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Cepero Saves the Day
In the wake of Jon Conway's controversial exit from the Red Bull New York squad, albeit temporarily, Danny Cepero has stepped in to bring the squad to the cusp of greatness.
Nov 17, 2008 9:15:52 PM
Danny
Cepero has played more playoff games than regular season ones. Thrown into the
deep end two games before the end of the season, Cepero has responded better
than even Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio could have hoped to help lead Red Bull New York
into the MLS Cup final.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride for me personally,” the 21-year-old goalkeeper said during a recent MLS teleconference.
Cepero only got his big shot because starting net-minder Jon Conway was suspended for 10 matches following the revelation that he had taken a banned substance. Along with defender Jeff Parke, Conway is the first player to be found using an illegal substance by MLS, making Cepero’s quick rise to starter all the more unexpected. Besides the vacant spot, Cepero also has Conway to thank for some reassuring words.
“I was fortunate enough to speak with Jon before I made my debut and had nothing but great things to say and wished me well,” Cepero said. “That put me at ease and made me feel a lot more comfortable in goal. In the days leading up to the match, Juan Carlos and the players let me know that they had the upmost confidence in me and that I was going out there for a reason and to play like I’ve been playing. Our chemistry and my chemistry with the team just grew from there.”
It hasn’t been easy the entire way. In the last game of the regular season, Cepero gave up 5 goals to a sizzling Chicago Fire attack in a loss that very nearly cost the team a playoff berth. Since then, however, the youngster has rebounded perfectly. In the last two matches, against Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake, he has recorded an impressive 14 saves, some of them of the very highest caliber.
“Going into the playoffs, it’s been excited and there was a general buzz around the club,” Cepero explained. “The guys in the locker room are just excited to have a clean slate. Our general focus and approach to the matches have been great and the results have spoken for themselves.”
One of several New York natives in the squad, Cepero is soaking up every minute of playing time with relish. It helps that he’s been a key member of this fairy-tale run, but playing in front of his family has made it all the more special.
“It’s incredible to be in your home area and to be part of a special organization and a great club like I’m at right now,” he said. “It’s been great to my family out here supporting me and coming to games here at Giants Stadium. It’s pretty tremendous and a special feeling.”
Red Bull has no more games at Giant Stadium this season. On Sunday they will face the Columbus Crew in the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, California. The winner will take home the MLS Cup. If the cup ends up in New York, expect a string of breathtaking Cepero saves to be a key reason.
--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride for me personally,” the 21-year-old goalkeeper said during a recent MLS teleconference.
Cepero only got his big shot because starting net-minder Jon Conway was suspended for 10 matches following the revelation that he had taken a banned substance. Along with defender Jeff Parke, Conway is the first player to be found using an illegal substance by MLS, making Cepero’s quick rise to starter all the more unexpected. Besides the vacant spot, Cepero also has Conway to thank for some reassuring words.
“I was fortunate enough to speak with Jon before I made my debut and had nothing but great things to say and wished me well,” Cepero said. “That put me at ease and made me feel a lot more comfortable in goal. In the days leading up to the match, Juan Carlos and the players let me know that they had the upmost confidence in me and that I was going out there for a reason and to play like I’ve been playing. Our chemistry and my chemistry with the team just grew from there.”
It hasn’t been easy the entire way. In the last game of the regular season, Cepero gave up 5 goals to a sizzling Chicago Fire attack in a loss that very nearly cost the team a playoff berth. Since then, however, the youngster has rebounded perfectly. In the last two matches, against Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake, he has recorded an impressive 14 saves, some of them of the very highest caliber.
“Going into the playoffs, it’s been excited and there was a general buzz around the club,” Cepero explained. “The guys in the locker room are just excited to have a clean slate. Our general focus and approach to the matches have been great and the results have spoken for themselves.”
One of several New York natives in the squad, Cepero is soaking up every minute of playing time with relish. It helps that he’s been a key member of this fairy-tale run, but playing in front of his family has made it all the more special.
“It’s incredible to be in your home area and to be part of a special organization and a great club like I’m at right now,” he said. “It’s been great to my family out here supporting me and coming to games here at Giants Stadium. It’s pretty tremendous and a special feeling.”
Red Bull has no more games at Giant Stadium this season. On Sunday they will face the Columbus Crew in the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, California. The winner will take home the MLS Cup. If the cup ends up in New York, expect a string of breathtaking Cepero saves to be a key reason.
--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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