Niko Giantsopoulos
{{short description|Canadian soccer player}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Niko Giantsopoulos
| image = York-united-niko-giantsopoulos.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Giantsopoulos with York United in 2022
| fullname = Nikolaos Giantsopoulos
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|6|24}}
| birth_place = Markham, Ontario, Canada
| height = 1.82 m
| position = Goalkeeper
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Unionville Milliken SC
| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Pickering SC
| youthyears3 = | youthclubs3 = Ajax SC
| collegeyears1 = 2012–2013 | college1 = Adrian Bulldogs | collegecaps1 = 35 | collegegoals1 = 0
| collegeyears2 = 2014–2015 | college2 = Calvin Knights | collegecaps2 = 47 | collegegoals2 = 0
| years1 = 2014 | clubs1 = Durham United FC | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2015 | clubs2 = Ocala Stampede | caps2 = 7 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2016 | clubs3 = Devonport City | caps3 = 21 | goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2017 | clubs4 = Broadmeadow Magic| caps4 = 19 | goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2018 | clubs5 = Launceston City | caps5 = 21 | goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2019–2020 | clubs6 = Cavalry FC | caps6 = 6 | goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2021–2023 | clubs7 = York United | caps7 = 49 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2022 | clubs8 = → Vancouver Whitecaps FC (loan) | caps8 = 0 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2024 | clubs9 = Vancouver FC | caps9 = 0 | goals9 = 0
|totalcaps= 123 | totalgoals = 0
| nationalyears1 =
| nationalteam1 =
| nationalcaps1 =
| nationalgoals1 =
| manageryears1 = 2025– | managerclubs1 = Vancouver FC (goalkeepers)
| medaltemplates =
| club-update = April 5, 2024
| nationalteam-update =
}}
Nikolaos Giantsopoulos (born June 24, 1994) is a Canadian former professional soccer player who currently serves as goalkeeper coach with Vancouver FC in the Canadian Premier League.
Early life
Giantsopoulos played youth soccer with Unionville Milliken SC,{{cite web|url=https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/niko-giantsopoulos|title=Niko Giantsopoulos profile|work=York United FC}} Pickering SC,{{cite web |title=Three area soccer teams in Ontario Cup finals |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/community-story/3475738-three-area-soccer-teams-in-ontario-cup-finals/ |first=Brad|last=Kelly|work=Durham Region News|access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=September 4, 2008}} and Ajax SC.{{cite web|title=Ajax, Pickering U16 teams win national soccer titles |first=Brad|last=Kelly |url=https://www.durhamregion.com/community-story/3484697-ajax-pickering-u16-teams-win-national-soccer-titles/ |date=October 15, 2010 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |work=Durham Region News}} With Ajax, he won the national U18 championship in 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/house-documents/parliament-40/session-1/2011-12-08/hansard|title=December 8, 2011 40th Parliament, 1st Session Transcript|work=Government of Ontario|date=December 8, 2011}}
College career
=Adrian College=
In 2012, he began his college career with NCAA Division III school Adrian College in Michigan. He won All-MIAA first team accolades and NSCAA Division III All-Central region honors in 2013.{{cite web|url=https://calvinknights.com/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/20160315lr76y3 |title=Niko Giantsopoulos Signs Professional Soccer Contract in Australia |date=March 15, 2016 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |work=Calvin College}} He played there for two seasons, but decided to transfer schools after the soccer coaching staff was relieved of their duties.{{cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/giant-by-name-giant-by-nature-cavalrys-niko-giantsopoulos-took-the-long-road-back-to-canada |title=Giant by name, by nature: Giantsopoulos took long road back to CPL |first=Steven|last=Sandor |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2020|work=Canadian Premier League}}
=Calvin College=
Despite interest from NCAA Division I and Division II schools, he decided to transfer to Division III Calvin College. In his two seasons at Calvin, he was named to the All-MIAA first team and the NSCAA Division III All-Central Region first team twice as well as the NSCAA Division III All-America third team. He help lead them to the MIAA championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. During his two years as Calvin's starting goalkeeper, he posted a win-loss record of 40-3-4, including a 28-0 record in MIAA competition.
