Diego Restrepo

Restrepo lived in Colombia until he was 11 before moving to West Palm Beach, Florida with his family. He attended American Heritage School, and spent time at the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before going on to play three years of college soccer at the University of South Florida. He transferred to the University of Virginia prior to his junior year, and quickly installed himself as the team's starting goalkeeper for Virginia, with whom he won the ACC Championship and the NCAA National Championship in 2009.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbscsp.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21100&ATCLID=204848278 |title=Virginia Wins Men's Soccer National Championship - CBS Collegiate Sports Properties |access-date=2011-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708124714/http://www.cbscsp.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21100&ATCLID=204848278 |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=dead }}

During his championship season, Restrepo broke school records previously held by Tony Meola for games played (25), minutes played (2348), shutouts (16), consecutive shutouts (11) and consecutive scoreless minutes (1176).{{cite web |url=http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&&DB_OEM_ID=17800&ATCLID=204973309#Keeper |title=Archived copy |website=www.virginiasports.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717210859/http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&&DB_OEM_ID=17800&ATCLID=204973309#Keeper |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the ACC Tournament{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/15/AR2009111502309.html|title=Virginia men's soccer captures ACC tournament championship|first=Steven|last=Goff|date=16 November 2009|website=www.washingtonpost.com}} and Defensive Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Tournament.

During his college years Restrepo also played for the Bradenton Academics in the USL Premier Development League.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2007/roster/22301.html |title=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |access-date=2011-01-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003054147/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2007/roster/22301.html |archive-date=2012-10-03 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/roster/22301.html |title=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |access-date=2012-03-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203153019/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/roster/22301.html |archive-date=2014-02-03 }}

In January 2011, Restrepo signed a professional contract with Colombian soccer club América de Cali.{{cite web|url=http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7262|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629120837/http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7262|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2011|title=Restrepo Signs With America de Cali}} He made his professional debut on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, in America's 1–1 tie vs. Pereira.{{Cite web |url=http://colombia.golgolgol.net/liga-postobon/noticias/noticias/america-saco-un-valioso-empate-en-pereira_112-114588.html |title=GolGolGol Fútbol Colombiano, América sacó un valioso empate en Pereira |access-date=2011-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318022224/http://colombia.golgolgol.net/liga-postobon/noticias/noticias/america-saco-un-valioso-empate-en-pereira_112-114588.html |archive-date=2012-03-18 |url-status=dead }}

Restrepo moved to Venezuelan club Deportivo Táchira on December 30, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/30/gringo-report-restrepo-crosses-border-venezuela|title=Gringo Report: Restrepo crosses border to Venezuela|date=30 December 2011|access-date=30 December 2011|archive-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111180433/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/30/gringo-report-restrepo-crosses-border-venezuela|url-status=dead}} He played 8 competitive matches for Tachira, 4 in the Venezuelan Cup, and 4 in the Venezuelan First Division. He finished the season as Tachira's starter.{{cite web|url=http://www.liderendeportes.com/noticias/futbol/video-caracas-dejo-colorado-al-tachira--1-.aspx|title=VIDEO Caracas dejó colorado al Táchira|access-date=2015-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116025312/http://www.liderendeportes.com/noticias/futbol/video-caracas-dejo-colorado-al-tachira--1-.aspx|archive-date=2017-11-16|url-status=dead}}

On March 20, 2013, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced that Restrepo had signed a two-year contract with the club. He excelled after being named the Rowdies starting goalkeeper, playing in 26 matches in all competitions. He was named the "NASL Player Of The Week" 3 times and to the "NASL Team Of the Week" 7 times in 2013.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/index.php?id=23&playerID=507 |title=| Tampa Bay Rowdies |access-date=2013-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217022031/http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/index.php?id=23&playerID=507 |archive-date=2013-12-17 |url-status=dead }}

During the Rowdies' 2014 preseason training, Restrepo tore his Achilles tendon and was sidelined for the entirety of the 2014 season. On November 6, Restrepo announced he would be moving on from Tampa Bay.{{cite tweet|user=DiegoRestrepoGK|author=Diego Restrepo|number=530413308185427969|date=6 November 2014|title=Thank you @RowdiesSoccer & @RalphsMob for 2 great year. Best of luck to the organization. Looking forward to my next challenge!}}

