Aztex Receive Ryden on Loan from Columbus Crew SC
March 26, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (Thursday, March 26, 2015) - The Austin Aztex announced Thursday they have received defender Kalen Ryden from its MLS affiliate Columbus Crew SC on loan for the 2015 USL season.
Ryden becomes the first Black & Gold player to be loaned to Austin as part of the affiliation agreement announced between both clubs in late November, 2014. Crew SC retains the option to recall Ryden at any point while on loan.
"We are pleased to see Kalen here in Austin," Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish said. "Kalen quickly became a favorite among the fans last season for his tireless work ethic and strong defense. The affiliation with Crew SC helped provide us with a quality defender and we look forward with working with more quality players through this partnership."
The native of Broken Arrow, OK, is a familiar face for Austin, as he was added to the Aztex PDL squad for the 2014 season, cementing himself as a pillar of the defensive front. Appearing in every game of the season, his play helped the Aztex become one of the top defensive teams in the league, allowing only 11 goals. At the end of the season, he was voted Defensive Player of the Year by his Aztex teammates. Ryden also contributed on the offensive end by tallying three goals and registering one assist.
For Crew SC, Ryden appeared in five contests during the 2015 preseason, helping the club keep clean sheets against Austin (February 15), London United (February 18) and the Costa Rica Under-23s (February 21).
In college, the defender made 28 appearances (27 starts) over two seasons at Midwestern State. The Mustangs recorded a shutout in 13 of his starts. Ryden led the school to consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances, earning NSCAA All-South Central Region First Team honors in 2014.
Ryden was selected in the Fourth Round (69th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on January 20. He signed with Crew SC on March 2.
The Aztex begin the 2015 USL season this Saturday, March 28 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Aztex fans can join the Aztex Originals club with the purchase of a season ticket by April 17, 2015. The Aztex Originals club will reward Aztex fans that are with the club from the beginning of its first professional season and can be joined by simply purchasing season tickets for as little as $99 for youth, students, and military and $175 for adults. Your spot as an Aztex Original can be secured by calling 512-527-3048 or by visiting our tickets page.
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