Club career
=Durham United=
He served as an unused substitute keeper for Durham United FC for a match in League1 Ontario in 2014, but did not play.{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/hH0TMmS.png|title=August 1, 2014 League1 Ontario - Durham United FC vs Sigma FC|first=Robin|last=Glover|date=August 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201024023214/http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports14/14l1o076.htm|archive-date=October 24, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-add-giantsopoulos|title=Whitecaps FC eligible for Extreme Hardship, sign York United FC goalkeeper Nikolaos Giantsopoulos to Short-Term Agreement|date=May 21, 2022|work=Vancouver Whitecaps FC}}
=Ocala Stampede=
In 2015, he played for the Ocala Stampede in the Premier Development League.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocala.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2015/07/06/ocala-stampede-hosts-orlando-city/833971007/|title=Ocala Stampede Hosts Orlando City|date=July 5, 2015|work=Ocala Star–Banner}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ocala.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2015/07/03/ocala-stampede-defeat-floridians/834004007/|title=Ocala Stampede Defeat Floridians|date=July 7, 2015|work=Ocala Star–Banner}}
=Devonport City=
In March 2016, Giantsopoulos joined Devonport City in the NPL Tasmania, the second tier of soccer in Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/3790885/canadian-duo-out-to-bolster-strikers/ |title=Canadian duo out to bolster Strikers
|first=Camron|last=Slessor |date=March 14, 2016|access-date=May 8, 2020 |work=The Advocate}} He started all 21 matches for Devonport in the 2016 season, helping to lead the team to a league championship and was named to the NPL Tasmania Team of the Year.{{cite web |title=Devonport Strikers dominate team of the year |first=Shaun|last=McManus |url=http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/local-sport/devonport-strikers-dominate-team-of-the-year/news-story/17cae08337ed52da41d93a1423275569|work=The Mercury |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=August 26, 2016}} In the 90th minute of the Round of 16 match in the FFA Cup against Bentleigh Greens with the score at 0-0, he suffered a shoulder injury and was forced to leave the game, which Devonport ultimately lost 1-0, after extra time.{{cite web |title=Devonport Strikers keeper in high spirits following painful FFA Cup injury |first=Camron|last=Slessor |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4132480/keeper-in-high-spirits/|work=The Advocate |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=August 31, 2016}} As a result of the injury, he also missed the Semi-Finals and Finals of the NPL Tasmania Playoff Series, where Devonport ultimately lost in the Finals,{{cite web |title=Weary Strikers Ready |first=Brad|last=Cole |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4137239/weary-strikers-ready/|work=The Advocate |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=September 1, 2016}} as well as the NPL Finals Series for the champions of each of the regional leagues.{{cite web |title=Devonport head west for Perth challenge |first=Andrew|last=Cooling |url=https://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/news/devonport-head-west-perth-challenge|work=National Premier Leagues |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=September 15, 2016}} He won the inaugural "Players' Player" Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4109854/good-night-at-soccer-awards/|title=Strikers players do well at FFT's best and fairest awards night|date=August 21, 2016|first=Alex|last=Fair|work=The Advocate}}
=Broadmeadow Magic=
In 2017, he joined Broadmeadow Magic in the NPL Northern NSW, a different regional league in the same second tier of Australian soccer.{{cite web |title=Devonport Strikers goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos makes move to Broadmeadow Magic |first=Camron|last=Slessor |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4296679/magic-move-for-niko/|work=The Advocate |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=November 16, 2016}}
=Launceston City=
