signing for next season, following the signing of midfielder/forward Amando Moreno earlier this month, and the announcement of 15 returning players from the team’s inaugural season.

“Kalen Ryden brings two major qualities to our club that will make an immediate impact,“ said Head Coach Troy Lesesne. “First, his mentality to compete and win is infectious. Secondly, he loves to defend and make life difficult for his opponents. We are thrilled to welcome Kalen to New Mexico United!”

Most recently, Ryden spent the 2018 and 2019 season with USL Championship side Real Monarchs SLC, where he notched 67 appearances, 9 goals, and 3 assists. Deservedly, he was named the team’s Defender of the Year for both seasons and helped the Monarchs find victory in last season’s playoffs, scoring the first goal in the Western Conference Final match against El Paso Locomotive FC and subsequently helped the Monarchs find victory in the 2019 USL Championship final match against Louisville City FC.

“New Mexico United became very well known in its inaugural season, building a very strong community and great product on the field in such a short time,” said Ryden. “I could not be happier to be joining a club culture like that. Troy [Lesesne] is a top coach and is responsible for that success. I am so excited to be joining him, his staff, the team, and the entire New Mexico United fan base.”

Hailing from Norman, Oklahoma, Ryden saw a combined 63 appearances during his college career - playing for both Oral Roberts University in Tulsa and Midwestern State University in Texas. Ryden then spent some time in USL League 2, making appearances with Des Moines Menace in 2010 and Midland/Odessa Sockers in 2013.

In 2015, Ryden was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the fourth round (69th overall) of the MLS SuperDraft (69th overall). He was then sent on loan to Austin Aztex from 2014-2015, and then later made 38 appearances, 2 goals and 1 assist over two seasons with OKC Energy before spending the 2017 season with Jacksonville Armada.

For photos and videos of Ryden, please click here.

Ryden’s media availability will begin mid-January, 2020.

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About New Mexico United

New Mexico United, the state’s first professional soccer franchise, brings the most popular sport in the world home to the Land of Enchantment. Fueled by a passion for community, New Mexico United’s promise is to provide a platform that brings New Mexicans together for a unique sporting experience, celebrating the unity and excitement inherent in world-class soccer. www.newmexicoutd.com

About USL

The United Soccer League (USL) is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications, and sponsorship.

www.uslchampionship.com