Restrepo signed with USL club Charlotte Independence on February 24, 2015.{{cite web |url=http://uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209905394&DB_OEM_ID=32800 |title=Independence Add Veteran Goalkeeper Restrepo - United Soccer League |access-date=2015-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225000325/http://uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209905394&DB_OEM_ID=32800 |archive-date=2015-02-25 }} During his short stay with Charlotte, he played in 3 matches, 2 in the U.S. Open Cup and 1 in USL league play.{{Cite web |url=http://www.charlotteindependence.com/diego-restrepo-granted-transfer-to-venezuelan-club/ |title=Diego Restrepo Granted Transfer to Venezuelan Club | Charlotte Independence |access-date=2015-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202328/http://www.charlotteindependence.com/diego-restrepo-granted-transfer-to-venezuelan-club/ |archive-date=2015-09-23 |url-status=dead }}

In June 2015, Restrepo is transferred to Metropolitanos FC, returning to the Venezuelan First Division.{{cite web|url=http://www.lavinotinto.com/diego-restrepo-se-sumo-a-las-filas-de-metropolitanos/|title=Diego Restrepo se sumó a las filas de Metropolitanos}} On August 1, 2015, Restrepo takes over the starting role at Metropolitanos, helping the team snap a 3-game losing streak.{{Cite web |url=http://www.balonazos.com/ve/index.php/2013-08-19-19-49-54/noticias/17584-metropolitanos-fc-igualo-1-1-con-carabobo-fc-que-anoto-su-primer-gol |title=Metropolitanos igualó 1-1 con Carabobo FC que anotó y recibió su primer gol |access-date=2015-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181919/http://www.balonazos.com/ve/index.php/2013-08-19-19-49-54/noticias/17584-metropolitanos-fc-igualo-1-1-con-carabobo-fc-que-anoto-su-primer-gol |archive-date=2015-09-23 |url-status=dead }} Restrepo stays as Metropolitanos starting goalkeeper, making 16 starts in all competitions, including 12 league starts.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/diego-restrepo/169909/|title=USA - D. Restrepo - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=us.soccerway.com}}

Restrepo joined NASL side Fort Lauderdale Strikers on December 31, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasl.com/news/2015/12/31/strikers-sign-trio-of-goalkeepers|title=Strikers Sign Trio Of Goalkeepers}} He helped the Strikers earn their first win of the season, on the road in his club debut on May 7, 2016, 3-1 vs. the league leading Carolina Railhawks.{{cite web|url=http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/news/2016/05/07/railhawks-fall-at-home-to-fort-lauderdale|title=RailHawks Fall at Home to Fort Lauderdale|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610085845/http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/news/2016/05/07/railhawks-fall-at-home-to-fort-lauderdale|url-status=dead}} The following week, he cemented his starting role with his first shutout of the season, in a 0–0 draw vs. the Indy Eleven.{{cite web|url=http://www.strikers.com/news/2016/05/14/strikers-held-to-scoreless-draw-by-unbeaten-indy-eleven|title=Strikers Held to Scoreless Draw by Unbeaten Indy Eleven|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=September 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915053441/http://www.strikers.com/news/2016/05/14/strikers-held-to-scoreless-draw-by-unbeaten-indy-eleven|url-status=dead}} With Restrepo in goal, the Strikers improved from 9th place in the league standings, to 1 point away from the Spring Season title. Restrepo helped the Strikers reach the final 8 of the 2016 US Open Cup, and for his heroics is named lower division player of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2016/10/14/2016-us-open-cup-diego-restrepo-carries-fort-lauderdale-strikers-wins-thecup-us-lower-division-player-of-the-tournament/|title=2016 US Open Cup: Diego Restrepo carries Fort Lauderdale Strikers, wins TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament - TheCup.us - Full Coverage of US Open Cup Soccer|website=thecup.us|date=October 14, 2016 }}

Due to the dire financial situation of the Strikers, Restrepo was transferred briefly back to the Tampa Bay Rowdies to finish the 2016 North American Soccer League season. He served as the backup goalkeeper for the last month of the Rowdies season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasl.com/news/2016/09/07/diego-restrepo-joins-tampa-bay-rowdies-|title=Diego Restrepo Joins Tampa Bay Rowdies}}

