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Alex Bono
Alex Bono
from Wikipedia

Alexander Nicholas Bono (born April 25, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club D.C. United.

Key Information

College career

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Born and raised in Baldwinsville, New York, Bono attended high school at Charles W. Baker High School where he was a two-year starter for the Bees. During the later years of his high school career, Bono opted to commit full-time to U.S. Soccer Development Academy club Empire United. Prior to college, Bono was seen as the top goalkeeper recruit in the state of New York, and the 51st highest prospect of his graduating high school class.

Joining Syracuse University, Bono became the immediate starter for the Syracuse Orange men's soccer program, starting in playing in 20 matches in freshman season, becoming the first true freshman goalkeeper to start a season opener since Robert Cavicchia in 2005. During his freshman year, Bono recorded a career-high eight saves during the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament against the VCU Rams on November 18, 2012, and equalled that tally on November 25 against the Georgetown Hoyas.[2] During his freshman season, Bono was voted to the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team and was named the Orange's Rookie of the Year.

In Bono's sophomore year, he maintained similar statistics as his freshman year and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference Third Team.

It was his junior year where Bono emerged as a potential professional prospect, as he helped the Orange earn top national rankings, and earn a ninth overall seed in the 2014 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament. In the tournament, the Orange reached the fourth round before being eliminated by Georgetown.[3] Bono was also named a first-team All-American by the NSCAA in 2014.[4]

Club career

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Toronto FC

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On January 15, 2015, Bono was selected 6th overall by Toronto FC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He was considered to be the highest prospective goalkeeper in the draft class.[5][6]

Bono was loaned to Toronto FC II on March 20, 2015.[7] He made his debut against the Charleston Battery on March 21.[8]

Due to an injury to regular starter Clint Irwin in July 2016, Bono was selected to be the number one keeper for the first team by coach Greg Vanney;[9] he went on to make 16 MLS appearances for the club that year,[10] and also started in the second leg of the 2016 Canadian Championship final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on June 29, which Toronto won on away goals,[11] but Irwin later regained the starting spot for the remainder of the regular season and the Playoffs,[10] as Toronto went on to reach the 2016 MLS Cup Final, only to be defeated at home by Seattle Sounders FC 5–4 on penalties, following a 0–0 draw after extra time.[12]

The following season, however, after another injury to Irwin in the team's home opener in the spring, Bono was once again promoted to the starting line-up,[13] and subsequently cemented his place as the team's outright first-choice shot-stopper by September 2017, also establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league: he broke the club's record for most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a single season (10), and overall he kept the second highest number of clean sheets in the league season behind Stefan Frei, and won more games than any other MLS goalkeeper that season (19), while he also surpassed Frei's mark for most career MLS wins by a Toronto FC goalkeeper; furthermore, he produced 72 saves and had a 69.2 percent save percentage, averaging 1.12 goals against per game. In the post-season, Bono's performances once again proved to be decisive in his team's Playoff run, as he conceded two goals and made eight saves en route to the MLS Cup Final, keeping clean sheets in both legs of the Eastern Conference Final against Columbus Crew.[10][14][15][16][17][18][19] On December 9, 2017, he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 win over Seattle Sounders in the 2017 MLS Cup Final at BMO Field – a rematch of the previous season's final –, which saw Toronto complete an unprecedented treble of the MLS Cup, the Supporters' Shield, and the Canadian Championship.[20][21]

After the end of the 2022 season, Bono left the club, upon the expiry of his contract.[22]

D.C. United

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On December 14, 2022, Bono signed as a free-agent with D.C. United on a one-year deal.[23] D.C. United declined his contract option following their 2024 season.[24]