Giantsopoulos returned to the Tasmania regional division, signing with NPL Tasmania club Lauceston City for the 2018 season. He was named vice-captain of the club,{{cite web|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5521928/one-giant-leap-for-big-city/|title=Launceston City goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos has big goals for his adopted NPL club|work=The Examiner|first=Andrew|last=Mathieson|date=July 13, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2020}} and started all 21 matches in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5642520/imports-in-team-of-their-own/|title=Launceston City, Northern Rangers feature in NPL Tasmania team of the year|first=Andrew|last=Mathieson|work=The Examiner|date=September 12, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2020}} On August 18, in a match against South Hobart, as a penalty shot was about to be taken, Giantsopoulos ran up and kicked the ball away before it could be taken. He was yellow carded, but his antics proved to be effective, as the ensuing penalty shot was missed. The incident became a viral video around the world.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/footballfedtas/videos/1021683811371398/ |title=Giant Sized Mind Games |work=Football Tasmania |publisher=Facebook |date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.planetfootball.com/videos/weve-just-seen-the-greatest-piece-of-goalkeeper-shthousery-of-all-time/|title=We've just seen the greatest piece of goalkeeper sh*thousery of all time|date=January 29, 2020|work=Planet Football}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-goalkeeper-goes-viral-for-the-most-incredible-piece-of-shthousery-20200130|title=Goalkeeper Goes Viral For The Most Incredible Piece Of Football Sh*thousery|date=January 30, 2020|work=SportBIBLE|first=Josh|last=Lawless}} This was part of a streak of three consecutive penalty saves in three matches for Giantsopoulos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sliceofcheese.net/south-overcome-giant-obstacle/|title=South Overcome Giant Obstacle|date=August 18, 2018|first=Andrew|last=Cooling|work=Slice of Cheese}} He was named to the NPL Tasmania Team of the Year at the end of the season.
=Cavalry FC=
Giantsopoulos returned to Canada and signed with Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League on January 23, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://aftn.ca/the-local-connections-keep-coming-as-cavalry-fc-continues-to-build-its-inaugural-roster/|date=January 27, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2020|first=Scott|last=Strasser|title=The local connections keep coming as Cavalry FC continues to build its inaugural roster|work=AFTN}} He served as the backup goalkeeper behind Marco Carducci. He made his debut on May 16 in a Canadian Championship match against Pacific FC.{{cite web|url=https://aftn.ca/cavalrys-cup-run-off-to-ideal-start-with-two-goal-cushion-over-pacific-fc/|first=Scott|last=Strasser|date=May 16, 2019|title=Cavalry's cup run off to ideal start with two-goal cushion over Pacific FC|work=AFTN|access-date=May 8, 2020}} After the season, he re-signed with the club for an additional year.{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/cavalry-fc-minatel-brown-giantsopoulos/ |title=Cavalry FC Re-Signs Three More Players |date=December 5, 2019|first=John|last=Jacques|work=Northern Tribune|access-date=May 8, 2020}} After two years with Cavalry, Giantsopoulos left after the 2020 season in an attempt to gain more playing time.{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/niko-giantsopoulos-fresh-start/|title=Giantsopoulos: 'I Wanted A Fresh Start'|website=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques|date=November 7, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/niko-giantsopoulos-leaves-cavalry-fc/|title=Niko Giantsopoulos Leaves Cavalry FC|date=November 7, 2020|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} In his limited playing time for Cavalry, Giantsopoulos earned four clean sheets and had the best save percentage of any CPL goalkeeper.{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/york9-fc-signs-ex-cavalry-goalkeeper-niko-giantsopoulos-to-a-multi-year-deal|title=York9 FC signs ex-Cavalry goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos to a multi-year deal|date=November 10, 2020|work=Canadian Premier League}}
=York United FC=
On November 10, 2020, Giantsopoulos signed a two-year contract with his hometown club, York United.{{cite web |title=York9 FC Signs Canadian Goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos |url=https://york9fc.canpl.ca/article/york9-fc-signs-canadian-goalkeeper-niko-giantsopoulos |publisher=York9 FC |access-date=10 November 2020 |date=10 November 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/york9-fc-niko-giantsopoulos/|title=York9 FC Signs Niko Giantsopoulos|date=November 10, 2020|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} He made his debut for York United on July 7, 2021 in a 2-1 victory over Valour FC.{{cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-dominick-zator-header-earns-york-united-2-1-victory-over-valour|title=Dominick Zator header earns York United 2-1 victory over Valour|date=July 8, 2021|work=Canadian Premier League|first=Benedict|last=Rhodes}}
