Cepero Diem

Former Penn goalkeeper Danny Cepero was an Ivy standout (0.43 GAA) in his senior season back in Fall '06 and got himself drafted by the MLS' New York Red Bulls' for his efforts.

What's he been doing since? Up until last night, not much -- Cepero hadn't seen a minute of action since he was drafted. But over the past week, he and his teammates have made some history, most notably last night.

On Thursday, Red Bulls starting keeper Jon Conway and defender Jeff Parke became the first MLS players to be suspended for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Both were banned for 10 games, thrusting Cepero into the box at Giants' Stadium for the first time ever last night.

Pundits thought the suspensions would derail New York's playoff hopes. Instead, Cepero turned in one of the best debuts in soccer history -- not only did he look sharp in leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Columbus, but he also became the first goalie in the league's 13-year history to score a goal. On a free kick in the 83rd minute, Cepero booted the ball well downfield. The high-arcing shot bounced once in front of the Columbus keeper, over his head and into the net. The Baldwin, N.Y., native said afterwards that he was just trying to "put it in the general area with no intention of scoring."

In the process, he may have Wally Pipped Jon Conway.

(Video of the goal can be found here.)