Kevin Nelson (soccer)

Kevin Nelson (born February 2, 1979) is a Trinidadian former footballer who is currently Technical Director of Sports Services at www.ComePlaySoccer.com.[1] He played in the TT Pro League, Venezuelan Primera División, Canadian Professional Soccer League, and the National Premier Leagues Victoria.

Kevin Nelson
Personal information
Full name Kevin Nelson
Date of birth (1979-02-23) February 23, 1979
Place of birth Trinidad & Tobago
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s) Forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999 San Juan Jabloteh
2000 Caracas FC 11 (3)
2001–2003 Ottawa Wizards 60 (50)
2004 Hamilton Thunder 18 (9)
2005–2006 South Melbourne FC
2006 San Juan Jabloteh
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Nelson started his career playing at the youth level with St. Clair Football School in Trinidad and Tobago. He signed his first professional contract with San Juan Jabloteh where his consistent goal-scoring abilities led him to be signed by Caracas FC in Venezuela. Nelson was signed by new expansion franchise Ottawa Wizards for the 2001 CPSL season. He made his Wizards debut on June 9, 2001, in a 4–0 victory over the Brampton Hitmen and scored his first goal for the franchise.[2] He soon had an instant impact, forming a strong attacking partnership with Abraham Osman. Nelson finished the season as the Wizards' and CPSL leading scorer with 22 goals combined in all competitions. On October 14 at the CPSL Awards Banquet he was awarded the CPSL Rookie of the Year Award, and the CPSL Golden Boot.[3]

During the 2002 CPSL season for the second year in a row he led his team in goals, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. Nelson also helped the Wizards win the Treble by winning the Eastern Conference title, the Rogers Cup, and the Open Canada Cup.[4] In the Open Canada Cup final Nelson scored the winning goal in 1–0 victory over Toronto Croatia.[5] In the 2003 CPSL season Nelson helped the Wizards to an undefeated season and helped claim their second Eastern Conference title.[6]

In 2004 it was announced that the CPSL had revoked the Ottawa franchise, which led to Nelson's signing with the Hamilton Thunder.[7] He made his debut for them on May 27, 2004, in a match against Metro Lions.[8] During his tenure with Hamilton he finished second in scoring with nine goals, and helped the franchise win their first Western Conference title. In 2005, Nelson went abroad and played with South Melbourne FC in Australia; after he received an injury South Melbourne released him from his contract.[9] After his release he had a stint with San Juan before retiring and resettling back in Ottawa to start his own soccer academy ( Kevin Nelson Soccer Academy) .[10]

References
  1. Come Play Soccer.com welcomes Kevin Nelson as our first full time coach
  2. Wizards Opening Game
  3. CPSL Awards 2001
  4. Glover, Robin. "October 20, 2002 CPSL North York Astros vs Ottawa Wizards (by Rocket Robin)". www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  5. This was the Final of the CPSL Canada Cup
  6. "September 27, 2003 CPSL games from CPSL website". www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  7. "CPSL - Canadian Professional Soccer League". 2005-02-11. Archived from the original on 2005-02-11. Retrieved 2017-11-24.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. "May 27, 2004 CPSL Hamilton Thunder vs Metro Lions (from CPSL media release)". www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  9. Mohammed, Inshan. "Kevin Nelson gets South Melbourne shaft". www.socawarriors.net. Retrieved 2016-03-22.
  10. "About Us - Ottawa soccer Academy | Ottawa Soccer Academy". www.knsa.ca. Retrieved 2016-03-22.
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