Troy Perkins (born July 29, 1981 in Springfield,
Ohio) is an American soccer player, who currently
plays goalkeeper for Vålerenga I.F. in Tippeligaen.
Perkins played college soccer at the University of
South Florida and the University of Evansville. He
was named third-team All-Conference USA in 2001, and
second-team All-CUSA in 2002. He transferred to
Evansville for his senior season. At Evansville, he
allowed only 21 goals in 19 matches, compiling a
1.09 goals-against-average. Perkins also played in
the PDL for the Cape Cod Crusaders in 2002 and 2003.
Upon graduating in 2003, Perkins went undrafted.
However, he was signed to a developmental contract
by D.C. United. Not expected to contribute, Perkins
was given an opportunity after both Nick Rimando and
Doug Warren lost their starting positions. Perkins
proved up to the task, and went on to start 16 games
for the team, posting a 1.62 goals against average.
Although Perkins was performing well, the team
suffered during his tenure, and he was replaced near
the end of the season with Nick Rimando, who would
also start for United throughout the playoffs.
During the 2006 season, Perkins was the starting
goalkeeper for United, playing 30 of 32 games. He
was also named 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the year, Best
XI, and voted to the 2006 All Star Team.
So far, in the 2007 MLS season, Perkins has started
and played in almost every game. He has 15 wins,
with 7 shutouts and a 1.08 goals-against-average.
In December 2007 Perkins signed for Norwegian
Vålerenga I.F.. This move looked more likely after
D.C. United signed goalkeeper Zach Wells on December
12th, 2007.
On December 20th, Troy Perkins passed the medical
testing, and signed a 5 year contract with Vålerenga
I.F.. The transfer is historical for Vålerenga,
Perkins is the first football player from the
American continent to sign for the club.
