Mike Petke

Mike Petke (born January 30, 1976 in Bohemia, New York) is an American soccer defender, who currently plays for the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

Related Topics:
January 30 - 1976 - Bohemia - New York - Soccer - Defender - Colorado Rapids - Major League Soccer

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After playing college soccer at Southern Connecticut State University, Petke was drafted by the MetroStars in the first round of the 1998 MLS College Draft. He spent the next five years with the Metros, becoming the only constant under an ever-changing regime of coaches in players. A fan favorite who often dyed his hair, Petke is the MetroStars all-time leader in games played with 134 (157 in all competitions).

Related Topics:
College soccer - Southern Connecticut State University - MetroStars - 1998 MLS College Draft - Dyed

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Perhaps Petke's finest moment as a Metro came on August 20, 2000, just four days after Tampa Bay Mutiny forward Mamadou Diallo broke the ribs of Metro goalkeeper Mike Ammann. Petke, who rarely scored goals, got one in the Metro win over the Colorado Rapids, and unveiled a t-shirt that said August 16th: Crime of the Century on the front and Revenge is Coming on the back. While such support for a fallen comrade was welcomed by teammates and Metro fans, it was frowned at by the league and Petke was fined for his efforts. Diallo, however, received no disciplinary action following the injuries to Ammann.

Related Topics:
August 20 - 2000 - Tampa Bay Mutiny - Mamadou Diallo - Mike Ammann - Colorado Rapids - August 16th

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Petke, a three-time MLS All-Star, did not have a good season in 2002 and was traded to D.C. United with a draft pick and an allocation for Eddie Pope, Jaime Moreno, and Richie Williams. He won the MLS Cup with DC during his season season there. Petke was then traded to the Colorado Rapids in May 2005 in a three-team deal. In seven years in MLS, he has scored nine regular season goals and added four assists.

Related Topics:
MLS All-Star - 2002 - D.C. United - Eddie Pope - Jaime Moreno - Richie Williams - MLS Cup

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Petke currently has two caps with the US national team, the first coming June 7, 2001 against Ecuador.

Related Topics:
US national team - June 7 - 2001 - Ecuador

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