Ryan Nelsen

Last updated Novemer 14, 2009

Notes:

2009: Scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Thailand 'A' in Bangkok. Netted his first-ever goal for Blackburn in a 2-0 win over Wigan that lifted the Lancashire club six points clear of the relegation zone with four games left in the season. A calf tear ruled Nelsen out of New Zealand's thrid Confederations Cup campaign.  Outstanding in the middle of a back three to help earn a 0-0 draw against Bahrain in Manama in the first leg of a playoff for a place at the 2010 World Cup. Captained New Zealand to a return to the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Bahrain in Wellington.

2008: Nelsen was selected as one of three over-age players in the Oly-Whites squad for the Beijing Olympics. Captained the side in an opening 1-1 draw with China and a 0-5 loss to Brazil but had to return to England for Blackburn's opening game of the 2008-09 FA Premiership season. Made his first appearance for the All Whites in four years when returning to captain new Zealand in two World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia.

2007: Nelsen returned from a rare hamstring injury which required special surgery in Finland to enjoy a successful end to the 2006-07 English season, making 12 premiership, five FA Cup and two Uefa Cup appearances after Christmas. Became Blackburn's regular captain and helped Mark Hughes' side reach their second FA Cup final in three seasons only to be left heartbroken again when Blackburn were pipped in extra time by eventual winners Chelsea.

2006: Offered a new three-year-deal by Blackburn Rovers after his impressive first season for the Ewood Park club, injury kept Nelsen off the park for the pre-Christmas part of the 2006-07 English premiership season and out of New Zealand's pre-World Cup match against Brazil and the end-of-season club tour in England and Spain, including the 5-0 loss to Blackburn.

2005: Signed an initial 18-month deal with English premier leaguers Blackburn Rovers after twice being nominated for the MLS All-Star team following a decorated career for (Washington) DC United. Made 15 premiership and four FA Cup appearances for Blackburn, helping the Ewood Park club to the semifinals of the FA Cup where they were beaten by Arsenal 3-0.