Jeff Attinella

Jeff Attinella

Attinella wearing a Real Salt Lake kit
Personal information
Date of birthSeptember 29, 1988
Place of birthClearwater, Florida, United States
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing positionGoalkeeper
Club information
Current team
Real Salt Lake
Number24
Youth career
2007–2010South Florida Bulls
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2009–2010Bradenton Academics2(0)
2011–2012Tampa Bay Rowdies52(0)
2013–Real Salt Lake16(0)
2013Fort Lauderdale Strikers (loan)4(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of April 24, 2015.
† Appearances (Goals).

Jeff Attinella (born September 29, 1988) is an American soccer player currently playing for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.

Career

College and amateur

Attinella is a product of the University of South Florida where he played between 2007 and 2010. He was awarded NSCAA Third Team All-Region, Hermann Trophy Watch List and Soccer America Preseason All American in 2010, NSCAA First Team All-American, Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and NSCAA All-Region First Team in 2009 and NSCAA All-Region Second Team in 2008.[1]

During his college years, Attinella also played with the Bradenton Academics of the USL Premier Development League.[2]

Professional

On January 18, 2011, Attinella was drafted in the first round (14th overall) in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by Real Salt Lake,[3] but was released by the club without signing. Attinella signed his first professional contract with FC Tampa Bay on February 22, 2011,[4] and made his professional debut on April 30 against the Atlanta Silverbacks, coming on as a substitute when Tampa's first choice goalkeeper Daryl Sattler suffered an injury.[5]

Tampa Bay picked up the 2012 season option on Attinella's contract on October 4, 2011.[6] The 2012 NASL season proved to be a breakthrough year for Attinella, who played every minute of every match for the Rowdies, won five NASL Defensive Player of the Week awards, and was named to the 2012 NASL Best XI. Attinella saved three penalties in the Rowdies' NASL Championship victory against Minnesota Stars FC to capture the Soccer Bowl trophy.

Following a successful second season with the Rowdies, Real Salt Lake of MLS announced that they had signed Attinella on December 3, 2012. He made his RSL debut as a second-half sub for an injured Josh Saunders in a 3–0 win against FC Dallas on July 13.

Honors

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Real Salt Lake

References

External links