Coundoul Signs MLS Contract

[GreatDanes06]

FROM THE UALBANY ATHLETIC WEBSITE:

 

BOUNA COUNDOUL SIGNS DEVELOPMENTAL CONTRACT WITH MLS' COLORADO RAPIDS

 

Denver, Colo. – Former University at Albany goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul has signed a developmental contract with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. Coundoul, who recently earned his undergraduate degree in information science with a minor in French, has reported to the team and replaces Michael Cardenas on the roster.

 

"He is a tremendous story that can inspire all young goalkeepers," UAlbany coach Johan Aarnio commented. "As a graduating senior and the first player to reach the MLS ranks from our program, Bouna will develop well as a professional. His demeanor with others and professionalism make him a true role model for other student-athletes to emulate."

 

Coundoul, the 2004 America East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, ranked third among the NCAA Division I leaders in goals against average at 0.54 per game. He posted a .901 save percentage with 11 shutouts as a senior. Coundoul led UAlbany to a 12-4-2 record, the program’s highest win total since 1992, and a share of the America East regular-season title.

 

A native of Dakar, Senegal, Coundoul was named first-team NSCAA/adidas All-New York Region in his final season. He also was chosen to the All-America East Conference team for the third consecutive year, including a pair of first-team selections.

 

During his UAlbany career, Coundoul recorded a 0.93 goals against average and 17 shutouts, plus made 271 saves. He once posted a shutout streak that lasted 426 minutes over six matches.

[Dane Pound]

That's great news. He's already up on their website-Colorado Rapids-Coundoul

[UA66]

If there is any doubt about UAlbany's rapid rise within the D1 ranks, consider that Condoul is the 4th Albany athlete signed to a pro contract in the past 12 months. Kraft, Campbell, Gudmundsen, and Condoul.

[UAalum72]

Times-Union story : Ex-Danes goalie signs with MLS

 

Does a developmental contract means he's heading for the minors, or is a non-roster player like on a taxi squad?

[GreatDanes06]

no minors in MLS...i believe he is now the 3rd string goaltender. Im not positive, but i think its like practice squad kinda deal, where he will practice with the team. But hes the 3rd goaltender now on the team. I dont know how MLS does there roster stuff.

[WCDBvoiceofUA]

Sorry Jordan there is Minor League Soccer in the U.S. The United Soccer Leagues or formerly know as the A-League actually has been around longer than MLS. They have a first and second divisions. a lot of them have taken the names of the predecessor to MLS the NASL like the Vancouver Whitecaps, etc. There is a team close to Albany in the second division the Western Mass. Pioneers. A decent amount of former America East players play in that league. I would expect Coundoul to be at MLS or in first division this season. Here is the website.

 

United Soccer Leagues (A-League)

[albanynewyork23]

maybe youve heard of the Long Island Rough Riders,,,,one of the more popular of the A league teams

[GODANESGO]

And of course the Rochester Rhinos who for the past few years have been very close to becoming an MLS team, up from A-League.

[GreatDanes06]

o i know of the LI Rough Riders...ive been to plenty of those games...but none of those teams are affiliated with the MLS. They are independent leagues.