New York rookie goalkeeper Danny Cepero made history when he became the first goalkeeper to score in a Major League Soccer match knocking in an 81 yard insurance goal in the Red Bull’s 3-1 win over Columbus on Saturday.

“That’s crazy to say the least. It’s incredible. It’s one of those random stats that I guess I can always look up and say, ‘Hey, there I am.’”

After winning a free kick outside their own box, Cepero stepped up to send the ball deep with no intention of scoring.  The ensuing kick sailed over the last two Crew defenders and took a big bounce on the NY turf and caught Columbus keeper Andy Gruenebaum off his line and unable to parry the ball away despite an all out effort.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

“I didn’t at all. I had no idea. I just put it in the general area with no intention of scoring and kind of hit it somewhere where my teammates could do something with it. I didn’t even know it went in until I had to ask Kevin (Goldthwaite) and be like, ‘Uh, did that go in?’ and he said, ‘Yeah.’ I go, ‘Do I get credit for that?’ and he says, ‘Absolutely.’ It wasn’t until right then.”

While the goal helping insure a Red Bulls victory, Cepero is proudest of notching a win in his debut.

“To be honest, I’m proudest of getting a win in my debut. I think it was important for us as a team to get that win to further our chances of getting into the playoffs and depending on how things go the rest of the evening, maybe we’ll (get closer) to making the playoffs. For me personally, I’m just happy to contribute and happy to be part of this team. I’m from New York, I love these guys and I love being here so I’m happy to have done what I could to help our chances.”

Cepero was thrust into the starting place when regular number 1 Jon Conway was suspended on Thursday for testing positive for performance enhancing substances.  His only action this season was while on loan with Harrisburg, Pa. of the USL Second Division.  He only returned to the Big Apple side in August with intention of playing in reserve matches and learning from the bench.

Juan Pablo Angel who scored the other two goals for New York was pleased with Cepero’s debut saying; “We were talking about his debut. This might be one of the best in soccer history. He did really well apart from the goal. I’m very pleased for him because he’s a great kid and he has tons of quality and I wish him well. I’m sure that this debut will build up his confidence and hopefully, it will be very, very high.”

While defender Andrew Boyens had mixed feelings (on the freekick) until it went in the back of the net.  “My first reaction was, ‘Who the hell are you kicking that to?’ I was actually pretty disappointed in the kick because it was going straight down the middle but when I saw the ‘keeper coming, saw the bounce, it was a great moment.”

With the win the Red Bulls keep alive their postseason aspirations.