Former UVA Goalkeeper, National Champ Diego Restrepo signs with Rowdies

Former University of Virginia goalkeeper Diego Restrepo has signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL. Restrepo helped Virginia to a National Championship in 2009. Congrats to Diego.

Official Rowdies Player Announcement: click here

Diego Restrepo Signs Contract With Colombian Soccer Club America de Cali

courtesy: virginiasports.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Former Cavalier goalkeeper and 2009 ACC Tournament and NCAA College Cup Most Valuable Player Diego Restrepo has signed a multi-year contract to play professional soccer for Colombia's America de Cali.

"I'm very excited to join America de Cali, one of the most historic clubs both in Colombia and in South American soccer," Restrepo said. "It's a dream come true for me. I'm very thankful to all the coaches and teammates throughout my career that have helped mold me as a soccer player and as a person."

Restrepo was the 2009 NCAA College Cup's Defensive Most Valuable Player after helping the Cavaliers capture the national championship. He allowed eight goals for a goals-against average of 0.31 in 2009, and tallied a school-record 16 shutouts (including a school-record 11-consecutive).

Restrepo was named the ACC Tournament MVP after the Cavaliers captured the conference crown and was also named a Soccer America MVP and an All-South Atlantic Region third team member by the NSCAA.

Prior to the 2010 season, Restrepo was named a College Soccer News and Soccer America preseason All-American. The Cavaliers earned a berth to the NCAA Tournament for the 30th-consecutive season in 2010.

"We are very excited for Diego and this is a great opportunity that he deserves," Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. "Diego was instrumental in helping us win a national championship in 2009. I know becoming a professional soccer player was one of his goals, but I also know how important it is to him to graduate, which he plans to do in the summer."

"I'm especially thankful of Coach Gelnovatch, his staff and everybody associated with the University of Virginia," Restrepo said. "My time as a Cavalier was amazing, and I will always remember the 2009 NCAA Championship season as a very special time in my life. The University of Virginia and Klöckner Stadium will always be home to me, and I look forward to coming back to Charlottesville this summer to finish my degree."







Q & A withe Diego Restrepo: UVa Goalkeeper

UVa falls to ODU in 2010 NCAA tournament

Virginia Falls To Old Dominion, 1-0, in NCAA Tournament First Round

CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia men’s soccer team was defeated, 1-0, by Old Dominion in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament Thursday night at Klöckner Stadium. ODU’s Alex Vaughan scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute to lift the Monarchs to victory.

Virginia, the 2009 NCAA Champion, ends its season with an overall record of 11-6-3. With the win, Old Dominion improves to 10-6-2 and advances to the second round to face Penn State on Sunday (Nov. 21).

“We played hard and deserved better tonight,” UVa head coach George Gelnovatch said. “Give ODU credit, their goal was well taken. But up until the last minute I thought we were going to score. The shot Will Bates had that the goalkeeper got a finger on and grabbed off the line. The header T.J. Cyrus puts just wide. When those things happen, it just isn't your day. Last year, we got those breaks. But this still hurts. We lose just two seniors, but everyone else returns. In the spring we will get back to training and turn our focus to next year and winning more championships.”

Virginia out-shot the Monarchs, 7-1, in the first half but did not manage to score and the match remained scoreless until halftime.

In the second half, Vaughan one-timed a pass from Chris Harmon and finished under the crossbar to give ODU the 1-0 lead.

The Cavaliers spent the rest of the half looking for the equalizer, but ODU held on for the victory. Sophomore forward Will Bates (Chester, Va.) had a shot saved by ODU goalkeeper Evan Newton with less than three minutes left in the game.

For the game, Virginia out-shot Old Dominion, 18-8, and held a 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.

In goal for Virginia, senior Diego Restrepo (West Palm Beach, Fla.) finished with two saves.

In goal for Old Dominion, Newton had four saves in the shutout.

Virginia vs. ODUVirginia 0  0 - 0
ODU      0  1 - 1

Scoring Summary
ODU Alex Vaughan 4 (Chris Harmon) 63'

Shots: UVa 18, ODU 8
Corner Kicks: UVa 8, ODU 2
Saves: UVa 2 (Restrepo 2), ODU 4 (Newton 4)
Offsides: UVa 1, ODU 0

Attendance: 923

www.virginiasports.com


2010 NCAA Men's Bracket DI

247gk Interview w/UVa Goalkeeper - Diego Restrepo

Q & A with Diego Restrepo (247GK & UVA)

Recently, Mike Ammann (former MLS goalkeeper and founder of 247GK) had the opportunity to interview University of Virginia goalkeeper Diego Restrepo.

Mike Ammann: What club did you play for growing up?
Diego Restrepo: I played for multiple clubs but my best experiences were with West Kendall from Miami.

Mike: Who has been your biggest influence in soccer?
Diego: My biggest influence would have to be my family, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be living the life that I have right now.

Mike: When did you start playing in goal?
Diego: I was always a field player but at the age of 14, the starting goalkeeper of my team got hurt and we didn’t have a back up goalkeeper so I decided to step in for him and since that day my whole soccer experience has changed.

Mike: Who were your top 3 college choices?
Diego: Maryland, South Florida, Santa Clara

Mike: Are there any schools or fans that you get intimidated to play against?
Diego: Personally I don’t think I get intimidated, it’s always fun to have people cheer against you and I feel like I feed of their energy and it helps to elevate my game. Some tough crowds that I have played against would have to be Akron, UConn and Maryland.

Mike: What is your ultimate goal in soccer?
Diego: First become a professional and be the best that I can be, but ultimately be able to represent my country at the International level.

Mike: Who is your favorite goalkeeper current and past?
Diego: My favorite goalkeeper would have to be Oscar Cordoba. During his prime he was considered one of the best in the world. He also from Colombia where I was raised, so I have a lot of respect for him and love the way he plays.

Mike: What league is your favorite?
Diego: My favorite league would have to be LA LIGA. Spanish soccer is so enjoyable to watch, it’s amazing the way they play so quickly and accurately, I personally enjoy watching Barcelona play.

Mike: Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Diego: Key West, it’s close to home and there is always beautiful weather and pretty good beaches.

Mike: You own a team and money is no object, what 11 players do you sign to start for you?
Diego: Oscar Cordoba as my GK, Roberto Carlos , Lucio, Ivan Corodoba, Dani Alves, Essien, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gerrard, Robben, Drogba, Messi

Mike: What do you like to do away from soccer?
Diego: Enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing PS3.

Mike: If you weren’t a soccer player, what would you do?
Diego: To be honest I wouldn’t know what I would be doing, probably nothing very productive, soccer it’s my life.

Mike: Do you have a hidden talent?
Diego: Unfortunately no.

Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you. Appreciate it.
Mike Ammann www.247gk.com