Matt Pickens
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| Matt Pickens | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matt Pickens | |
| Date of birth | April 5, 1982 | |
| Place of birth | Washington, MO, United States | |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | |
| Playing position | goalkeeper | |
| Club information | ||
| Current club | Queens Park Rangers F.C. | |
| Number | 18 | |
| Youth clubs | ||
| 2000-03 |
Chicago Fire Reserves
Meramec Community College |
|
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 2004-2008 2008- |
Chicago Fire QPR |
40 (0) 0 (0) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
||
Matt Pickens (born April 5, 1982 in Washington, Missouri) is an American football (soccer) player, who is a squad goalkeeper at QPR.
Pickens played college soccer for Southwest Missouri State University from 2000 to 2003, as well as playing for the Chicago Fire Reserves.
Upon graduating, Pickens was drafted 19th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the Fire. He was not able, however, to break through a deep lineup of Fire goalkeepers, which initially included Henry Ring and D.J. Countess, and later Zach Thornton. He was loaned out for much of the year to the A-League Virginia Beach Mariners, where he played 290 minutes, conceding only 3 goals.
During the latter half of 2006, after an injury to Zach Thornton, Pickens started in goal for the Fire even though Thornton is match fit again. This also includes his first play-off start on October 22, 2006 for the Fire, keeping a clean sheet in a game that the Fire won, 1-0 thanks to a goal from Justin Mapp in the 35th minute. Zach Thornton was traded to the Colorado Rapids on March 2nd, 2007; Pickens has been the Chicago Fire's first choice goalkeeper for the 2007 season. Matt has become a fan favorite and has been nicknamed "Slim Pickens" by the Section 8 supporters group.
On 17 January 2008 it was announced that Pickens was on trial at English Championship side Norwich City. However, Norwich were unable to offer him a first-team place. Interest from other British clubs continued with a short spell training at Preston North End. By the end of January reports circulated that he may join Queens Park Rangers[1].
On 7th February 2008, Pickens signed a deal with QPR until the end of the 2008 season[2]. On 6th May 2008, it was announced that Pickens would not have his contact extended and that he will be released by the club at the end of June.
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[edit] References
- ^ Matt Pickens to QPR Big Soccer. Accessed 13 February 2008.
- ^ Keeper Pickens seals move to QPR BBC Sport. Accessed 13 February 2008
