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Bouna Coundoul is a Senegalese footballer who most recently played for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, and for the Senegal national football team.
Coundoul attended and played for the University at Albany, SUNY. Prior to attending college, he was a standout goalkeeper at soccer powerhouse Martin L. King Jr. High School in New York City, where he received the All New York City Goalkeeper of the Year award.
[edit] Colorado Rapids
In 2005, Coundoul signed with Colorado Rapids, and made his MLS debut on May 13, 2006 as a substitute for injured starter Joe Cannon in the 10th minute. He then earned his first professional start and shutout the next game, in a 1-0 victory over Los Angeles Galaxy on May 20.
In the first game of the 2007 MLS season, at which he arrived wearing traditional Senegalese garb, he contributed to the 2-1 victory over DC United with a diving stop in the last minute. In an interview that year, he created his trademark phrase, "Bouna Time!" which grew and spread as a chant in the supporters' sections as well as being promoted by the team.
In January 2009, Coundoul failed to agree terms on a new contract with the Rapids and was released. Coundoul appeared in 52 league matches during his career with Colorado, posting 16 shutouts and a 1.16 goals against average.
[edit] New York Red Bulls
On June 29, 2009 New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer signed Coundoul after acquiring his rights from Colorado in exchange for allocation money. He made his debut for the Red Bulls on July 25, in an away match against his former club Colorado. By the end of the season, Coundoul established himself as New York's first choice keeper and ended the 2009 campaign appearing in 8 league matches posting 2 shutouts and a 1.25 goals against average.
On March 20, 2010, Coundoul started for Red Bulls in a 3-1 victory against Santos FC, which was the first match played at the new Red Bull Arena. On October 2, 2010 Coundoul made a career-high 12 saves in the Red Bulls’ 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards, which clinched a playoff berth for New York and propelled it to first place in the Eastern Conference. The shutout was Coundoul’s 10th of the season, setting a new franchise season record and resulted in Coundoul being named MLS Player of the Week for Week 27. On October 21, 2010 Coundoul recorded his 11th clean sheet of the season in helping Red Bull to a 2-0 victory over New England Revolution which helped the club clinch the regular season Eastern Conference title. Coundoul ended the 2010 campaign appearing in 27 matches, and registering a career-best 1.04 goals against average.
On November 30, 2011, the Red Bulls declined the 2012 option on Coundoul's contract, making him eligible for the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Coundoul was not selected in the draft and became a free agent.
[edit] International
For his performances during the 2007 MLS season, Coundoul was awarded a call-up to the Senegal national football team. On November 23, 2007, he was named to the Senegalese roster for the African Cup of Nations. He was capped in their final game against South Africa after regular goalkeeper Tony Sylva broke curfew and was suspended from the team. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Coundoul making several strong saves.
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