Steven Kinney
Encyclopedia
Steven Kinney is an American
soccer player who currently plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer
.
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.
As a sophomore tri-captain for the Phoenix, Kinney again started every match. He scored just once, but it was the game-winner against High Point. He was named first-team All-Southern Conference
, as well as second-team NSCAA All-South and NCCSIA All-State honors. Kinney also earned team MVP for his efforts on the backline.
In 2008, as a junior, Kinney tri-captained the Phoenix
to a 7-0-0 record in conference play, and its first SoCon
regular season title. Starting every match, once again, his lone goal came in a losing effort against William & Mary. Kinney's stellar defensive play earned him first-team All-SoCon honors, once again. He was also named to the NCCSIA All-State team, as well as the NSCAA All-South Region second-team. Kinney was also a recipient of Elon's Robert C. Browne Sportsmanship Award.
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 not only excelled on the field during his Elon career, recording eight goals and six assists in 78 career matches for the Elon soccer team, but in the classroom as well. He graduated from Elon University
in December 2009 with a degree in accounting. He was recognized as first-team Scholar All-South Region honoree, named second-team University Division NSCAA/Adidas Men's College Scholar All-American, and selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III first-team during his time at Elon. Though Kinney was an outstanding student, he hoped to pursue a professional soccer career upon receiving his diploma, and Major League Soccer
would give him that opportunity.
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 signed with the Fire in March, and he became the first player from Elon
to sign an MLS
contract.
The Fire were not in dire need of replacing their veteran central defenders this season, and that has contributed to Kinney's very limited minutes in his rookie year. Still, as Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas
explains:
Kinney earned his first Major League Soccer
start against Real Salt Lake
on July 8, 2010. A rash of injuries in the Fire lineup gave him his shot at rightback. The Fire fell behind 1-0 after a Robbie Findley
penalty, but Kinney nearly found the equalizer for the Fire shortly after halftime. He sent a header from a corner-kick off the right post in the 48th minute, and then was denied by the left post on a similar play eight minutes later.
Though the Fire were defeated, Kinney's performance stood out as a bright spot for Chicago in the eyes of the media.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player who currently plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
.
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 USYSAUnited States Youth Soccer Association
The United States Youth Soccer Association is the youth affiliate and largest member of U.S. Soccer, the governing body for soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer includes 55 state youth soccer associations, one per state except for California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, which...
Regional finals appearance in 2006.
As a two-time captain for his Norcross (GA) High School
Norcross High School
Norcross High School is located in Norcross, Georgia. It is part of the Gwinnett County Public Schools. It serves the cities of Norcross and Peachtree Corners....
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
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes...
. Kinney made an impact right away as a defender for the Elon Phoenix
Elon Phoenix men's soccer
The Elon University Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA,the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has...
, 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.
As a sophomore tri-captain for the Phoenix, Kinney again started every match. He scored just once, but it was the game-winner against High Point. He was named first-team All-Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
, as well as second-team NSCAA All-South and NCCSIA All-State honors. Kinney also earned team MVP for his efforts on the backline.
In 2008, as a junior, Kinney tri-captained the Phoenix
Elon Phoenix men's soccer
The Elon University Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA,the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has...
to a 7-0-0 record in conference play, and its first SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
regular season title. Starting every match, once again, his lone goal came in a losing effort against William & Mary. Kinney's stellar defensive play earned him first-team All-SoCon honors, once again. He was also named to the NCCSIA All-State team, as well as the NSCAA All-South Region second-team. Kinney was also a recipient of Elon's Robert C. Browne Sportsmanship Award.
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
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public, sea-grant and space-grant university located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, United States...
. 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 not only excelled on the field during his Elon career, recording eight goals and six assists in 78 career matches for the Elon soccer team, but in the classroom as well. He graduated from Elon University
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes...
in December 2009 with a degree in accounting. He was recognized as first-team Scholar All-South Region honoree, named second-team University Division NSCAA/Adidas Men's College Scholar All-American, and selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III first-team during his time at Elon. Though Kinney was an outstanding student, he hoped to pursue a professional soccer career upon receiving his diploma, and Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
would give him that opportunity.
Professional
Kinney's accomplishments on the field at Elon earned him an invitation to the 2010 MLS Player Combine. He was one of only 62 Division I seniors to be invited, and he became the first Elon player ever to be asked to the combine. His performance at the combine put him in a strong position to be drafted.Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th overall pick of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft
2010 MLS SuperDraft
The 2010 MLS SuperDraft was the eleventh annual SuperDraft presented by Major League Soccer. It was held on January 14, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the 2010 NSCAA Convention. The 2010 SuperDraft consisted of four rounds with sixteen selections each, for a total of 64 players...
. 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
Elon Phoenix men's soccer
The Elon University Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA,the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has...
to sign an MLS
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
contract.
The Fire were not in dire need of replacing their veteran central defenders this season, and that has contributed to Kinney's very limited minutes in his rookie year. Still, as Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas
Frank Klopas
Fotios "Frank" Klopas is a retired Greek-American soccer forward and midfielder. Klopas is currently the Head Coach for the Chicago Fire...
explains:
“We believe Steven has a very bright future ahead of him,” said Klopas. “He has a lot of strength and athleticism and he came into camp with a lot of confidence for a rookie. Now he has the opportunity to develop into a great center back in this league – it’s just the beginning for him.”
Kinney earned his first Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
start against Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
on July 8, 2010. A rash of injuries in the Fire lineup gave him his shot at rightback. The Fire fell behind 1-0 after a Robbie Findley
Robbie Findley
Robert "Robbie" Findley is an American international soccer player who plays professionally for English club Nottingham Forest...
penalty, but Kinney nearly found the equalizer for the Fire shortly after halftime. He sent a header from a corner-kick off the right post in the 48th minute, and then was denied by the left post on a similar play eight minutes later.
Though the Fire were defeated, Kinney's performance stood out as a bright spot for Chicago in the eyes of the media.
"If Thursday’s form was indicative of Kinney’s fit level in the long run, the young man will make noise at the professional level...The stellar play, though unlucky play of Steven Kinney is a positive to take away from a game where the Fire outclassed Real Salt Lake for all but ten minutes, and yet lost."