April 14, 2008

CARSON, Calif. - Former UC Santa Barbara All-American Dan Kennedy has signed a contract with Major League Soccer's Chivas USA, joining the club that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft.

UCSB's career leader in goalkeeper wins with 63, Kennedy returns to the U.S. after spending two seasons with the United Soccer League's Puerto Rico Islanders and one year with Club Deportivo Municipal Iquique of the Chilean B League in 2007. The Yorba Linda, Calif. native was named the USL First Division Rookie of the Year in 2005 and led the division in goals against average while with Municipal last season.

"We are happy to acquire a goalkeeper of Dan Kennedy's quality and international experience, as we continued to deepen our squad ahead of a busy summer," Chivas USA head coach Preki said in a statement.

Kennedy is listed as the third keeper on Chivas USA's depth chart behind Brad Guzan and Lance Parker.

The Gauchos' all-time winningest keeper, Kennedy had a tremendous career in the blue and gold and was instrumental in leading Santa Barbara to the program's first College Cup appearance in 2004. Kennedy set a new school record with a 0.547 GAA that season and went on to earn All-America honors from College Soccer News. A four-year starter at UCSB, Kennedy holds school records in seven categories, including most matches played (84), minutes played (7,653), and most complete game shutouts (34). He posted a career record of 62-14-6, with 285 saves during his four seasons as a Gaucho.

Kennedy became the sixth UCSB player ever drafted by a MLS side when he was selected with the 38th overall pick in the 2005 Supplemental Draft.

Kennedy is one of 10 former Gauchos to make a MLS roster this season. He joins Andy Iro (Columbus), Eric Avila (FC Dallas), Ciaran O'Brien (Colorado), Kyle Reynish (Real Salt Lake), Tino Nuñez (Real Salt Lake), Brennan Tennelle (Real Salt Lake), Greg Curry (San Jose), Tyler Rosenlund (Toronto FC), and Johnny Alcaraz (Houston).