NM United: Ryden aims to leave United on a high note

Consider it an extended adios.

That’s what the final three weeks of the USL Championship season (and potentially multiple playoff games) will amount to for Kalen Ryden. New Mexico United’s co-captain and veteran center back announced this week that he’ll hang up his soccer cleats at season’s end.

The 34-year-old has been with United since 2020 and has become one of the faces of the franchise, anchoring the back line for 147 total games and playing for all four of NMU’s head coaches. Ryden talked about his decision to step down Thursday and said it was made before the 2025 season began.

“My family and I made the decision back in December or January,” he said. “My wife and daughter are my biggest priorities and my wife, Jade, is on a career path. She’s sacrificed so much for me, it’s time to return the favor.”

Asked why he chose to announce his retirement now, with the regular season winding down and United having clinched a playoff spot, Ryden took a moment to respond.

“I wanted to let the fans know before the season ends,” he said. “We have three home games left and I’ve built so many relationships with people here in New Mexico. I guess I just wanted to be able to say goodbye.”

It’s been a roller-coaster final season for Ryden, who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. He missed roughly two months after suffering a broken clavicle June 14 at Lexington and more recently has missed time with a hamstring injury.

But Ryden, who won a USLC championship with Real Monarchs in 2019 and has appeared in 247 regular and postseason league matches, says he’s now 100% healthy and excited to make a final run. Ryden already ranks as NMU’s career leader in clearances (489) and blocks (94).

United coach Dennis Sanchez has made no secret of his appreciation for Ryden’s leadership during the season, listing him on the club’s active roster for several road matches while Ryden was still recovering from injury and unable to play.

“I’ve worked around a lot of great leaders in my career,” Sanchez said. “Kalen would be my captain over all the teams I’ve been with because of his leadership and the way he represents himself. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Ryden said some of his fondest memories with United have come from interacting with fans and youth soccer players, but he also values serving as a team leader and following in the footsteps of other club veterans like Josh Suggs, Devon Sandoval, Alex Tambakis and Daniel Bruce.

“My first game wearing the (captain’s) armband for this club was one of the proudest moments of my career,” Ryden said.

Ryden admitted that his final match at Isotopes Park will be emotional, but he’s looking to keep those feelings in check for now. United hosts Orange County SC on Saturday and is looking to secure a top-four playoff seed in the USLC Western Conference and the right to host at least one postseason match.

“It would be great to lift a trophy at the end of the season and ride off into the sunset,” said Ryden, who plans to go into photography when his soccer retirement becomes official. “The more games we can play at home in November, the better. I want to enjoy every one and hopefully go out on a high note.”

BRUCE UPDATE: Bruce, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during training earlier this season, underwent successful ACL reconstruction surgery on Wednesday, the club announced. The 29-year-old midfielder/forward will begin rehab as soon as possible. His plans for next season have not been announced.