American GK Konopka Signs with Bohemians FC – Goal.com
March 5, 2008
Goal.com USA
3/5/2008
American GK Konopka Signs with Bohemians FC
The former Providence College star is playing in Ireland.
Former Kansas City Wizards goalkeeper Chris Konopka signed a one-year deal with Bohemians FC in Ireland on Wednesday.
Konopka elected not to exercise his contract extension with Major League Soccer at the end of last season after playing one season with the Wizards as a backup.
The Bohemians, also nicknamed the “Gypsies”, are one of the oldest soccer clubs in Europe and are considered by many to be the top professional club in Ireland. Based in Dublin, the side finished in third place in the Eircom League’s Premiere Division in 2007.
In addition, the Bohs advanced to the League Cup finals and the semifinals of the Ford Senior Cup last year.
“I am very excited and extremely honored to become part of such a fabled club like Bohs,” said Konopka. “The whole organization has treated me first class ever since I arrived in Dublin. I’m going to work hard every day and contribute in whatever way I can to help Bohs take home a league championship this season and to help us advance far into all the Cups and European competitions that we will play in.
“I think the team will be very competitive this year. All the guys have a great attitude.”
The 22-year-old U.S. Under-23 international joined the Bohs preseason camp on January 17 and impressed by new manager Pat Fenlon, who is also Ireland’s U-23 National Team head coach. It came after several trials in Europe, including a two-week visit with England’s Coca Cola League One side Walsall FC in late December.
Since then, the former Providence College standout has found a home in Ireland.
“The entire preseason has been top notch and I’m looking forward to working with them for the rest of the year,” said Konopka. “The whole environment is tremendous. I am positive that being here playing in Europe as a member of Bohs will help advance my professional development.”
Bohemians open their 2008 regular league season at Galway United on Friday.
Goal.com USA
3/5/2008