Michael Ritch

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Michael Ritch
Personal information
Date of birth April 26, 1981 (1981-04-26) (age 27)
Place of birth    Flag of the United States Tallassee, Alabama, U.S.
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Playing position Midfielder/Striker
Youth clubs
1999-2002 Auburn-Montgomery
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
2003-04 Columbus Crew 15 (1)   

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of July 25, 2007.
* Appearances (Goals)

Michael Ritch (born April 26, 1981 in Tallassee, Alabama) is an American soccer striker, who last played for the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.

Ritch played college soccer at Auburn University Montgomery in the NAIA from 1999 to 2002, where he helped lead the team to four straight conference championships. Ritch was named a second-team All-American in 2001, and as a senior, after scoring 29 goals with 15 assists in 23 games, he was named a first team All-American. Ritch finished his career at the school with 64 goals and 48 assists.

In December 2002, Ritch was selected as the #1 overall pick in the 2003 A-League College Draft by the Syracuse Salty Dogs.[1] Upon graduating from college, Ritch was drafted 37th overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew, and signed a two year contract with the club. He only played 21 minutes over three games as a rookie, however in his second year, Ritch appeared in 12 games (4 as a starter) and finished the year with one goal and one assist.

Michael Ritch is currently the Director of Coaching for the Capital City Streaks in Alabama.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Syracuse selects NAIA All-American Ritch first overall", United Soccer Leagues, 2003-12-18. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.