Red Bulls GK Cepero feels right at home

Nov 18, 2008 - 12:13 PM By Bill Bernardi PA SportsTicker Soccer Editor

Danny Cepero is bolting to stardom at a rapid pace.

The New York Red Bulls goalkeeper rose to prominence by carrying his side to the cusp of a championship.

The 23-year-old wunderkind is also a YouTube sensation after he became the first goalkeeper in Major League Soccer's 13-year history to score a goal - and he did it in his professional debut.

Cepero accomplished the feat by scoring from 81 yards out in the 83rd minute to net New York a 3-1 triumph over the Columbus Crew on October 18 at Giants Stadium.

So, what did he do for an encore?

Well, he posted consecutive shutouts in the playoffs to guide the upstart Red Bulls to their first-ever berth in the MLS Cup. On Sunday, Cepero will lead his charges against, ironically enough, the Crew.

"I can't remember, did he score against us in that game?" Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid joked on Monday.

To refresh Schmid's memory, Cepero blasted a free kick which bounced once at the top of the penalty area and caught goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum off his line as it found the back of the net. Cepero immediately was embraced by his teammates - both literally and figuratively - as the team's starter during its storybook run through the season.

Pressed into starting duty after regular keeper Jon Conway was suspended for a league-record 10 games for using performance-enhancing drugs, Cepero has quickly adjusted to life on the pitch.

As well he should, Cepero is from Baldwin, New York - which is a short distance away from Giants Stadium.

"It's incredible to be able to be in your home area where you were born and raised in and to be part of a special organization and a great club like I'm at right now," Cepero said. "It's been great to have my family supporting me in person, coming to the games here at Giants Stadium.

"I think it's also been a point of pride to be a part of a New York team having been rooting for the Metro Stars since I was younger and being part of the New York sports team has been a dream come true. So, it's pretty tremendous and a special feeling."

With literal distance on our mind, let's consider how far Cepero has traveled in soccer circles. He spent most of the season with the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Islanders in the United Soccer League's second division.

Could he have imagined playing in a MLS match for all the marbles?

"In terms of thinking I'd be thrust into playoff situations and be looking at an MLS Cup final, absolutely not," Cepero said. "At the same time, though, it's a dream come true. I'm having fun with it. I'm on the field and having fun and enjoying the guys around me."