April 20, 2012
Albuquerque, N.M. — Michael Reed and Michael Green both had standout Lobo careers on the pitch, and now their new employers hope the great play continues. Reed and Green have both signed professional contracts, continuing their careers in the United States. Reed has signed with Minnesota Stars FC of the NASL, and Green with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Division I.
Reed is joining not just the NASL defending champions, but a pair of Albuquerque natives on the Stars FC roster. Team Captain Kyle Altman hails from the city, and second-year left back Justin Davis played collegiate soccer for the University of New Mexico.
Reed was a standout as a four-year letterman at Albuquerque’s Sandia High School before playing collegiately at the University of New Mexico. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2006, Reed went on to start 60 of his 76 appearances with the Lobos, scoring three goals and recording 11 assists. His senior season in 2011 was his most productive, as he started all 20 games, recording two goals and six assists.Reed is the third player with Albuquerque roots on the Stars’ roster.
“I am grateful and excited to get my professional career underway,” said Reed.
“Michael Reed has worked as hard anyone in the country to become a professional player. Reed was always the first to practice and the last to leave,” said UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “He has incredible attitude and desire. I am very proud of Michael and can’t say enough about him and his value to our program. Mike will make any team he plays for better. It is rare to find an individual who makes everyone around him better. I’m really excited for him and know that great things lie ahead!”
The Stars have begun the 2012 NASL season. After two games, the team has posted a record of 0-2-0 with two scoreless ties to show for its efforts so far. The team is in the midst of a three-game road trip and plays FC Edmonton in Edmonton on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Mountain Time.
For Green, he joins a veteran team in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL. Green started all 22 games last year for the undefeated Lobos, scoring two goals with four assists for eight points. He was named to the MPSF All-Tournament Team, third-team All-Far West Region, and second-team All-MPSF. He was also invited to the 2012 MLS Superdraft, getting drafted fourth in the first supplemental round of the SuperDraft by Toronto.
“It’s great to finally be signed. Playing professional soccer has been my dream all my life so for it to finally come true is just amazing for me. I just have to remember to not get complacent and keeping working hard, always getting better each and every day,” said Green.
Pittsburgh won its first match of the season with a 1-0 decision over Antigua in its season opener, but dropped a rematch two days later 3-1 to the same Antigua Barracudas. Pittsburgh hosts Dayton on Saturday, April 21 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
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Fishbein feels Green is a steal for Pittsburgh. “Michael Green is one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached. I feel that Toronto FC really made a mistake in releasing Green at the end of preseason. Their current record speaks volumes about their poor decision making. Mike is an MLS player and will work his way back to the highest levels of professional soccer. I’m excited that he gets this opportunity to showcase his ability.”
The pair of signings continues the string of Lobos who have gone on to play professionally after their careers in Albuquerque have concluded.
“I am extremely happy for Michael Reed and Michael Green. Both are getting to live and experience their childhood dream of playing professional soccer,” said Fishbein. “Hard work, passion and dedication to becoming their best have paved their way.”
New Mexico’s men’s soccer team takes on Air Force in Taos as part of the second annual Taos Eco Park College and Club Soccer Showcase at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.