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Harada Invited to Train with Crystal Palace FC

August 25, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore's Shintaro Harada has been called up to train with sister club Crystal Palace FC in London. The Japanese player's considerable talent has been noticed not only by the UK club but also by the United Soccer Leagues which, for the second year in a row, has named him to their USL2 All-League First Team.

Harada, who is equally adept as a center back or in a central midfield role, arrived in England on Sunday and has started training with the first team today. Palace UK manager Neil Warnock and his staff had the opportunity to see the former J-League player when the British and American sides faced off in a friendly as part of the Londoners' pre- season USA tour this summer.

"When Neil was over, he thought Shin was one of our top players," remarked Crystal Palace Baltimore President Pete Medd. "He's probably been our most consistent performer since our inception three years ago, and we absolutely consider him the top defender in the league. The partnership he's formed with Andrew Marshall was at the core of our defensive record this season - what they accomplished is all the more impressive when you're not scoring goals at the other end."

"Shintaro is a consummate professional, always focussed on preparing himself for the next training session or the next match, which makes him a very consistent player," stated Palace Baltimore's Sporting Director, Jim Cherneski, who has just returned from a week-long visit to the UK club. "He'll be in training for a full week with a top- level team over there - in the three years I've been involved with the club, I think this is the best group of players they've had. I've no doubt Shin will benefit tremendously from being involved with their training, and his quality will shine through while he's there."

Meanwhile, Harada has been recognized domestically for his accomplishments this season in the heart of the Palace back line. The United Soccer Leagues announced yesterday that Harada has been named to the USL2 All-League First Team, the second year in a row he has received such an honor. The team conceded the second fewest goals - 20 in 20 league games - during the 2009 campaign and Harada played in every one. Harada has also been named as one of four finalists for the "Defender of the Year" award which will be announced on Friday. Andrew Marshall and Val Teixeira, Palace's top goal-scorer this year, were also recognized in this years League honors - both were named to the USL2 All-League Second Team. The full press release can be found on the USL website: http://usl2.uslsoccer.com/home/358682.html

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