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Kalen Ryden Signs New Multi-Year Contract with New Mexico

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 06/09/21, 11:09AM EDT

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2020 All-League selection reaches new agreement to remain at club though at least 2023


2020 USL Championship All-League selection Kalen Ryden has started every game for New Mexico United since joining the club prior to the 2020 campaign. | Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Wednesday it had signed defender Kalen Ryden to a new multi-year contract. The center back, who joined United prior to the 2020 USL Championship season, has started in every match since his arrival at the club.

Over that span, Ryden has led United in clearances (96), blocks (22), duels won (97), and aerial duels won (65). Named a vice-captain at the club to captain Josh Suggs, Ryden is now under contract through the end of the 2023 season.

“Re-signing here in New Mexico was the easiest decision of my career,” said Ryden. “I have so much respect and love for this organization and community. There is a lot happening behind the scenes that goes into an individual player's career, and this means so much to my family and the people who are with me everyday. My wife and I have felt so welcomed since we joined the club and we both are delighted to continue our journey in Albuquerque.

“I am extremely grateful to Peter, Troy, and many others for putting their belief in me and I will continue to put our club's ethos at the heart of what I do on and off the field. This entire organization and community is on an upward trajectory and I am so thankful to be a part of that growth in the coming years. And now that I've gotten a taste of our home games, I am thrilled to call the Lab my home. We truly have the best fans in this country. Let's make some memories, New Mexico. Somos Unidos.”

Ryden has made 117 regular-season appearances in the Championship for his career, which began on loan with the Austin Aztex from Columbus Crew SC in the 2015 season. He has since competed for OKC Energy FC and Real Monarchs SLC, and in 2019 won the USL Championship Final with the Monarchs.

Last season, Ryden was named to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team for the first time in his career as he helped New Mexico earn its second consecutive trip to the postseason.

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