An American goalkeeper at Everton is nothing new, and a big young backstop is on trial at Goodison Park this week.
Monmouth University goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky, 22, is scheduled to appear at the MLS Combine next month, but the 6-foot-6 keeper is working with the Premier League club on trial this week.
“Getting invited on trial with such an historic club like Everton is something only so many people can add to their resumé,” Klenofsky told PST. “Being here and experiencing the level of football and the culture that surrounds it is a dream of mine that I feel blessed to be able to do.”
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PST profiled Klenofsky during his junior season as Monmouth posted another impressive season under coach Robert McCourt. To be at a club where Tim Howard shone is humbling the big backstop.
“Being mentioned in the same sentence as Tim Howard is an honor in itself as well,” Klenofsky said. “But as big of honor as it is to be at Everton, being a trialist is not my goal, I’ve wanted to be a pro for as long as I can remember and I’m close but I am not there yet. These next few months are pivotal for my career and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. That being said I wouldn’t be here without my youth club TSF Academy or Monmouth University and I will be forever indebted to them.”
Klenofsky twice led the NCAA in goals against average, and allowed 10 goals in 11 matches this season. He also played for the New York Red Bulls U-23 side in the Premier Development League.