International career

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On January 9, 2015, Bono was called into a training camp for the United States national team.[25][26] He was called up again in March 2018.[27] He made his senior debut on May 28, 2018, in a friendly against Bolivia at the Talen Energy Stadium, keeping a clean-sheet in the eventual 3–0 win. Alex Bono was said to be a promising prospect and a potential big impact for U.S. Soccer in the years to come.[28][29]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played May 20, 2025[30][31]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Playoffs National cup Continental[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Toronto FC II 2015 USL 12 0 12 0
2016 8 0 8 0
Total 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
Toronto FC 2015 Major League Soccer 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016 16 0 0 0 1 0 17 0
2017 29 0 5 0 0 0 34 0
2018 27 0 0 0 9 0 36 0
2019 7 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 13 0
2020 3[b] 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
2021 24 0 1 0 4 0 29 0
2022 24 0 1 0 25 0
Total 130 0 5 0 7 0 15 0 157 0
D.C. United 2023 Major League Soccer 10 0 2 0 3 0 15 0
2024 29 0 3 0 32 0
Total 39 0 0 0 2 0 6 0 47 0
New England Revolution 2025 Major League Soccer 0 0 2 0 2 0
Career total 189 0 5 0 11 0 21 0 226 0
  1. ^ Includes CONCACAF Champions League, Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup
  2. ^ Includes one appearance in MLS is Back Tournament group stage

International

[edit]
As of match played May 28, 2018[32]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2018 1 0
Total 1 0

Honors

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Bono (born April 25, 1994) is an American professional soccer currently playing for the in (MLS). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 209 pounds, he is known for his shot-stopping ability and command in the , having earned recognition as one of the league's reliable netminders during his tenure with multiple clubs. Bono's career began at Syracuse University, where he played from 2012 to 2014, appearing in 59 matches with a record of 39 wins, 17 losses, and 3 draws while recording 30 shutouts. In 2014, his senior year, he set a program record with 14 shutouts, earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was named to the First-Team NSCAA All-American squad. Selected sixth overall by Toronto FC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, he initially served as a backup before becoming the starting goalkeeper, contributing to the club's success including a 2017 MLS Cup victory and a historic treble that year (MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship). Over his MLS career through 2025, Bono has made 169 appearances (165 starts), recording 33 clean sheets, 518 saves, and a 68-53-45 record across stints with Toronto FC (2015–2022), D.C. United (2023–2024), and the Revolution. On the international stage, Bono has earned one cap for the men's national team, securing a clean sheet in a 2018 friendly against . He also represented the U.S. at the under-18 level with seven appearances. As of 2025, he serves as a backup option for , appearing in two matches that season without MLS starts.

Early life

Family and education

Alexander Nicholas Bono was born on April 25, 1994, in , and was raised in the nearby village of Baldwinsville. Growing up in , Bono was immersed in a multi-sport environment typical of the region, where and hockey held prominence, but his early affinity for goalkeeping emerged through backyard games and local youth activities. Bono is the son of Mark and Kim Bono; his father, a former semi-professional , and mother provided strong encouragement for his athletic pursuits, initially rooted in the family's sports-oriented background before shifting focus to support his growing interest in soccer. He has one younger brother, and the family resided in Baldwinsville, where the local culture emphasized community sports but offered limited elite soccer opportunities, fostering Bono's determination from a young age. For his secondary education, Bono attended Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, where he balanced academics with extracurricular involvement in varsity athletics, contributing to his overall development as a disciplined student-athlete. His time at the school laid a foundational emphasis on and resilience, influenced by the close-knit community setting.

Youth soccer development

Alex Bono began his organized youth soccer journey in , initially playing as a forward before transitioning to at age 10, a shift that ignited his passion for shot-stopping and defensive play. From an early age, he demonstrated a natural affinity for the position, setting up makeshift nets at home to mimic hockey goaltending, which honed his reflexes and positioning fundamentals. In 2010, Bono joined Empire United Soccer Academy's (USSDA) program, committing full-time during his high school years to focus on elite-level training and competition. At Empire United, he benefited from rigorous regimens emphasizing agility, distribution, and command of the , under the guidance of coach Jukka Masalin, whose technical drills significantly shaped Bono's shot-stopping style and decision-making under pressure. As the starting for the U-17/18 team, he participated in regional leagues and the 2010 USSDA Playoffs, starting 14 matches and securing 4 shutouts while allowing fewer than one goal per game on average. This period marked a key milestone, as Bono led the team's defense to the top of the Northeast Division, fostering his confidence in high-stakes environments. Bono's standout 2010-11 season with Empire United earned him the USSDA Eastern Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and National Goalkeeper of the Year awards, recognizing his 5 shutouts in 16 starts and pivotal role in the team's success. The following year, he received Eastern Conference Starting XI honors, solidifying his reputation as a top prospect through consistent performances in league play and showcases. During this time, Bono balanced youth academy demands with high school soccer at C.W. Baker High School, where he started for two years and helped secure multiple regional titles, though the physical and travel rigors of USSDA play presented challenges that tested his endurance and commitment. These experiences refined his mental resilience and goalkeeping technique, setting the foundation for his professional trajectory.

