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Sounders FC signs Austrian goalkeeper Michael Gspurning
Shortly after Kasey Keller ended his career with the team, the Sounders announce the signing of Gspurning
Dec 7, 2011 3:24:00 PM
Seattle Sounders FC signed Austrian goalkeeper Michael Gspurning, the team announced on Wednesday. Gspurning will be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Clearance.
Gspurning, 30, has been capped three times by Austria and played the past four seasons for Skoda Xanthi of Greece's top flight. He comes to Seattle following Kasey Keller's retirement.
"First off, you don't replace Kasey Keller. What you're looking for is a new goalkeeper," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "We like Michael's background and pedigree. We like his size. He's got good feet so we can play through him and he's very good on crosses, takes good angles and has good hands."
The 6-foot-5 Gspurning has made 96 career appearances in the top leagues in Austria and Greece and was a two-time All-Star in Greece's Super League.
"There are many reasons I want to come to Seattle," said Gspurning. "It is a very good team that plays in many competitions and Seattle has the best fans in Major League Soccer. When I think about the task in the next year, I feel very confident to come over and have the opportunity to be the new number one, and have success with the Sounders.
"I like to keep goal in difficult situations and make saves. With my height I am good at crosses and a solid goalkeeper. I like to push the team in a positive way. I want to help the Sounders and all of my teammates to play better. I can't wait to come over to Seattle."
Gspurning will report to Seattle for preseason training camp in January.
Gspurning, 30, has been capped three times by Austria and played the past four seasons for Skoda Xanthi of Greece's top flight. He comes to Seattle following Kasey Keller's retirement.
"First off, you don't replace Kasey Keller. What you're looking for is a new goalkeeper," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "We like Michael's background and pedigree. We like his size. He's got good feet so we can play through him and he's very good on crosses, takes good angles and has good hands."
The 6-foot-5 Gspurning has made 96 career appearances in the top leagues in Austria and Greece and was a two-time All-Star in Greece's Super League.
"There are many reasons I want to come to Seattle," said Gspurning. "It is a very good team that plays in many competitions and Seattle has the best fans in Major League Soccer. When I think about the task in the next year, I feel very confident to come over and have the opportunity to be the new number one, and have success with the Sounders.
"I like to keep goal in difficult situations and make saves. With my height I am good at crosses and a solid goalkeeper. I like to push the team in a positive way. I want to help the Sounders and all of my teammates to play better. I can't wait to come over to Seattle."
Gspurning will report to Seattle for preseason training camp in January.
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