Miloš Kocić facts for kids
_-_cropped.jpg)
Kocić in 2012
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 4, 1985 | ||
| Place of birth | Leskovac, SFR Yugoslavia | ||
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2001–2004 | Dubočica Leskovac | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2005 | St. John's Red Storm | ||
| 2006–2008 | Loyola Greyhounds | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2004 | Radnički Jugopetrol | 35 | (0) |
| 2004–2005 | Železnik | 0 | (0) |
| 2009 | D.C. United | 4 | (0) |
| 2010–2012 | Toronto FC | 37 | (0) |
| 2010 | → Serbian White Eagles (loan) | 20 | (0) |
| 2013 | Portland Timbers | 2 | (0) |
| 2014–2015 | Győr | 10 | (0) |
| 2019–2021 | Serbian White Eagles | 1 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2003–2004 | Serbia and Montenegro U19 | ||
| 2004 | Serbia and Montenegro U21 | 3 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 3 October 2021 | |||
Miloš Kocić (Serbian Cyrillic: Милош Koцић; born June 4, 1985) is a Serbian former professional soccer player. He played the position of goalkeeper.
Contents
Early Life and College Career
Miloš Kocić was born in Leskovac, a city in what was then Yugoslavia. He started playing soccer in his home country. He was part of the youth team for his hometown club, Dubočica Leskovac. In 2005, he moved to the United States to play college soccer.
Playing in College
Kocić first attended St. John's University. He was a "red-shirt" player in his first year. This meant he could practice with the team but didn't play in official games.
Later, he transferred to Loyola College. At first, he was the backup goalkeeper and didn't get much playing time. But he worked hard and improved. By his final season in 2008, he was named the best goalkeeper in his conference and was recognized as one of the top players in the country.
Professional Soccer Journey
Starting in the MLS
In 2009, Kocić was chosen by D.C. United in the Major League Soccer (MLS) draft. After considering offers from teams in Serbia, he decided to sign with D.C. United. He made his professional debut on April 22, 2009, in a cup game. A week later, he played his first MLS league game.
After the 2009 season, D.C. United released him. He tried out for Toronto FC and, after a second trial, they signed him for the 2010 season. He played his first game for Toronto on June 2, 2010.
For part of 2010, Kocić was on loan to the Serbian White Eagles. He played so well that he was named the Goalkeeper of the Year for the Canadian Soccer League.
Success with Toronto FC
Kocić returned to Toronto FC and played in big tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions League. On October 16, 2010, he made his first league appearance for Toronto that season. He came into the game after the starting goalkeeper received a red card.
In 2011, Kocić became a key player for the team. After the main goalkeeper, Stefan Frei, was injured, Kocić stepped in. In a game against Real Salt Lake, he made an amazing save in the last minute. This save won the MLS Save of the Week award.
By the 2012 season, Kocić was the starting goalkeeper after Frei suffered a long-term injury. He continued to make great plays, including saving a penalty kick in a game against the Columbus Crew.
Later Career and Retirement
On December 12, 2012, Kocić was traded to the Portland Timbers. The team's director said they wanted to add an experienced goalkeeper like him.
In 2014, he moved to Europe to play for Győri ETO FC in Hungary. However, on January 25, 2014, Kocić announced he was retiring from soccer to be with his family. He also started a goalkeeping academy in Toronto to teach young players.
In 2019, he made a comeback to soccer, playing again for the Serbian White Eagles in the Canadian Soccer League until 2021.
International Career
From 2003 to 2004, Kocić played for the under-19 national team of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2004, he also played for the under-21 national team. This means he represented his country in games against other countries' youth teams.
Personal Life
Kocić earned a degree in International Business from Loyola University Maryland.
Honours
Club
- Toronto FC
- Canadian Championship: 2010, 2011, 2012
Individual
- Canadian Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year: 2010
