Wálter Restrepo

Wálter Restrepo Uribe (born June 21, 1988) is an American-born Colombian football player. He is most known for his speed on the wing and taking on defenders one-on-one.

Wálter Restrepo
Restrepo after winning Soccer Bowl 2014 with the San Antonio Scorpions
Personal information
Full name Wálter Restrepo Uribe
Date of birth (1988-06-21) June 21, 1988
Place of birth San Diego, California, United States
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
–2006 Deportes Tolima U-19
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2008 Deportes Tolima 5 (0)
2008–2009 Expreso Rojo 2 (0)
2009–2010 Boyacá Chicó 8 (0)
2010–2011 Expreso Rojo
2011–2013 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 51 (10)
2014 San Antonio Scorpions 25 (3)
2015 New York Cosmos 22 (3)
2016 Philadelphia Union 4 (0)
2016 → Bethlehem Steel (loan) 8 (0)
2017 New York Cosmos 13 (2)
2017 Tampa Bay Rowdies 15 (1)
2018 Deportes Tolima 0 (0)
2019 San Antonio FC 25 (3)
National team
Colombia U-17
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 26 October 2019

Career

2006–2010

He played professionally in Colombia from 2006–2010, appearing in both the first and second division for Deportes Tolima, Boyaca Chico and Expreso Rojo. He has also represented the Colombian national team at the U-17 level.[1][2]

2011

Retrepo signed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on July 11, 2011, midway through the 2011 NASL season.[3] He made his debut for the Strikers in a 3–0 win against FC Edmonton on July 30. Restrepo scored his first goal for the Strikers in his first start with the club, beating Brad Knighton with a half-volley from 30 yards out.[4] Restrepo's goal, along with the stoppage-time winner from Martin Nuñez in the same game, was voted by fans as the #1 play of 2011. Restrepo scored his second goal for the Strikers in the 3–1 victory against the Puerto Rico Islanders in the semifinal round of the playoffs. He ended his first season with the Strikers having made a total of twelve appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and a single assist.

2012

In December 2011, the Strikers announced that they had picked up Restrepo's option for the 2012 season.[5] He switched from the number 19 jersey to the iconic 10 shirt after Mike Palacio signed with the RailHawks. Restrepo began the season as the Strikers' main playmaker, occupying the hole behind the forwards. On April 21, he assisted both Andy Herron's goals in the 2–2 draw with the San Antonio Scorpions. A week later he scored his first goal of the season against rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 90th minute of the 3–1 loss.

After the emergence of teammate Mark Anderson in the attacking midfield position, Restrepo moved to the right side of midfield. On July 7, Restrepo recorded his first multi-goal game, scoring twice against the RailHawks in a 3–3 draw at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Strikers extended Restrepo's contract on July 17 to carry through the 2013 season, with an option for 2014. On July 28 against the Atlanta Silverbacks, Restrepo scored his sixth goal of the season and extended his league-lead in assists from six to eight.[6]

On August 15, the Strikers announced that Restrepo would miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL tear.[7]

2013

Restrepo made his return from injury in the first match of the 2013 season on April 6—nearly 8 months after tearing his ACL. He replaced Rubens in the 65th minute to a rapturous applause, sparking a comeback 1–1 tie with FC Edmonton in his 25-minute cameo.[8]


Restrepo forced what was later considered an own goal by the New York Cosmos in the 2014 NASL semi-final during extra-time. That goal would be the game winner and would send the eventual champions, San Antonio Scorpions, into the championship match.

New York Cosmos

On January 19, 2015, Restrepo signed with the New York Cosmos.[9]

Philadelphia Union

On January 12, 2016, Restrepo signed with the Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed transfer fee.[10] At the conclusion of the season, Restrepo's contract was declined by the Union after making 4 appearances for the club and 8 for its USL reserve team, Bethlehem Steel FC.[11]

Return to New York Cosmos

On January 31, 2017, Restrepo re-signed with the New York Cosmos.[12] Restrepo played 13 games for the Cosmos during the NASL's Spring Season, notching 2 goals and 2 assists.

Tampa Bay Rowdies

On July 20, he was released by New York in order to sign with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[13]

San Antonio FC

On November 20, 2018, USL side San Antonio FC announced the signing of Restropo.[14]

Career statistics

Club

Statistics accurate as of August 15, 2012

Club Season League Cup Playoffs Total
Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2011 710———5111221
2012 21682110002279
2013 410000———410
Career total 3288211511381010

References
  3. Strikers Sign Walter Restrepo
  4. Restrepo Goal Against Carolina
  9. http://www.nycosmos.com/article/uuid/1l5omtflo25eu15oadwj88t2uh/club-signs-walter-restrepo
  10. http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/01/12/philadelphia-union-sign-new-york-cosmos-winger-walter-restrepo-send-michael-lahoud
  11. "Transcript and video: Earnie Stewart and Jim Curtin press conference". PhillySoccerPage.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  12. "Cosmos Re-sign Midfielder Walter Restrepo". New York Cosmos. January 31, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  13. "Rowdies Sign Winger Walter Restrepo". Tampa Bay Rowdies. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  14. "SAFC signs decorated midfielder Walter Restrepo". San Antonio FC. November 20, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
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