NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Sign Former USF Goalkeeper

Published on March 20, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


TAMPA, Fla. (March 20, 2013) -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the signing of Venezuelan-born goalkeeper Diego Restrepo to a two-year contract, with the second year being a club option.

Restrepo (6-0, 185), an American national raised in Colombia, joins the Rowdies after recently training with D.C. United earlier this year. Prior to his return to the United States, the young goalkeeper spent his 2011 rookie season with Colombian powerhouse America de Cali, making four first-team appearances including his professional debut in August 2011. Restrepo then played his 2012 season with one of Venezuela's most popular clubs, Deportivo Tachira, making six first-team appearances.

Although born in Venezuela, the 25-year-old lived in Colombia until he was 11 before his family moved to the United States. His outstanding high school performances at American Heritage School earned him a spot in the U.S. U-17 National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. In 2005, Restrepo was a member of the U.S. U-17 squad that participated in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru.

The goalkeeper would go on to play collegiately for the University of South Florida for two years, before transferring to the University of Virginia in 2009. In his first season at Virginia, Restrepo led the Cavaliers to an NCAA Division I National Championship, being named the 2009 NCAA College Cup's Defensive Most Valuable Player. He set a school record previously held by Tony Meola with 16 shutouts, including 11 consecutive shutouts, as well as being awarded the ACC Tournament MVP in 2009.

The Rowdies continue their 2013 Preseason Tour, as they will square off against the University of Tampa on Tuesday, March 19th at 7:30 p.m. The match will be played at Pepin Stadium, located on University Of Tampa's campus (401 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606). Admission will be free.

Check out the Tampa Bay Rowdies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from March 20, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central