Chris Konopka Makes Solid Start for New York Red Bulls

Chris Konopka, a 26-year-old alumnus of Toms River High School East (Toms River, N.J.) and Providence College, got the opportunity of a lifetime Saturday night.

After spending three years in Ireland, the 6'5" goalkeeper made his first ever MLS start for his hometown New York Red Bulls in front of a sold out crowd of 25,177.

“I grew up watching the MetroStars," said Konopka. "I grew up watching Tony Meola, Tim Howard. They were the guys that I watched.”

The only other thing he could’ve asked for was a win.

Konopka made three saves as the Red Bulls came from behind to earn a point in a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire.

He was a surprise start to begin with.

Konopka is an MLS pool goalkeeper—a resource available to teams that allows them to bring in goalies in case of emergency.

New York starter Frank Rost was ruled out earlier in the week due to a quadriceps injury. Former starter Bouna ...

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