Head coach Ken Lolla has announced the addition of Louisville native John Michael Hayden to the Louisville soccer staff.  Hayden joins the Cardinals as the volunteer assistant and will provide a wealth of experience to the Cardinal squad this season. 

“John Michael Hayden is an excellent addition to our staff,” Lolla stated.  “John Michael is a person of great character.   He is one of the finest players ever produced out of Louisville and his experience as a player and a coach will benefit the growth of our student athletes.” 

Hayden had an illustrious youth career, which included being named Parade Magazine’s All-American twice. He was named NSCAA/adidas Kentucky Player of the Year along with Gatorade and Eurosport State Player of the Year honors as well.  . During his senior season he was listed on Soccer America’s top 25 recruits before deciding to join Indiana University.

While at Indiana he was a member of two NCAA National Championship winning teams in both 2003 and 2004. Hayden scored a game-winning header with 48 seconds remaining in the second overtime period against Maryland in the 2004 College Cup Semifinal putting the team into the NCAA final against UC Santa Barbra. He finished his sophomore season with a team leading six game-winners.  As a junior he led the Big Ten in every offensive category and ranked third nationally in scoring offense. The midfielder earned All-Big Ten honors three consecutive seasons for the Hoosiers.

In 2007, Hayden was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the first round of the MLS Super Draft (13^th overall).  He played three seasons with the Dynamo and won an MLS Cup in 2007. During his last season with the Dynamo he went on a one-month loan with the Cleveland City Stars of the USL First Division. In 2010 he returned to Louisville to play for the Louisville Lightning during their inaugural season.

Currently Hayden serves as the Boys Director of Coaching for the Chicago Fire Juniors- Kentucky and holds a USSF National “A” License.  Hayden is married to former Louisville soccer standout Hollie Minogue.  The couple resides in Louisville.   

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