Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com
Thursday, April 12, 2012
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Blues are excited to announce they have signed defender Matt Hall for the 2012 USL PRO season, pending league approval. The 24-year-old joins the Fullerton-based club following an extensive career in the Premier Development League (PDL), his speed and countless assists attracting the interest of teams from both MLS and the Mexican Priméra Division.
Having played as striker since his youth soccer days, including in a tournament with the U.S. U-17 national team, Hall became a defender when he first started suiting up for Tyler Junior College in 2005. After being selected to the All-Region team while with the Apache, he transferred to Gran Canyon University in 2006 and went on to register 18 assists over two seasons, earning All-Pac West honors in the process.
During his college career, the Virginia native had stints with several PDL teams in the United States and Canada. After recording seven assists for the Hampton Roads Piranhas in 2007, Hall moved on to Canada and the PDL’s Thunder Bay Chill, for whom he registered five goals and four assists that season while also successfully marking such MLS attacking greats as Brian McBride, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Ryan Smith, Kei Kamara and Teal Bunbury in non-league play. The defender’s performances would catch the eye of Mexican topflight team Querétero FC, who brought him into camp in 2010.
Hall subsequently had a standout season in PDL, producing 18 assists for the Vermont Voltage and drawing interest from the Rochester Rhinos and Sporting Kansas City, both of whom he joined for training stints.
The Blues coaches first took notice of Hall shortly thereafter, but their final decision depended partially on the status of one of their standout players from the previous season.
“I started tracking Matt as far back as in November,” Associate Head Coach Shayon Jalayer said. “At the time, we weren’t sure if we might have Mike Randolph coming back. Mike is an extremely gifted player with the ability to get forward. I would almost call him an attacker disguised as a defender. Matt Hall is very similar to him.
“Soon it became clear that Mike wouldn’t return, and shortly after I headed to the USL Combine in Florida. When I got back, I knew the only player who had the quality we’re looking for was Matt Hall. He brings blazing speed and quick feet on the ball, and he’s as much a reliable defender as he’s a talented attacker. If he’s ever caught out of position defensively, his speed helps him recover. That’s something you can’t teach.”
After wholeheartedly praising the Blues coaching staff, Hall’s eyes lit up as he looked ahead to the upcoming season.
“We’re a great group of guys who work hard and push each other to get better,” he said. “It’s amazing to be part of a team where everyone shares that winning mentality while also getting along so well. My goal is to contribute immediately and add a positive element whenever I’m called upon. I always give it my all, in practice and in games. Hopefully I can help the team go deep in the playoffs and the U.S. Open Cup.”
The Blues’ USL PRO season kicks off when they take on the visiting Rochester Rhinos this coming Saturday, April 14, at Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 7.30 p.m. PT and will feature plenty of exciting festivities as well as a bouncy castle and postgame fireworks. Tickets start at $10 and may be purchased by calling 714-738-8011 or by visiting http://lablues.ticketfly.com or www.labluesprosoccer.com.