Chris Konopka

Christopher Konopka (born April 14, 1985) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper.

Chris Konopka
Konopka lifts the 2016 Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park as a member of Ross County
Personal information
Full name Christopher Konopka
Date of birth (1985-04-14) April 14, 1985
Place of birth Toms River, New Jersey, United States
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Playing position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1994–2003 Jersey Shore Boca
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Providence Friars
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004 Jersey Falcons 8 (0)
2007 Kansas City Wizards 0 (0)
2008 Bohemian FC 0 (0)
2009 Sporting Fingal 3 (0)
2010 Waterford United 12 (0)
2011 New York Red Bulls 1 (0)
2012–2013 Philadelphia Union 1 (0)
2013–2015 Toronto FC 21 (0)
2015 → Toronto FC II (loan) 1 (0)
2016 Ross County 0 (0)
2016 Portland Timbers 0 (0)
2017 FC Edmonton 9 (0)
2018 Cardiff City 0 (0)
2018 Minnesota United 0 (0)
2019 Tampa Bay Rowdies 0 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of February 27, 2019

Konopka played for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer from 2013–2015 bringing the team to their first ever playoff appearance in club history in 2015. During 2015 he set TFC records for most regular single-season game wins (11) and highest regular single-season win percentage (59.5%) by any Toronto FC goalkeeper in the club's tenure.

During 2016 Konopka signed with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership until the end of the 2015–2016 season. He won the 2015–16 Scottish League Cup on March 16, 2016 while at Ross County. In July 2016, he joined the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer until the end of 2016.

In 2017, he played for FC Edmonton in the North American Soccer League.

In 2018, Konopka signed a deal with EFL Championship side Cardiff City until the end of the 2017–18 season. In October 2018 he joined Minnesota United on a short-term deal as an emergency goalkeeper for the remainder of the MLS season.

Konopka is the first American born soccer player to ever win the Irish Double and also the first to win back-to-back FAI Cup medals.[1][2]

Personal life

Konopka grew up in Toms River, New Jersey[3] and played both basketball and soccer at Toms River High School East.[4] He holds both American and Polish citizenship.[5] He is married to Maria Papadakis.[6][7]

Amateur and college

Konopka came through the youth system of the Jersey Shore Boca soccer club in South Jersey. In the summer of 2003 he played for the club's Premier Development League team. In the summer of 2004 he made 8 appearances for the Jersey Falcons in the same league.[8]

Providence College

He played NCAA Division I collegiate soccer in the Big East Conference at Providence College from 2003 to 2006.[9] Konopka earned himself trials in England after his senior season with Charlton Athletic,[10] Cardiff City,[11] and Walsall FC.[12] However, he was unable to sign in the United Kingdom as his attempted acquisition of a Polish passport through ancestry had not yet been completed.

Club career

Kansas City Wizards

Konopka was drafted in the third round, 29th overall, by the Kansas City Wizards in 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft. He became the first player in the history of Providence College to be drafted by an MLS team. Konopka was released by the Wizards at the end of the 2007 season without making an appearance.[13]

In December 2007, Konopka was named to the United States U-23 National Team player pool by head coach Piotr Nowak.

Bohemians

In March 2008 Konopka signed a one-year contract with Bohemian FC following a successful trial. He made his debut on July 1, 2008 against Derry City in the League Cup.

As a member of Bohs, Konopka won the League of Ireland championship and the FAI Cup in 2008. He also impressed with the Bohemians' A-Side in the inaugural A Championship, leading Bohemians to the Grand Final.

Sporting Fingal

On July 28, 2009 Konopka signed a short-term contract with then League of Ireland First Division side Sporting Fingal.[14]

He made his debut on October 2, 2009 in a 2–2 draw against Monaghan United. Konopka went on to make 3 more appearances for Fingal including a 4–2 win over Bray Wanderers in the 2009 FAI Cup semi-final on October 25. Konopka helped the club win the 2009 FAI Cup and promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division for 2010.

Waterford United

Konopka signed with Waterford United on December 18, 2009 for the 2010 season.[15] He made his debut on March 5, 2010 in a 3–0 victory over Wexford Youths.

Konopka received "man of the match" honours from extratime.ie for his performance in a 1–0 victory over Shelbourne on May 7, 2010. It was Waterford's first win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park in 11 years.[16]

Columbus Crew

Konopka was signed by the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer from the MLS Goalkeeper Pool on July 26, 2011. Despite featuring in an international friendly that evening against Newcastle United and being re-called for 4 future matches he would not make a professional appearance for the club.[13][17]

New York Red Bulls

Konopka was signed by New York Red Bulls from the MLS Goalkeeper Pool on August 13, 2011. He made his league debut that evening in a 2–2 draw against the Chicago Fire.[18] His emergency loan ended after the match and he returned to the MLS Goalkeeper Pool.