On May 20, 2022, immediately after earning a clean sheet against Pacific FC, Giantsopoulos joined Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC on loan for their match on May 22, as the Whitecaps were left without any of their three goalkeepers due to injury and COVID protocols.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2022/05/20/with-two-keepers-in-protocol-and-another-injured-whitecaps-run-into-crisis-in-goal.html|title=Whitecaps turn to CPL's Niko Giantsopoulos to solve keeper crisis|date=May 20, 2022|work=Toronto Star}}{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/york-united-gk-niko-giantsopoulos-to-join-vancouver-whitecaps-on-short-term-loan|title=York United GK Niko Giantsopoulos to join Vancouver Whitecaps on short-term loan|date=May 21, 2022|work=Canadian Premier League|first=Charlie|last=O'Connor-Clarke}} He did not feature in the match, serving as an unused substitute.{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/york-united-niko-giantsopoulos-opportunity/|title='Long Overdue': Giantsopoulos Ready To Rise Against MLS Opposition|date=June 20, 2022|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} His loan expired on May 23, allowing him to return to play for York in their Canadian Championship match on May 24, where he made the game-winning save in the penalty shootout to advance to the semi-finals, where coincidentally, York was matched against Vancouver.{{cite web|url=https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/york-united-keeper-centre-of-attention-in-scoreless-draw-against-pfc-5394840|title=York United keeper centre of attention in scoreless draw against PFC|date=May 21, 2022|work=Times Colonist|first=Cleve|last=Dheensaw}}{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/an-experience-ill-never-forget-yorks-niko-giantsopoulos-reflects-on-whirlwind-weekend|title="An experience I'll never forget": York's Niko Giantsopoulos reflects on whirlwind weekend|date=May 25, 2022|first=Alexandre|last=Gangué-Ruzic|work=Canadian Premier League}} In December 2022, he re-signed with York United on a one-year extension for the 2023 season.{{cite web|url=https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/article/york-united-fc-announces-re-signing-of-goalkeepers-niko-giantsopoulos-and-eleias-himaras|title=York United FC announces re-signing of goalkeepers Niko Giansopolous & Eleais Himaras|date=December 13, 2022|work=York United FC}}{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/york-united-giantsopoulos-himaras-2023/|title=York United Locks In Giantsopoulos, Himaras|date=December 13, 2022|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} He began serving as team captain during the 2023 season.{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/free-agent-niko-giantsopoulos-york-united-cavalry-2024/|title=Free Agent Giantsopoulos Stuck Between Two Clubs|date=January 29, 2023|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} After the 2023 season, he turned down a contract extension offer from York,{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/vancouver-fc-niko-giantsopoulos-gets-to-work/|title=Niko Giantsopoulos: 'Now That I Left York, Vancouver's Getting All Of Me'|date=July 21, 2024|first=John|last=Jacques|work=Northern Tribune}} and he began training with his former club Cavalry, but did not ultimately sign.{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/free-agent-niko-giantsopoulos-2024/|title=Is Five-Year CPL Veteran Giantsopoulos Set For Europe?|date=February 15, 2024|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}} He later joined Vancouver FC during their 2024 pre-season.{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/vancouver-fc-niko-giantsoupouls-train/|title=Niko Giantsopoulos Training With Vancouver FC|first=Felipe|last=Vallejo|date=March 28, 2024|work=Northern Tribune}}
=Vancouver FC=
