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Right to Work: GK Restrepo to Join Union

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Stephen Goff of the Washington Post reported tonight that former US Youth International and America de Cali goalkeeper Diego Restrepo will be joining the Philadelphia Union.  The Venezuelan-American had been tied to several MLS and NASL clubs over the last month.  He will be the fourth goalie brought in to compete for the two backup spots to starter Zac MacMath.

The 24 year old keeper starred for the University of Virginia  where he lead the Cavaliers to the 2009 ACC & NCAA Championships, where he was MVP of both tournaments.  Turning pro in 2011, he signed with Colombian Club America de Cali, Roger Torres’ former club, which was promptly relegated.  He then signed with Deportivo Tachira, a Venezuelan side in December of the same year.  He saw the pitch in only six matches for San Cristobal team, and was released at the end of the 2012 season.

Restrepo was a member of the US U-17 and U-20 teams from 2005 to 2007, where he was coached by now-Union boss John Hackworth.  He was recently rumored to be moving to Chivas USA and the NASL NY Cosmos, and until yesterday was in camp with DC United, where he was thought to be a lock to backup US International Bill Hamid.

Restrepo’s move from the United camp up I-95 to Philadelphia could indicate a willingness on Hackworth’s part to open the starting keeper’s spot up to competition.  The head coach has made no secret of his desire to push 3rd year keeper MacMath, and Restrepo is a starting quality option.  His arrival definitely reduces Chris Kanopa, Chase Harrison  and Tunde Ogunbiyi to competing for the third string slot.

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