Kalen Ryden

Kalen Ryden (born April 12, 1991) is a former professional soccer player who spent much of his professional career with New Mexico United in the USL Championship.

Career

College and amateur Ryden began his college career at Oral Roberts University where he played from 2009 to 2010. In his two seasons with the Golden Eagles, he made 35 appearances and tallied three goals and two assists. After the 2010 season, he left the Golden Eagles soccer program due to injury. However, he remained a student at Oral Roberts during the school year.

In 2012, Ryden transferred to Midwestern State University and redshirted his first season there due to transfer rules. During his time with the Mustangs, he made 28 appearances and tallied one goal and two assists.

Ryden also played in the Premier Development League for Des Moines Menace, Midland-Odessa Sockers and Austin Aztex.

Club career On January 20, 2015, Ryden was selected in the fourth round (69th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew SC. He signed a professional contract with the club on March 2.

On March 26, Ryden re-joined the Aztex, who moved up to the USL. Columbus sent him on loan to the club as part of the affiliation agreement. He made his professional debut three days later in a 2–0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

On August 6, Ryden was waived by Crew SC.

Ryden signed with USL side Oklahoma City Energy on August 27, 2015.

On January 20, 2017, Ryden signed with NASL side Jacksonville Armada.

New Mexico United

After two seasons in the USL Championship with Real Monarchs, Ryden moved to USL side New Mexico United ahead of their 2020 season.

Ryden was named New Mexico United's Defensive Player of the Year following the 2020 season.

In October of 2025, Ryden announced he would retire at the end of the 2025 USL Championship season. A mainstay in New Mexico back-line since his arrival in 2020, Ryden appeared in 153 matches for the club across all competitions.

Career statistics

Honors Real Monarchs USL Championship Champions: 2019