WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Jimmy Slayton, a senior goalkeeper on the Hartford men's soccer team, recently signed a contract to play professionally with Real Monarchs of the USL Championship.
PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY
"We are extremely excited for Jimmy to have signed his first professional contract," head coach
Tom Poitras said. "He has worked really hard to reach his dream of playing professionally for a living. Jimmy has developed his leadership skills and his match awareness, and his continued growth during his career helped lead our team to a great season and an appearance in the America East Finals."
Named to the America East All-Conference Second Team this past season, Slayton rounded out his impressive career by leading the conference in total saves (91) and save percentage (.805), while ranking second in goals against average (1.01). A native of Wethersfield, Conn., Slayton was named America East Defensive Player of the Week four times in 2019, which is the most weekly honors for a Hartford player in a single season since 2003.
This past season, Slayton also etched his name into Hartford's record book after setting the program's record for shutouts in a single season with 10. The senior broke the record after keeping a clean sheet in the Hawks' 1-0 win against Binghamton in the quarterfinals of the America East Tournament.
In his four seasons with the Hawks, Slayton, who was also named to the America East All-Rookie Team in 2016, led the team to a pair of America East Championship game appearances in 2016 and most recently in 2019. Set to graduate in May with a degree in entrepreneurial studies, he ended his career as one of the premier shot stoppers in Hartford history. Slayton departs the program ranked tied for first in career shutouts (21), seventh in career wins (26), third in career GAA (1.11), sixth in career saves (273), sixth in career save percentage (.774) and 10th in single-season save percentage (.805).
After signing with Real Monarchs, Slayton becomes the fourth Hawk to make the jump to the professional ranks, and the first since Andre Morrison was selected with the 69th pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC. In addition to Morrison, he joins
Damion Lowe, who was selected eighth overall by the Seattle Sounders in 2014 and Rob Jachym, who was picked third overall by the Columbus Crew in 1997.
"Jimmy joins a bunch of other Hawks in the pros and we look forward to seeing his career take off from here," added Poitras. "He is joining a great organization at RSL Monarchs and will be in a good place to continue his devlopment."
Real Monarchs are the USL Championship affiliate of MLS outfit, Real Salt Lake. The team is currently the reigning champions of the USL Championship after defeating Louisville City FC in the championship game.