On March 9, 2017, San Antonio FC of the USL announces the signing of Restrepo for the 2017 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/767666?referrer_id=2436046|title=San Antonio FC Signs Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo|date=9 March 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064321/http://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/767666?referrer_id=2436046|url-status=dead}} After week 5, when starting keeper Matt Cardone was lost for the season due to injury,{{cite web|url=https://twotensoccer.com/2017/06/29/johnston-the-next-goalkeeper-to-get-his-shot-with-safc/|title=Johnston the Next Goalkeeper to Get His Shot with SAFC|date=4 October 2022|publisher=twotensoccer.com|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011403/https://twotensoccer.com/2017/06/29/johnston-the-next-goalkeeper-to-get-his-shot-with-safc/|url-status=dead}} Restrepo establishes himself as SAFC's starter and goes on to have a record breaking season, leading the club to the best collective defensive performance in the league, recording just four losses and conceding 24 goals (21 individually). Restrepo led the USL with 12 clean sheets, recording 69 saves, posting a 76.7 percent save success rate, and finishing as runner-up in the race for the USL Golden Glove with a 0.80 goals against average.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/853623-2017-player-profile-diego-restrepo|title=2017 Player Profile: Diego Restrepo|first=Luis|last=Leyva|date=November 7, 2017|website=San Antonio FC}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} For his performance, Restrepo was named the 2017 United Soccer League Goalkeeper Of The Year,{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/858679-san-antonio-fc-goalkeeper-diego-restrepo-named-usl-goalkeeper-of-the-year|title=San Antonio FC Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo Named USL Goalkeeper of the Year|date=November 20, 2017|website=San Antonio FC}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and to the 2017 United Soccer League Best Eleven.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/854000-san-antonio-fc-goalkeeper-diego-restrepo-defender-sebastien-ibeagha-and-midfielder-billy-forbes-earn-usl-all-league-honors|title=San Antonio FC Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo, Defender Sebastien Ibeagha and Midfielder Billy Forbes Earn USL All-League Honors|date=November 8, 2017|website=San Antonio FC}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2018 Restrepo lost his starting role due to injury, and he signed with Austin Bold FC on 17 January 2019.{{cite web| url = https://www.austinboldfc.com/news_article/show/986138| title = Austin bold fc signs goalkeeper diego restrepo| date = 17 January 2019| access-date = February 10, 2019| archive-date = April 10, 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190410231528/https://www.austinboldfc.com/news_article/show/986138| url-status = dead}}

Restrepo has had much success in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup throughout his career. In 2013, he helped the Tampa Bay Rowdies knock out Seattle Sounders FC, saving an Obafemi Martins penalty kick in the 84th minute to preserve the 1–0 result.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/tampa-bay-rowdies-beat-seattle-sounders-fc-1-0/2123794/|title=Tampa Bay Rowdies beat Seattle Sounders|date=29 May 2013}} In 2015, Restrepo helped the Charlotte Independence attain their first win versus a higher division opponent, coming on in the 40th minute to preserve the shutout and 1–0 victory versus the NASL's Carolina Railhawks.{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/lamar-hunt-us-open-cup/open-cup-tournaments/2015-usoc/third-round/150527-usoc-r3-carolina-railhawks-v-charlotte-independence|title=Carolina RailHawks vs. Charlotte Independence - 2015 U.S. Open Cup - Third Round|website=www.ussoccer.com}}

In 2016, Restrepo was the star of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers run to the Open Cup's final 8. He tallied a shutout and stopped 3 penalty kicks during the shootout win vs. the Richmond Kickers, earning U.S. Open Cup player of the round.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2016/06/15/2016-us-open-cup-round-3-diego-restrepos-pk-heroics-for-fort-lauderdale-strikers-earns-player-of-the-round/|title=2016 US Open Cup round 3: Diego Restrepo's PK heroics for Fort Lauderdale Strikers earns TheCup.us Player of the Round - TheCup.us - Full Coverage of US Open Cup Soccer|website=thecup.us|date=June 15, 2016 }} In the round of 36, he held D.C. United scoreless during 120 minutes of play, and stopped a penalty kick during the shootout, helping the Strikers advance to the round of 16.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2016/06/17/2016-us-open-cup-round-4-diego-restrepo-helps-fort-lauderdale-strikers-make-history-in-pk-win-over-dc-united/|title=2016 US Open Cup round 4: Diego Restrepo helps Fort Lauderdale Strikers make history in PK win over DC United - TheCup.us - Full Coverage of US Open Cup Soccer|website=thecup.us|date=June 17, 2016 }} Restrepo was also a key performer in the Strikers 2–1 win vs. Orlando City SC making several vital saves in the match, and earning a reputation as an "MLS killer" in the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.themaneland.com/2016/6/29/12063032/orlando-city-vs-ft-lauderdale-strikers-final-score-2-1-us-open-cup-extra-time|title=Orlando City Falls To Ft. Lauderdale In Extra Time|date=29 June 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309062248/http://www.themaneland.com/2016/6/29/12063032/orlando-city-vs-ft-lauderdale-strikers-final-score-2-1-us-open-cup-extra-time|url-status=dead}} For his impressive performances in the 2016 Tournament, Restrepo was the "U.S. Open Cup Lower Division Player of the Tournament".

