HARRISON, N.J. (March 2, 2022) – New York Red Bulls II have signed goalkeeper Giannis Nikopolidis to a USL Championship contract pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
Nikopolidis, 21, was a four-year starter at Georgetown University. He appeared in 52 matches, tallied 156 saves, and posted a 0.69 goals against average with a record of 39-10-3.
“Giannis has great physical attributes,” Head Coach Gary Lewis said. “He’s strong and has good quality in terms of his saves and playing ability. He also has great leadership qualities and has come in and been a difference in that regard.”
The Athens, Greece, native was a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America honoree in 2020. He also was a two-time Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and three-time All-Big East selection. His Georgetown teams qualified for four NCAA Tournaments, three-consecutive NCAA quarterfinals, two College Cups, and won the 2019 NCAA Championship.
“I am very happy and excited to be a part of this big club,” Nikopolidis said. “I’m going to work hard to achieve the team goals this year and make the fans proud.”
Nikopolidis also played with Olympiakos in the U-20 Greek Super League as well as the UEFA Youth League, while also getting some training time with the first team. He has logged significant minutes for the Greek Youth National Team.
“Giannis is someone that impressed us during his collegiate career, and we have been extremely pleased with the consistency of his play since his arrival,” Red Bulls Academy Director Sean McCafferty said. “We look forward to seeing him develop and grow within our playing philosophy and have no doubt he will have a positive impact on the team this season.”
He was selected 71st overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls.
Transaction: New York Red Bulls II sign Giannis Nikopolidis to a USL Championship contract pending league and federation approval on March 2, 2022.
Giannis Nikopolidis
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200 pounds
Date of Birth: December 8, 2000
Place of Birth: Athens, Greece
