Stephen Okai (born 27 September 1989) is a Ghanaian football coach and former player.
Okai in 2015 on his Riverhounds debut | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 27 September 1989 | ||
Place of birth | Accra, Ghana | ||
Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
College career | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2009–2012 | Mobile Rams | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2010 | Des Moines Menace | 15 | (2) |
2011–2012 | Reading United | 28 | (5) |
2013 | Charlotte Eagles | 27 | (4) |
2014 | Orange County Blues | 26 | (2) |
2015–2017 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds | 69 | (1) |
Managerial career | |||
2018– | Pittsburgh Riverhounds academy | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Playing career
editCollege and amateur
editOkai played four years of college soccer at the University of Mobile. Okai won the National Player of the Year award in NAIA and was a three-time All-American.[1]
During his time at college, Okai also played for USL PDL club Des Moines Menace in 2010, and Reading United A.C. in 2011 and 2012.
Professional career
editOn 17 January 2013, Okai was selected 31st overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia Union.[2] He trialed with the club, but was released by Philadelphia on 22 February 2013.[3]
Okai signed with USL Pro club Charlotte Eagles in April 2013. He made his pro debut on 13 April 2013, in a 2–0 victory over Antigua Barracuda FC.[4]
Okai signed with USL Pro side Pittsburgh Riverhounds in January 2015.[5] On 30 November 2017, the club announced that Okai's contract had expired.[6] He departed Pittsburgh after three seasons with the Riverhounds and retired.[7]
Coaching career
editOn 18 May 2018, Okai joined the coaching staff for the Riverhounds Development Academy.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Stephen Okai". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ "Stephen Okai Drafted 31st In 2013 MLS SuperDraft". Archived from the original on 29 May 2013.
- ^ "Let the cuts begin". 22 February 2013.
- ^ "Eagles Soar Past Barracudas". Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
- ^ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
- ^ "HOUNDS ANNOUNCE INITIAL OFFSEASON ROSTER PLANS". Riverhounds.com. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
- ^ "Fort Pitt wins opener; Okai takes RDA coaching post, Steel City FC begins & more". PittsburghSoccerNow.com. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
- ^ "Stephen Okai joins Academy Staff for 2018-19". Riverhounds.com. Retrieved 11 December 2017.