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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers add defensive strength

March 30, 2006 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, March 30, 2006) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of three defenders, Virginia natives Kelvin Jones of Wake Forest University and Trevor McEachron out of Old Dominion University and Ed Hayden of Monmouth University. Specific terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Jones unites with Richmond after a two-year stint with the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division. Appearing in 11 games for 687 minutes in his rookie season with the Battery (2004), injury forced Jones to the sideline in 2005, allowing just one start during last year's campaign. The Fredericksburg, Virginia native is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he made 61 appearances and registered four goals and five assists for 13 points over four seasons. A proven offensive threat in the penalty area, the athletic defender tallied two goals and an assist during his senior season. Named the 2000 Virginia High School Player of the Year, Jones was a member of the Region I ODP and adidas ESP Teams with his international experience extending to the U-20 and U-17 National Team Pools. Jones participated in the Kickers February 2006 combine and is the recipient of the dedicated signing bonus.

A native of Woodbridge, Virginia, McEachron joins the Kickers out of Old Dominion University where he made 73 appearances with the Monarchs, recording five goals and one assist for 11 points. McEachron did not see action due to injury in 2004 but returned to the field in his senior season for 20 games, earning 2005 All-CAA First Team honors. The 2003 CAA Defender of the year was an integral component of the Monarchs defense that did not allow a goal for the first nine games in 2003, and garnered NSCAA All-American First Team, All-CAA First Team, VaSID All-State First Team and College Soccer News All-American First Team honors. The 6'2" defender was selected to the All-Region, All-State and All-CAA teams his sophomore year and played with the U-23 Jamaica National Team the summer after he was named to the All-CAA Second Team his freshman year.

Originally from Olney, Maryland, Hayden begins his professional career with the Kickers out of Monmouth University in New Jersey. A consistent performer, he started 19 of 20 games played his senior year and registered four goals and one assist for nine points, garnering All-NEC First Team honors. As a junior, Hayden earned All-NEC Second Team honors after starting 17 of 17 games played. In addition, he was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Philadelphia University/Adam's Mark Hotel Soccer Classic as the Hawks went undefeated. Prior to Monmouth, Hayden played two years at St. Francis University where he made 32 starts in 33 appearances, tallying nine points over two seasons behind four goals and three assists. While at Magruder High School, Hayden led the team to the Division Championships in 1997, 1999 and 2000 and the Regional Finals in 1999 and 2000. Earning All-Met First Team, All-County and All-State First Team honors his senior year, he tallied 25 career goals and 28 career assists.

"We are pleased to sign these three defensive players to shore up our back line for the 2006 season," comments Richmond Kickers Vice President & General Manager Paul Sterbenz. "Each individual brings his own unique attributes to our club, however all three have a proven history, a strong and athletic presence, and a desire and work ethic to win a championship."

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