REAL MONARCHS SLC SIGN DEFENDER KALEN RYDEN
2015 MLS SuperDraft Pick Comes to Monarchs with Experience in MLS, USL and NASL; Adds Depth to Already Staunch Defensive Line
HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday March 16, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC welcome defender Kalen Ryden ahead of the 2018 season announced Real Monarchs Assistant General Manager Dan Egner today. Ryden’s signing is pending league and federation approval.
“Kalen is a guy we were familiar with earlier in the offseason from his time with the Jacksonville Armada last year,” Egner said. “We think he’s one of the best left backs from that league and has experience in the NASL and the USL. He’ll bring a high level of professionalism to our team immediately.”
Ryden, 26, began his professional career in January 2015 when he was selected in the fourth round (69th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew SC. Signing his first professional deal with Crew SC in March 2015, he spent most of the year on loan with the Austin Aztex in the United Soccer League. After his time with the Crew, Ryden signed for Oklahoma City Energy FC in August of 2015 where he amassed 1,893 minutes, making 26 appearances, scoring one goal in his two seasons with the Energy. Most recently, Ryden spent the 2017 season in the North American Soccer League with the Jacksonville Armada where he started and featured in 31 matches, playing 2774 minutes, scoring one goal and adding four assists.
The Norman, Oklahoma native spent his college career between two schools, Oral Roberts University (2009-2010) and Midwestern State University (2012-2014). During his time with Oral Roberts, he was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer team in 2009. He went on to tally one goal and two assists in 28 appearances with Midwestern State and earned NSCAA All-South Central Region First Team honors.
“I’m over the moon to be here in Salt Lake,” Ryden said. “This is such a great organization from top to bottom. Right away I’m looking to come in and contribute. Right now it’s about building relationships with the players and staff so we can be as successful as possible.”
Player Information
Name: Kalen Ryden
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 lbs
Born: 4/12/1991 (26 yo)
Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma
Last Club: Jacksonville Armada (NASL)
The Monarchs will open its 2018 USL Regular-Season on March 24 at 6:00 p.m. MT when it visits Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The club will open the home portion of its schedule on March 31 against Portland Timbers 2 at 1:00 p.m. MT from Rio Tinto Stadium. Christening its new 5,000-seat Zions Bank Stadium on Monday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. MT against Las Vegas Lights FC, the Monarchs will host the inaugural “Saints-and-Sinners / I-15 Rivalry” match between the two sides. Ticket information for the match against Lights FC will be announced at a later date.
Today in Herriman, the Real Monarchs will host an open scrimmage against Utah Valley University at 4:00 p.m. MT, as part of the club’s “Select-A-Seat” event at Zions Bank Stadium. From 3-7p MT, fans can hand-select their 2018 USL season ticket locations, and watch reigning USL Coach of the Year Mark Briggs prepare his side just a week out from the season opener at Tulsa.
