Kitsap Pumas Press Release – www.kitsapsoccerclub.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
BREMERTON, WASHINGTON – The Kitsap Soccer Club recently announced the signings of two defenders. The rookies are Bremerton native Kyle Johnson and Taylor Hyde of Tacoma. Johnson and Hyde have been teammates at the University of Puget Sound for the past four years.
Johnson, 22, proved his mettle early in the club’s tryout process this winter, showing great quickness and a fine shooting touch which made him immediately noticeable to the club’s coaching staff.
“I saw a great spark and amazingly fast feet right away with Kyle,” said Pumas Assistant Coach James Ritchie. “Then, when we ran our shooting drills, he was nearly automatic – a fine player.”
Hyde is a central defender possessing a self-described “mean streak.”
Anyone coming in to the middle will feel it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a part of the game I relish.”
Hyde is also noted as a strong attacker, scoring 15 goals and assisting on 12 others during his college career from a central midfield position.
“He’ll give us another dimension coming out of the back occasionally,” said Head Coach John Wedge. “We are glad to have a guy like this on our team. He’ll lay a lick on you.”
Kyle Johnson Fact File
Age: 22
Nickname(s): KJ, Hornet,
Position: Left Defender
Number: 11
Height: 5’9’’
Weight: 155
Hometown
Bremerton, WA
High School: Bremerton High School
College: University of Puget Sound
Years Professional: Rookie
Early Days
First team: Bremerton Hornets
First soccer memory: “Dribbling the entire length of the field in the wrong direction. Then after realizing what was going on, I turned around and dribbled the entire length of the field again and scored a goal. Every body was laughing.”
Greatest soccer memory/achievement
“All my soccer memories are great. From inside jokes during practice and heartbreaking losses to glorious championships, nothing I have experienced playing soccer is regrettable. Signing with the Pumas is a testament to the game, and the “fun-ness” it allows players to grasp and cherish for a lifetime. Viva la football!”
Life Goals
“To play soccer for as long as I can at the highest level I can, and to have a positive impact on the lives of youth anywhere, anyhow I can. I hope to one day become an elementary school teacher and a successful soccer coach at the youth level.”
Career stats
Started every game for UPS in his four-year career, missing only one game due to a concussion. In college he notched 4 goals and 7 assists and was a member of a four-man backline in 2005 that only allowed five goals all season, breaking a total of six school records during the year. UPS-Northwest Conference champions in 2006, and honorable mention award.
Taylor Hyde Fact File
Age: 22
Nickname(s): “T”
Position: Central Defender
Number: 20
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185
Hometown
Salt Lake City, Utah
High School: Waterford, High School
College: University of Puget Sound
Years Professional: Rookie
Early Days
First team: Sparta United Premier
First soccer memory: “Playing for my dad, John Taylor Hyde, who coached our team.”
Greatest soccer memory/achievement: “Winning the 2006 Northwest Conference championship. Winning the Utah state championship twice successively with Sparta.” Life Goals: “To live a happy and enjoyable life.”
Career Stats
Like Johnson, Hyde started every game for UPS his entire four-year career. Scored 15 goals and registered 12 assists. Member of a four-man backline in 2005 that only allowed five goals all season and breaking a total of six school records that season.
Season tickets still available
The club kicks off its pre-season in mid-April (dates and locations tba). The club’s regular season begins May 2 in Spokane, Washington. The Pumas’ home opener is May 15 at Bremerton Memorial HS Stadium. For more information, please contact Ben Pecora, Executive Director, 360-377-6008.