Philadelphia Union

On March 2, 2012, Konopka signed with the Philadelphia Union.[19]

He made his debut on May 26, 2012, in a 1–0 loss against Toronto FC.[20] Three days later he featured in Philadelphia's first US Open Cup victory against the Rochester Rhinos.[21]

Toronto FC

On September 13, 2013, the Philadelphia Union traded Konopka to Toronto FC .[22]

Konopka made his debut on May 2, 2015 in a 1–0 victory against his former club the Philadelphia Union.[13][23]

He was named to the MLS Team of the Week on May 18, 2015 for his seven save effort in a 1–1 draw against the New England Revolution.[24]

Konopka finished 2015 with a break-out season for TFC setting the all-time single season Toronto goalkeeper league win record with 11 and his 59.5 win percentage is the best ever in Toronto goalkeeping history.[25]

Ross County

On March 8, 2016, Konopka joined Ross County in the Scottish Premiership until the end of the 2015–16 season.[26] On March 13, 2016, Konopka was a substitute for Ross County who won the 2015–16 Scottish League Cup 2–1 against Hibernian.[27]

Portland Timbers

Konopka returned to Major League Soccer and signed for the Timbers on July 28, 2016.[28]

FC Edmonton

On February 15, 2017, Konopka signed with North American Soccer League side FC Edmonton.[29]

Cardiff City

On March 8, 2018, Konopka signed a short-term deal with EFL Championship side Cardiff City until the end of the 2017–18 season as cover for Neil Etheridge and Brian Murphy.[30]

Minnesota United

Konopka joined Minnesota United on a short-term deal as emergency goalkeeper cover.[31] He appeared as an unused substitute in Minnesota's match against Columbus Crew on October 28, 2018.[32]

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Konopka was signed by the USL Championship's Tampa Bay Rowdies on February 27, 2019.[33]

Career statistics
As of matches played March 8, 2018
Club Season League Cup [lower-alpha 1] League Cup [lower-alpha 2] Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Kansas City Wizards 2007[13] MLS 0000000000
Bohemians 2008 League of Ireland Premier Division 0000100010
Sporting Fingal 2009 League of Ireland First Division 3010000040
Waterford United 2010 League of Ireland First Division 120102000150
Columbus Crew 2011[13] MLS 0000000000
New York Red Bulls 2011[13] MLS 1000000010
Philadelphia Union 2012[13][34] MLS 1010000020
2013[13] 0000000000
Total 1010000020
Toronto 2013[13] MLS 0000000000
2014[13] 0000000000
2015[13][34] 210201000240
Toronto FC II (loan) 2015[34] USL 1000000010
Toronto Total 220201000250
Ross County 2015–2016 Scottish Premiership 0000000000
Portland Timbers 2016 MLS 0000000000
FC Edmonton 2017 NASL 9000000090
Cardiff City F.C. 2017–2018 EFL Championship 0000000000
Career total 480504000570
  1. Includes FAI Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship matches.
  2. Includes League of Ireland Cup and MLS Playoffs matches.

Honors

Club

Bohemians

Sporting Fingal

Waterford United

Ross County

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References
  1. O'Kelly, Declan."American Wins Irish Double at Bohs", Irish Voice, December 17, 2008.
  2. Seltzer, Greg."American Exports: Notepad", MLSsoccer.com, May 5, 2011.
  3. Edelson, Steve. "Konopka right at home, in Ireland", Asbury Park Press, March 12, 2008
  4. Chris Konopka Archived May 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Providence Friars. Accessed April 8, 2008.
  5. "American Exports: Konopka invited to Polish club". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  6. "Just Who Is Maria Papadakis? – Philadelphia Magazine". October 25, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  7. "Maria Papadakis and Chris Konopka Get Married – Philly Chit Chat". January 27, 2017. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  8. "2004 Jersey Falcons". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  9. "Chris Konopka Named to the US Soccer Region I Under-19 Men's Olympic Development Team – FRIARS.COM – The Providence College Official Athletic Site". Friars.Com. December 12, 2003. Archived from the original on March 6, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  10. "Charlton take American goalkeeper Chris Konopka on trial| Soccer Blog|Football News, Reviews, Quizzes". Soccer-blogger.com. February 6, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  11. Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  12. "Big Apple Soccer". Big Apple Soccer. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  13. "Chris Konopka Player Profile". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  14. "Sporting Move For Keeps", Fingal Independent, September 2, 2009.
  15. "Konopka joins Waterford from Fingal' Archived June 5, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, RTE.ie, December 19, 2009.
  16. , extratime.ie, May 7, 2010
  17. King, Andrew."Newcastle proves too much for Crew" Archived April 25, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Columbus Sports Network, July 26, 2011
  18. Kristian Dyer (August 14, 2011). "Konopka makes "dream" first MLS start". New York Red Bulls. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  19. Philadelphia Union Communications."Union sign goalkeeper Chris Konopka", March 2, 2012.
  20. "Recap: Late goal vaults TFC past Philly, ends losing streak". MLSsoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  21. Comcast Sportsnet."Union Take Cup Opener", May 29, 2012.
  22. Toronto FC press release."Reds Acquire Chris Konopka" September 13, 2013.
  23. "Philadelphia Union 0, Toronto FC 1 MLS Match Recap". MLSsoccer.com. May 2, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  24. MLSsoccer.com "Team of the Week – WK 11" May 18, 2015.
  25. TorontoFC.CA 2015 TFC Player Stats
  26. Durent, Jamie (March 8, 2016). "Ross County agree deal with goalkeeper Chris Konopka". The Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  27. Wilson, Richard (March 13, 2016). "Scottish League Cup Final". BBC Scotland. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  28. http://www.timbers.com/post/2016/07/28/portland-timbers-sign-goalkeeper-chris-konopka
  29. "FC Edmonton Adds Veteran Goalkeeper Chris Konopka".
  30. Dominic Booth (March 27, 2018). "The unknown goalkeeper nobody realised had signed for Cardiff City this month". WalesOnline. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  31. "Loons likely to use Konopka as emergency backup goalkeeper". Star Tribune. October 23, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  32. "Chris Konopka". ESPN. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  33. "Rowdies Complete Roster With Addition of Chris Konopka". RowdiesSoccer.com. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  34. "C. Konopka Summary". Soccerway. Retrieved September 23, 2015.


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