Greenville, S.C. native began professional career with Triumph SC in 2024 | Image Credit: Greenville Triumph SC
RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers today announced the signing of 23-year-old defender Hayden Anderson, pending league and federation approval.
The former Greenville Triumph SC defender and winger will look to bring his well-balanced play to the Kickers for the second year of his professional career. Anderson was a menace on the flank in 2024 scoring a goal at City Stadium against the Roos.
"We are a traditional team signing quality veteran players, while also working hard to develop the next generation," Richmond Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. "Hayden represents a bit of both of these and he has unique attacking qualities. He had a great first season in USL League One and he caused havoc buzzing down the wing and scoring goals. His pace and impact on both sides of the ball fit with our style of play and we welcome his work rate to our locker room."
Anderson proved indispensable in his rookie season with Triumph SC, starting in 10 games, scoring four times and adding one assist. Bringing his goal tally to five, Anderson scored in Triumph SC's 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match and in one of its USL Jägermeister Cup matches. With those stats, he snagged Greenville's single-season scoring record for defenders (4). Anderson also earned Team of the Week recognition in Week 20 of the regular season.
Before going pro, Anderson played at the University of Memphis for his senior and graduate seasons. The Greenville, S.C. native appeared in all 38 matches across his two years for the Tigers. He was third on the team with nine points and 1,280 minutes in his senior season. He also had one goal and helped the defensive effort to six shutouts.
In his graduate year, Anderson took it up a notch. He led the Tigers with seven assists, three of which he created on match-winning goals. Towards the end of that season, he had three consecutive games with at least one assist and helped to anchor a midfield and backline that recorded two shutouts on the season.
Before Memphis, Anderson played three seasons at the University of South Carolina-Upstate. There, he started in 33 of 37 matches, playing nearly 3000 minutes with the Spartans. Anderson earned Big South All-Conference Second team and Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"I'm really excited for this opportunity and to be part of this team," Anderson said. "I can't wait to get started, work hard, and make this a great season for us and the fans. Ready to bring home some hardware!"