In this week’s Grand Circus Player Profile, we get to know City newcomer Kervin Kenton. A Costa Rica native, Kenton adds international experience to Le Rouge’s backline as a physical and versatile centerback.
The twenty-two-year-old defender finished high school at age 16 and moved to Germany to play soccer for three years. He made a combined 30 appearances and scored one goal during his time with VfL Bochum and Rot-Weiß Oberhausen on their U19 and U23 teams.
Upon moving back to Costa Rica, Kenton was able to find an opportunity in the United States to play at Coastal Carolina University. He also has international experience as a representative of Costa Rica’s U20 team, earning seven appearances on the pitch.
“For the three years I spent there [in Germany], it was a great experience,” Kenton said. “But I didn’t get to sign a pro-contract, so I went back home to Costa Rica. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to play there yet, because it isn’t easy as a youngster. So the chance of coming to the US popped out from Coastal Carolina. I said, let’s go.”
Kenton was unable to play his first year at school due to NCAA eligibility rules. To help prepare him for his two seasons of eligibility starting this fall, Coastal Carolina coach Kyle Russell contacted DCFC coach Ben Pirmann to get Kenton to Hamtramck for the summer.
“I was not eligible last season,” Kenton said. “They wanted me to play during the summer so I’m ready for the fall, and that’s why I’m here.”
Now with two starts under his belt, including a full game against Michigan Stars FC, the rookie is beginning to get a feel for what it’s like to play soccer in the United States. Though the play here is more physical compared to Germany and Costa Rica, Kenton said he has adapted well to the new style.
“In Germany and on the national team, it’s very organized football,” Kenton said. “We have a lot of plays and what not. Here in the US, it’s very physical. It’s a lot of running, crashing and tackling. But it’s good, you have to get used to playing both ways. I can do both, I can play with my feet and I’m physical as well.”
Kenton said his first start against the Stars was positive. Adapting to play on the pitch with new teammates and life in a new city has been an easy transition.
“The team, I cannot complain at all,” Kenton said. “I like my teammates. We have a good staff and coaches, training facilities – we have everything. To come here and to feel good has been easy.”
Kenton said the supporters at Keyworth Stadium create a special atmosphere which gets the team ready to play tough every game.
“The first time I got to Keyworth Stadium, it was empty and I was like it’s just a regular stadium,” Kenton said. “But as soon as the fans got in there and we got out of the locker room and I saw what was happening, it was definitely the best thing about being here.”
He said having supporters on the road adds to the experience and helps with getting him focused and ready to play.
“I didn’t expect that many fans to come since it was an away game,” Kenton said of City’s May 14th match in Berkley. “I see the fans are really supporting the team and it’s a great atmosphere to play in. I was definitely hyped to play, too. It was a nice feeling.”
Having now drawn twice and lost once this season, Kenton recognized it hasn’t been the start the team or the supporters were hoping for. However, the goal, he said, is to win as many games as possible and to earn top of the table positioning.
“It has been a tough start, as we all know,” Kenton said. “I see the fans complaining about it, but we also feel bad about it. The goal is still to get as high as we can on the table. As things are right now, we just just have to win as many games as possible and stop the drawing and losing.”
Kenton said he will play two or three years in the United States to develop and then hopes to sign a professional contract. He said most of his young career has been unpredictable and is excited for the opportunity to play in Detroit.
“I never expected to be in Carolina or Detroit,” Kenton said. “Things happen from one month to the next. My goal is to sign a professional contract either in the US or back home. Wherever the opportunity is. The pro level would be a dream come true.”
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