Steven Kinney

Steven Kinney (born October 28, 1987, in Norcross, Georgia) is an American soccer player who plays as a defender. He is currently without a club.

Career

Youth and college Kinney helped his club team, '88 Concorde Fire Elite, to three Region III Premier League titles, a 2005 Disney Showcase title, and a USYSA Regional finals appearance in 2006.

As a two-time captain for his Norcross (GA) High School varsity squad, Kinney led the team to a 7AAAAA region title. He was named all-county, as both a player and scholar-athlete in 2005 and 2006, and he was selected as his team's offensive player of the year in 2005.

After a notable prep career, Kinney now looked to take his game to the next level. He committed to play for coach Darren Powell at Elon University. Kinney made an impact right away as a defender for the Elon Phoenix, starting in all 20 matches of his freshman campaign. He scored the first goal of his career in the season-opener against Stetson, and also notched the game-winning goal against Charlotte. He was honored as the team's top newcomer for 2006.

Kinney co-captained the 2009 squad to a 10-8-2 record, and he helped lead the Phoenix to its first appearance in the SoCon Tournament championship game. He scored three goals, but more importantly (as a defender) anchored a defense that posted a school record 10 shutouts in 20 matches. After starting each of the first 19 matches for the Phoenix, Kinney severely sprained his ankle in the SoCon Tournament semifinal against College of Charleston. For the first time in his Elon soccer career, Kinney was forced to watch from the bench as his teammates fought hard but ultimately fell 2–1 in the championship match. The loss meant the end of the season for the Phoenix, and the end of a brilliant college career for Steven Kinney. For the third consecutive season, he was named first-team All-SoCon, NSCAA All-South Region second-team, and NCCSIA All-State. He also won his second team MVP and Robert C. Browne Sportsmanship Awards.

Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th overall pick of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He then headed to Fire training camp with a strong chance of making the final squad.

He locked up a contract offer by impressing the organization in the preseason. "Kinney turned heads in February after being inserted into the starting lineup in the club’s friendly with the Arizona Sahauros. Playing with what most would consider a projected starting 11, Kinney partnered in central defense with veteran defender Wilman Conde, helping the team earn a shutout in the 1-0 victory."

Kinney signed with the Fire in March, and he became the first player from Elon to sign an MLS contract.

Post soccer career Kinney now works in wealth management at Northwestern Mutual in Peachtree Corners, GA