Sporting Kansas City announced Wednesday that defender Michael Harrington was re-signed by the club for the 2011 season. In keeping with team policy, terms of the contract will not be disclosed.
“I’m really glad to be back,” Harrington said. “I’m excited about the season. We’ve got a lot of good guys coming back and I’m sure the coaching staff has worked hard to bring some good players in. With the new stadium and everything else, I can feel a buzz around Kansas City about the team. I’m glad to be a part of it and ready to get back to work.”
Harrington, 24, is the fourth longest tenured Sporting Kansas City player and has appeared in 120 games, including postseason, since being drafted third overall by Kansas City in the first round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. He has five goals and 13 assists entering 2011.
Voted the Team Rookie of the Year in 2007, Harrington recorded three goals and four assists as an outside midfielder in his first season as a professional. He went on to start every game for Kansas City in 2008 as the team reached the MLS playoffs for the second consecutive season, with Harrington contributing two goals and two assists.
In 2009, Harrington continued to cement his spot at outside defense and compiled three assists in 27 appearances. Last season, Harrington started every match for Kansas City until the season finale and matched his career high in assists with four on the year, including assists on the game-tying and game-winning goals in Kansas City’s 4-3 comeback victory over Houston.
The University of North Carolina product was a member of the United States youth national teams, including participation at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship and 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Harrington was an original member of the U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida and was an alternate for the United States at the 2008 Olympics.
Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) re-sign defender Michael Harrington.
Vitals:
Michael Harrington
Defender
Number: 02
Height: 6’0
Weight: 170
Born: January 24, 1986
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
Citizenship: USA
