Abstract: An electrical connector having a retention mechanism for steadily securing the electrical connector to a mating circuit board comprises a dielectric housing, a number of contacts received in the housing and shield for enclosing the housing. The retention mechanism comprises a pair of lugs integrally and downwardly extending from the shield. Each lug includes an engaging means forming a pair of barbs thereon and a cutout defined between the pair of barbs for engaging within a corresponding positioning hole defined in the mating circuit board. Each lug has a length substantially equal to a thickness of the mating circuit board so that the retention mechanism will not scrape away solder coated on an inner surface of each positioning hole of the circuit board. Thus, excellent soldering connections between the electrical connector and the mating circuit board are established.