College and amateur career

Syracuse University

Alex Bono enrolled at in 2012, joining the team as a and contributing significantly over three seasons through 2014. During his collegiate career, he made 59 appearances, all as starts, compiling a 39-17-3 record with 30 shutouts and anchoring the team's defense in two NCAA Tournament appearances. Bono also maintained academic eligibility, earning spots on the Syracuse Athletic Director's Honor Roll for his balanced pursuit of studies alongside athletics. As a in 2012, Bono immediately earned the starting role, appearing in all 20 matches with a 13-6-1 record and 10 shutouts, while posting a .909 save percentage that ranked among the national top 10. He was named BIG EAST of the Week three times, setting a Syracuse record, and selected to the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team, as well as the News All-Freshman First Team. His performances were instrumental in Syracuse's advance to the third round of the NCAA , the program's deepest run at the time, including eight saves in consecutive tournament games against VCU and Georgetown. In his season of 2013, Bono started 18 matches, recording a 10-7-1 mark and eight clean sheets with a 1.03 goals-against average. Syracuse did not qualify for the postseason that year, but Bono's consistency helped stabilize the backline amid a transitional period for the program. Bono's junior year in 2014 marked his breakout, as he started 21 games with a 16-4-1 record, a Syracuse-record 12 shutouts, and a 0.55 goals-against average that ranked second nationally. His .848 save percentage placed seventh in the NCAA, earning him NSCAA First-Team All-American honors, NSCAA All-South Region Team selection, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and a spot as one of three finalists for the . Bono's elite play propelled Syracuse back to the NCAA Tournament's third round, where the Orange fell to Georgetown, highlighting his growth into a of the team's of resilience and high-stakes competition.

Reading United AC

During his college summers, Alex Bono played as a for in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), now known as , appearing in 18 matches across the 2013 and 2014 seasons. His time with the club provided valuable semi-professional experience, building on his strong collegiate foundation at where he had already demonstrated goalkeeping prowess. Bono contributed significantly to Reading United's defensive efforts, recording eight clean sheets while conceding just 14 goals in those appearances. The team advanced to the both years, with Bono featuring in key matches, including the 2013 Eastern Conference final loss to Ottawa Fury and the 2014 Eastern Conference play-in game defeat to FC Azul, where he faced intense pressure from opponents. His standout performances earned him recognition as an All-Eastern Conference selection and a finalist for the 2014 PDL of the Year award. These PDL games served as a crucial bridge between and professional soccer, exposing Bono to higher levels of competition and attracting attention from scouts. His efforts with Reading United culminated in being selected sixth overall by in the 2015 , marking a direct pathway to his professional career.

Club career

Toronto FC (2015–2022)

