Jeff Attinella is arguably the best goalkeeper available in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. Only U-20 standout Zac MacMath can even be compared with the senior goalkeeper from USF.
“I work hard, week in, week out,” Attinella commented. “I’ve been a captain for two years and believe I have good leadership skills. As a goalkeeper I am strong in the air.”
Attinella has all the tools you look for in a keeper and this has not gone unnoticed. The Safety Harbor, Fla. native not only was on trial with Swedish side Orebro FC, but he recently spent time at Uniao De Leiria in Portugal’s top-flight. Attinella is currently mulling his options as he prepares for the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
European interest in American goalkeepers continues to be high thanks to the success of Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Kasey Keller, and Brad Guzan. Attinella certainly has the potential to be the leader of a new generation of young American keepers that have the ability to play both at home and abroad.
Attinella has played every minute over the past two years, recording a 0.78 goals against average and a .810 save percentage this season. He holds the school record for shutouts in a season (10) and career clean sheets (28) and tied the school mark for consecutive shutouts with 6. These are impressive numbers considering USF plays some of the best teams in the country.
Citing awards for Attinella is much like reading a laundry list. He has received every major award available to him, including BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year, First Team All-BIG EAST Conference, and NSCAA Division I All-America First Team. Despite the saturation of awards, he is quick point out that he owes much credit to his coaching staff, especially Head Coach George Kiefer and Assistant Coach Bryheem Hancock. “Coach Kiefer had a lot of faith in me and game me the opportunity,” Attinella declared. “I have grown as a player and a person.”
“I train with Coach Hancock every day,” Attinella continued. “They want the best for me and have taken the program to the next level.”
The senior keeper’s solid performance at Day 1 of the MLS Combine certainly could push Attinella into the first round if teams choose to address their needs at goalkeeper. MacMath is a bit younger and is getting attention as a long-term project, but Attinella is the most starter-ready MLS goalkeeper coming out of the draft in the past 5 years.
