Carey Talley

Overview

Carey Talley, an 11-year veteran of Major League Soccer and 1999 MLS Cup champion, was acquired by Chivas USA from Real Salt Lake on May 8, 2008. Drafted by D.C. United out of the University of North Carolina in 1998, the native of Memphis, Tenn., played four seasons for D.C., winning an MLS Cup in 1999. A versatile defender who can also play in the midfield, Talley played for Kansas City (2002-03), Dallas (2004-2005), and Real Salt Lake (2006-2008) before joining Chivas USA.

MLS Experience

2008: Joined Chivas USA on May 9, and assisted on Jorge Flores' game-winner in his first match with the team, on May 24 in Colorado. Quickly earned the right back spot, and played 16 matches (15 starts) for the team.

2007: Finished third on Real Salt Lake in games (26), starts (25), and goals (tied with 3), and made his 250th appearance in MLS regular season play on 10/06 against Chivas USA

2006: Posted career-highs after starting in all 30 appearances and logging 2,618 minute played in his first season with RSL, and tied for second on squad and doubled previous career-best with eight assists. Notched his first- ever two-assist game on May 13 at the Galaxy, helping RSL to a 3-0 win and its first-ever road victory.

2005: Recorded three assists in 20 games (14 starts), and started FCD's first eight games before suffering fractured left ribs on May 18 against Colorado.

2004: Started 19 of 23 matches in his first season with Dallas, and registered his only point of season with a game-winning assist on July 24 against D.C. United.

2003: Started the season as a defensive midfielder before moving to Kansas City's backline, making a total of 20 appearances (13 starts). Missed just four games in June and July after suffering a fractured left orbital bone after receiving an elbow from Carlos Ruiz.

2002: Appeared in 24 matches (19 starts) in his first season in KC, starting the season as a substitute and finishing as a mainstay on the Wizards back line.

2001: Started 20 of 22 matches in his final season with DC, notching two goals and three assists while finishing second on the team in minutes played (1,890). Scored on a penalty kick in a friendly on May 23 vs. Bayer Leverkusen.

2000: Appeared in 29 matches, tying him for DC's team-lead, while his 28 starts led the squad, scoring three goals and adding an assist.

1999: Was a main contributor for DC en route to its third MLS Cup title in the League's first four seasons, his four goals on the campaign remain a career-high in the category. Scored his first MLS goal on May 15 at Kansas City, and started all six playoff matches for DC, including MLS Cup '99, which United won 2-0 over the Galaxy.

1998: Was United's only selection out of the 1998 College Draft, and made his MLS debut in the season opener on March 15 at Miami. Started 16 of United's final 18 matches across all competitions, and played in five of DC's six MLS Cup Playoff appearances, but not the 2-0 MLS Cup '98 loss to Chicago.

International

A regular in the U.S. Youth National Team system, Talley made appearances at the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels, and was called into the USA's senior team camp for a series of friendlies in early 2000. Was seconds away from his first full cap, waiting to come as a substitute against Chile, when the match ended.

College

In four years at the University of North Carolina (1994-1997), Talley played in all but one match , missing that game due to suspension. In 75 games, he scored 26 goals and added 22 assists for the Tar Heels, and earned third team All-American honors following his sophomore and senior seasons.

Youth Teams

Played high school soccer for Houston High School in Germantown, Tenn., and played club soccer on the Memphis Futbol Club, along with future United States Men's National Team members Richard Mulrooney, Ross Paule, and Jonny Walker.

Personal

Is married to Kirsten and they have two children, Max and Lyla. Favorite movies are Raising Arizona, the Big Lebowski, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and his favorite music is "Oasis. That's it." Roots for Memphis University's basketball and football teams… Spends free time with his family… Favorite moment from his soccer career come from championships won with D.C. in 1998 and 1999… Does charity work with the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund and any other causes he can donate time towards.

Honors

MLS Cup Champion (1999) 
CONCACAF Champions Cup Winner (1998) 
Interamerican Cup Champion (1998) 
Third Team All-American (1995, 1997)

Acquired

Trade with Real Salt Lake, May 8, 2008, in Exchange for a condicional second round selection in either the 2010 or 2011 MLS SuperDraft