Alex Bono was selected by Toronto FC with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He signed with the club as a Generation Adidas player shortly thereafter, allowing him to join the first team immediately after his junior year at Syracuse University. Bono initially served as the backup goalkeeper to incumbent starter Clint Irwin. During his rookie 2015 season, he saw no MLS action and was loaned to affiliate club Toronto FC II in the United Soccer League, where he made 12 appearances. In 2016, an injury to Irwin thrust Bono into the first-team role midway through the year; he recorded 16 MLS appearances (15 starts) with four clean sheets, while also making eight outings for Toronto FC II, for a total of 20 USL appearances across the two seasons. Bono solidified his position as the starting beginning in , appearing in 29 regular-season matches with 10 clean sheets and anchoring a league-best 19-4-6 record. His contributions were central to Toronto FC's unprecedented domestic treble that year, securing the for the most points in MLS regular-season history, the Canadian Championship, and the ; in the playoffs, he started all five games, posting two shutouts and an 88.3% save percentage en route to the title. Key moments included a series of crucial stops against Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Finals, preserving a scoreless draw in the first leg. Throughout his time with , Bono amassed 130 regular-season appearances and 26 clean sheets in MLS regular-season play. In 2019, his role diminished to seven regular-season starts amid competition from , though he featured in four matches as Toronto defended their title. The 2020 season, shortened and altered by the , saw Bono limited to three MLS appearances before a finger injury ended his campaign prematurely; he did contribute to the club's fourth consecutive win through additional cup play. Bono reclaimed the starting duties in 2021 and 2022, logging 24 regular-season starts each year with three clean sheets in his final season. At the conclusion of 2022, opted not to renew his expired contract as part of year-end roster moves.

D.C. United (2023–2024)

On December 14, 2022, Alex Bono signed with as a ahead of the 2023 season, agreeing to a two-year running through 2024 with a club option for 2025. Bringing established MLS experience from his time at , Bono joined as a veteran addition to the goalkeeping roster. In 2023, Bono adapted to his new club in a backup role behind , making 10 appearances with 9 starts and recording 6 in 855 minutes. His debut came in the U.S. Open Cup against on April 26, followed by his first MLS appearance on July 4 against , where he secured a . These outings, including starts in all three Leagues Cup group stage matches, contributed to the team's overall defensive effort, which yielded 11 across the season despite Bono's limited regular-season role. Bono tallied 28 saves and conceded 11 goals in those games, posting a 76.9% . Bono assumed the primary goalkeeper duties in 2024, starting 29 of 30 appearances for a total of 2,610 minutes and helping secure a 10-14-10 record with 2 shutouts. Standout performances included the season-opening 3-1 victory over the on February 24 and his 150th MLS appearance, a 2-1 win against on April 27. He also started all three Leagues Cup matches, earning one clean sheet. Mid-season challenges arose, with Bono benched after 18 starts in favor of following a string of concessions, but he recorded 75 saves overall while allowing 55 goals at a 59.4% save rate. His efforts aligned with the team's push for defensive stability, though finished with 55 goals conceded in the regular season. Across his two seasons with , Bono made 39 appearances (38 starts), amassing 111 saves, 8 clean sheets, and 66 goals against. On October 25, 2024, the club declined his 2025 contract option, entering him into .

New England Revolution (2025–present)

Following the decline of his contract option by on October 25, 2024, Alex Bono signed with the as a on December 20, 2024. The deal is a two-year contract running through the 2026 season, positioning Bono as an experienced addition to the goalkeeper roster and leveraging his prior MLS tenure with and . In the 2025 MLS season, Bono served exclusively as the backup goalkeeper, appearing on the bench for all 34 regular season matches without entering play. He made his debut for the Revolution in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, starting both of the team's matches on May 7 against Rhode Island FC and May 20 against the Chicago Fire FC. Early in the season, Aljaž Ivačič held the starting role, but U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Matt Turner returned to the club on loan from Olympique Lyonnais in August 2025, further solidifying the depth chart ahead of Bono. Bono's integration has been impacted by a neck injury that caused him to miss training and potential opportunities during the summer months. With no MLS appearances, Bono has recorded zero clean sheets, saves, or goals against in league play for 2025, and his save percentage remains uncalculated at the top level. His role has emphasized providing reliable depth and leadership in training, drawing on his over 160 prior MLS starts to support the team's goalkeeping unit. remains under contract through 2026, offering the Revolution continued veteran presence as they prepare for the 2026 season and beyond.