In April 2024, Giantsopoulos signed with Vancouver FC for the 2024 season, with an option for 2025.{{cite web|url=https://vancouverfc.canpl.ca/article/vancouver-fc-signs-cpl-veteran-niko-giantsopoulos|title=Vancouver FC signs CPL veteran Niko Giantsopoulos|date=April 5, 2024|work=Vancouver FC}}{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/vancouver-fc-niko-giantsopoulos/|title=Last Piece Of The Puzzle: Vancouver FC Signs Niko Giantopolous|first=Felipe|last=Vallejo|work=Northern Tribune|date=April 5, 2024}} Despite not making any appearances in the 2024 season serving as the backup keeper, Giantsopolous signed an extension for the 2025 season, after the 2024 season.{{cite web|url=https://vancouverfc.canpl.ca/article/callum-irving-and-niko-giantsopoulos-return-to-vancouver-fc-for-2025-season|title=Vancouver FC ink Veteran Goalkeeping duo Callum Irving, Niko Giantsopoulos to new contracts|date=January 9, 2025|work=Vancouver FC}}{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/vancouver-fc-retains-goalkeeper-duo-of-irving-giantsopoulos/|title=Vancouver FC Retains Goalkeeper Duo Of Irving, Giantsopoulos|date=January 9, 2025|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}}
In March 2025, he announced his retirement.{{cite web|url=https://vancouverfc.canpl.ca/article/niko-giantsopoulos-bids-farewell-to-professional-soccer-after-an-illustrious-career|title=Niko Giantsopoulos bids farewell to professional soccer after an illustrious career|date=March 4, 2025|work=Vancouver FC}}{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/niko-giantsopoulos-retirement/|title=Giant By Nature: Niko Giantsopoulos Announces Retirement|date=March 5, 2025|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}}
Coaching career
In 2025, Giantsopoulos was named goalkeepers coach with Vancouver FC.{{cite web|url=https://vancouverfc.canpl.ca/article/vancouver-fc-unveils-coaching-team-for-2025-fresh-faces-familiar-leaders-and-a-new-era-for-goalkeeping|title=Vancouver FC unveils coaching staff for 2025: Fresh faces, familiar leaders, and a new era for goalkeeping|date=March 8, 2025|work=Vancouver FC}}
Media career
In 2021, along with his club team York United FC, Giantsopolous launched a podcast series called ‘The Last Line: A Goalkeeper’s Podcast’.{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/york-uniteds-giantsopoulos-dives-into-pressures-of-goalkeeping-in-podcast-series|title=York United's Giantsopoulos dives into 'pressures' of goalkeeping in podcast series|date=May 7, 2021|work=Canadian Premier League|first=Marty|last=Thompson}}{{cite web|url=https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/article/introducing-our-brand-new-podcast-the-last-line|title=Introducing our brand-new podcast: The Last Line|work=York United FC|date=April 29, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/york-uniteds-niko-giantospolous-launches-goalkeeping-podcast|title=York United's Niko Giantsopoulos launches goalkeeping podcast|date=April 29, 2021|work=Canadian Premier League}} In March 2022, he became the co-host of a radio talk show focussed on soccer called 'Footy First' on TSN Radio 1050.{{Cite web|url=https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/article/radio-star-goalkeeper-niko-giantsopoulos-to-co-host-tsn-1050s-new-soccer-show|title=Radio Star: Goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos to co-host TSN 1050's new soccer show|date=March 24, 2022|work=York United FC}}
Personal life
Career statistics
{{updated|October 19, 2024}}{{Soccerway|nikolas-giantsopoulos/457880}}
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
=Club=
Devonport City
- NPL Tasmania Champions: 2016
- NPL Tasmania Playoff Runner-Up: 2016
- Milan Lakoseljac Cup Champions: 2016
Calvary FC
- Canadian Premier League (Regular season):
- Champions: Spring 2019, Fall 2019
- Canadian Premier League Finals
- Runners-up: 2019
=Individual=
- NPL Tasmania Team of the Year: 2016, 2018
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway|nikolas-giantsopoulos/457880}}
{{Vancouver FC squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Giantsopoulos, Niko}}
Category:Men's association football goalkeepers
Category:Canadian men's soccer players
Category:Soccer players from Markham, Ontario
Category:Canadian people of Greek descent
Category:Sportspeople of Greek descent
Category:Canadian expatriate men's soccer players
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Australia
Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in Australia
Category:Adrian Bulldogs men's soccer players
Category:Calvin Knights men's soccer players
Category:Launceston City FC players
Category:York United FC players
Category:National Premier Leagues players
Category:Canadian Premier League players
Category:Unionville Milliken SC players
Category:Ocala Stampede players
Category:USL League Two players