INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Houston Dynamo have acquired Midfielder John Michael Hayden with the 13th pick in the first round of today's MLS SuperDraft.
Hayden, 5' 10", 160 pounds, comes to the Dynamo from Indiana University, where he accrued 13 goals and 10 assists in 88 games played throughout his five-year career.
"This is one of the best days of my life. It had always been a dream of mine to get drafted in the MLS, so it's a great feeling to be able to accomplish it. Going to Houston is a great opportunity for me. They are champions, and play in a great city. I look forward to contributing in a big way this season," said Hayden.
"He is the player we were looking for, so we are obviously happy. He is a good, talented athlete that I think will develop into a great offensive player in the future", said Dynamo Head Coach Dominic Kinnear.
Born in Louisville, KY, Hayden was a First-Team All Big Ten selection in 2006. He was also a Second-Team All Big Ten selection in 2004, a two-time NCAA National Champion in 2003 and 2004, and a Big Ten Champion in 2003 and 2006.
As a high school player, Hayden was selected as the NSCAA/Adidas Kentucky Player of the Year in 2000, and was also picked as a Parade Magazine All-American in 2000 and 2001. At a club level, he played for Javanon '84 for five years, where he won three state championships (1997, 1999, and 2000).