Despite being born in Venezuela, Restrepo has represented the United States at the youth level. He is a graduate of the U.S. U-17 Residency Program.{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Youth/US-Under17-Men/Residency.aspx |title=Residency Program - U.S. Soccer |access-date=2012-05-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325214252/http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/youth/us-under17-men/residency.aspx |archive-date=2014-03-25 }} In 2005, he was a member of the U.S. U-17 World Cup squad that participated in the 2005 Youth World Cup in Peru.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-17-MNT/2005/09/U-17S-In-Peru-Preparing-For-Saturday-U-17-World-Championship-Opener.aspx |title=U-17's in Peru Preparing for Saturday U-17 World Championship Opener - U.S. Soccer |access-date=2011-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717180849/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-17-MNT/2005/09/U-17S-In-Peru-Preparing-For-Saturday-U-17-World-Championship-Opener.aspx |archive-date=2011-07-17 |url-status=dead }} He has also been a member of the U.S. U-20 National Team.{{Cite web |url=http://www.soccermogul.com/rongen_names_u20_training_camp_roster.aspx |title=US Under 20 national team, Dane Shea, Thomas Rongen, Diego Restrepo, Steve Sandbo, Andre Akpan, Gabriel Ferrari, Johann Smith, Preston Zimmerman, Sal Zizzo |access-date=2011-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716100950/http://www.soccermogul.com/rongen_names_u20_training_camp_roster.aspx |archive-date=2011-07-16 |url-status=dead }}

Restrepo started his club coaching career in 2020 as the academy goalkeeping coach for Major League Soccer side Austin FC.{{Cite news |last=Bils |first=Chris |title=Soccer notebook: Will Austin FC stadium deliver on promise to feel like home? |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/mls/2020/11/11/soccer-notebook-will-austin-fc-stadium-deliver-on-promise-to-feel-like-home/43076297/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Austin American-Statesman |language=en-US}} After his time in Austin, he was hired as the Head of Goalkeeping for D.C. United, another MLS club.{{Cite web |last=dcunited |title=D.C. United Hire Diego Restrepo as Head of Goalkeeping {{!}} DC United |url=https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-hire-diego-restrepo-as-head-of-goalkeeping |access-date=2022-02-24 |website=dcunited |language=en}} On December 14, 2023, Restrepo was announced as Head of Goalkeeper for Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League. He was reunited with general manager Lucy Rushton, who worked in the same position while Restrepo was at D.C. United.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-14 |title=Bay FC Announces Coaching Staff Ahead of Inaugural Season |url=https://bayfc.com/press-releases/bay-fc-announces-coaching-staff-ahead-of-inaugural-season/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Bay FC |language=en-US}}

• NCAA Men's Division I Soccer Championship (1): 2009

• Copa Cafam (1): 2011

• [https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/858679 2017 USL Goalkeeper Of The Year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025419/https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/858679 |date=November 9, 2020 }}
• [https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/854000 2017 USL Best Eleven] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802162808/https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/854000 |date=August 2, 2018 }}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17800&ATCLID=204763805 University of Virginia Bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717210938/http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17800&ATCLID=204763805 |date=July 17, 2011 }}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110629120837/http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7262 Announcement of contract signing with America de Cali]}}

{{NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament MOP}}

{{VaSID Award - Men's Soccer}}

{{USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Restrepo, Diego}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Venezuelan men's footballers

Category:American men's soccer players

Category:Colombian men's footballers

Category:South Florida Bulls men's soccer players

Category:Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer players

Category:IMG Academy Bradenton players

Category:América de Cali footballers

Category:Deportivo Táchira F.C. players

Category:Tampa Bay Rowdies players

Category:Charlotte Independence players

Category:Metropolitanos FC players

Category:Fort Lauderdale Strikers players

Category:San Antonio FC players

Category:Austin Bold FC players

Category:Categoría Primera A players

Category:USL League Two players

Category:North American Soccer League (2011–2017) players

Category:USL Championship players

Category:United States men's youth international soccer players

Category:United States men's under-20 international soccer players

Category:Colombian emigrants to the United States

Category:American sportspeople of Colombian descent

Category:Men's association football goalkeepers

Category:Footballers from Mérida, Mérida

Category:D.C. United non-playing staff