Former Men's Soccer Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow Signs With Real Salt Lake
9/11/2017 5:18:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Sparrow was drafted during the fourth round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and spent two seasons with Real Monarchs
SANDY, Utah – Former Creighton men's soccer goalkeeper Connor Sparrow signed with Real Salt Lake on Monday, Sept. 11. Sparrow was originally drafted by Real Salt Lake with the 65th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and spent two seasons with the USL club, Real Monarchs.
"It's an exciting opportunity to join Real Salt Lake," Sparrow said. "The last two years have given me the opportunity to play in some high-quality, competitive matches. That's helped my progression and it's been really rewarding to have the success we've had with the Monarchs this season."
Sparrow joins the first team after spending two seasons with the Monarchs, making 18 starts. He holds a record of 10-3-5 with six shutouts and a 1.11 goals against average. During 2017 he holds a 10-2-4 record with six shutouts and a 0.88 GAA. He has faced four penalties this year without allowing a goal.
The St. Louis, Missouri native played three seasons at Creighton and earned 2015 BIG EAST Co-Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Sparrow ranks second in Bluejay men's soccer program history with a 0.64 goals against average, fourth in shutouts (23), fourth in goalkeeper win percentage (.780, 37-9-4) and sixth in goalkeeper minutes played (4,592).
"Connor has put in the work. We saw potential in him coming out of college and he's done everything we've asked to help his own development and help the Monarchs be successful," Real Salt Lake General Manager Craig Waibel said. "We are proud of what he has done to this point and look forward to seeing his continued growth."
Sparrow becomes the fifth player to make the leap from the Monarchs to Real Salt Lake, including former Bluejay Chris Schuler, Emery Welshman, Ricardo Velazco and Nick Besler. Additionally, current Real Salt Lake head coach Mike Petke and assistant coach Freddy Juarez both earned promotions from the USL club.
