MLS New York Red Bulls

MetroStars Sign Defender Leo Krupnik as a Discovery Player

Published on August 15, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (AUGUST 15) - The MetroStars today announced they have signed former Des Moines Menace (PDL) defender Leo Krupnik as a Discovery Player for the remainder of the 2002 MLS season.

Krupnik, 6-2 and 180 pounds, was drafted out of the University of California-Berkeley earlier this year by the MetroStars in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft in the sixth round (68th overall). He joined the MetroStars briefly for preseason training in Bradenton, Florida, but was unable to fully train with the team due to a bronchial illness.

The 23-year old Ukraine native, who holds U.S. citizenship, played the majority of this season for the Des Moines Menace of the Premier Development League after a stint with the Minnesota Thunder of the A-League.

He logged 1,564 minutes on the back line this year for Des Moines, which finished 15-0-3 in the regular season as the only undefeated PDL team before being upset in the opening round of the playoffs.

Krupnik, who grew up in San Francisco, was named first team All-Pac-10 at Cal in 2000, his junior season. He spent three years as a starting defender for the Golden Bears, appearing in 54 games. In 2001, he started eighteen games on defense and was 3-for-3 on penalty kicks, including two game-winners.

The addition of Krupnik brings the team roster to the maximum of 22 players (includes the four allowed Developmental roster spots).

He will be in uniform (jersey number TBD) this upcoming Saturday night, August 17, at 7:30 p.m. ET when the MetroStars host the Dallas Burn at Giants Stadium on NASL Reunion Night.

Tickets are available at all regional Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, MetroStars.com, the Continental Airlines Arena box office, or by calling the MetroStars toll free at 1-888-4-METROTIX.

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