Danny Cepero

Corporate Teammate: Mountain Fresh Farms

Now in his third year in Major League Soccer, Cepero looks to build upon a late season run which saw him backstop the Red Bulls' first trip to the MLS Cup Final in 2008. Last season, Cepero spent most of the season on loan with the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL-2. He was called into action prior to New York's home finale against the Columbus Crew after Jon Conway was suspended. In his debut, he became the first goalkeeper in MLS history to score a goal. The Baldwin, NY native then gave up one goal in three games in the playoffs prior to the final.

Professional:

2008: Loaned to the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) on April 2. Posted a 1.00 goals against average, six shutouts and 70 saves. Returned to Red Bulls on Aug. 20. After MLS suspended starter Jon Conway, Cepero made first-ever MLS start on Oct. 18 vs. Columbus and recorded two saves in 3-1 win. Became first goalkeeper in League history to score a goal when his 81-yard free kick bounced over the opposing goalkeeper's head and went in. Started all four playoff games, giving up one goal in the first three matches. Recorded two straight shutout wins at Houston (Nov. 9) and Real Salt Lake (Nov. 15), making a combined 12 saves. Started franchise's first-ever MLS Cup Final.

2007: Played in eight games for the Red Bulls reserves, starting three. Credited with a record of 3-2-0 for the reserve team. Posted a 1.56 goals against average. Also trained with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven at the beginning of 2008.

Collegiate/Club:

As a senior was a unanimous All-Ivy First Team selection and became the University of Pennsylvania's all-time career leader in shutouts (23) in 2006. He was also an NSCAA All-Northeast Region Third Team selection.

Personal:

Son of Ana and Robert Cepero. Majored in history. Has an older sister, Veronica. Enjoys playing video games, listening to music, playing basketball and reading. Listens to bands including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Fall Out Boy and U2. Wrote the Rookie's Point of View in the Red Bulls' Gameday program for 2007. Completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Penn in Dec. 2008. Speaks conversational Spanish.