International career

Youth international career

Bono earned recognition at the youth international level through his inclusion in the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team player pool during his high school years. This selection underscored his emerging talent as a within the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system. Bono represented the U.S. Under-18 team with seven appearances. His time in the U-18 player pool involved participation in training camps and development activities designed to prepare promising young players for higher levels of competition. These experiences highlighted his potential and provided rigorous international exposure. The youth international opportunities complemented Bono's club development with Empire United, where his performances helped pave the way for national consideration, and later enhanced his college career at by building on his technical and mental resilience.

Senior international career

Bono earned his first senior call-up to the men's national team (USMNT) in January 2015 as part of an experimental roster under interim coach Jurgen Klinsmann, following his standout rookie season with . He received additional call-ups in January and March 2018 amid ongoing goalkeeper rotations implemented by interim coach Dave Sarachan in the wake of the USMNT's failure to qualify for the , appearing on the roster for friendlies against and others but remaining an unused substitute. Bono made his senior debut on May 28, 2018, starting in goal for a friendly against at Talen Energy Stadium in , as part of Sarachan's youth-focused rebuild. In the 3-0 victory, Bono recorded a clean sheet, facing five shots from with none on target; he contributed five recoveries, caught one cross, and completed 10 of 11 passes, helping maintain the USMNT's defensive solidity in a featuring multiple debutants. Bono was called up again in September 2018 for a friendly against but served as a reserve behind starter , earning no additional playing time. His limited appearances thereafter stemmed from intense competition among emerging goalkeepers like Steffen and , as well as his commitments to during their successful playoff runs, including the 2017 victory and final appearances in 2018 and 2019. To date, Bono has earned one senior cap for the USMNT.

Career statistics

Club

Alex Bono's club career statistics encompass his performances as a goalkeeper across (), MLS Cup Playoffs, , and the United Soccer League Championship (USL) with . The following tables detail appearances (including starts where available), goals against, and clean sheets by season and competition, drawn from official records as of November 15, 2025.

MLS Regular Season

SeasonTeamAppearances (Starts)Goals AgainstClean Sheets
20150 (0)00
201616 (15)164
201729 (28)3210
201827 (27)453
20197 (6)111
20203 (3)03
202124 (24)442
202224 (24)423
202310 (9)116
202429 (29)552
20250 (0)00
Total169 (165)25634

MLS Cup Playoffs

SeasonTeamAppearances (Starts)Goals AgainstClean Sheets
20175 (5)23
Total5 (5)23

USL Championship (Toronto FC II Loan)

SeasonTeamAppearances (Starts)Goals AgainstClean Sheets
201512 (12)251
20168 (8)120
Total20 (20)371

U.S. Open Cup

SeasonTeamAppearances (Starts)Goals AgainstClean Sheets
20232 (2)Not availableNot available
20252 (2)Not availableNot available
Total4 (4)Not availableNot available
As of November 15, 2025, Bono's total professional club statistics across these competitions stand at 198 appearances (190 starts), 295 goals against, and 38 clean sheets.

International

Bono represented the at the youth international level, earning seven caps with the U-18 national team from 2010 to 2012. At the senior level, Bono has made one appearance for the men's national team (USMNT) as of November 2025. His debut came on May 28, 2018, in an international friendly against at Talen Energy Stadium in , where he played the full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet in a 3–0 victory. In total, across his senior international career, Bono has recorded 1 cap, 0 goals conceded, and 1 clean sheet, all in friendlies.
LevelPeriodCapsMatch TypeGoals ConcededClean Sheets
U.S. U-182010–20127Youth tournaments and friendliesNot availableNot available
USMNT (Senior)20181International friendly01

Professional achievements

Team honors

During his tenure with Toronto FC from 2015 to 2022, Alex Bono contributed to several major team trophies as the club's primary goalkeeper. In 2017, he helped Toronto FC secure the MLS Cup, starting all five playoff matches including the final against Seattle Sounders FC on December 6, where he recorded a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory, denying Seattle any goals despite 14 shots faced. That same year, Toronto FC clinched the Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer, finishing with 20 wins, 5 losses, and 9 draws for a league-record 65 points, with Bono starting 29 of 34 matches and posting 10 shutouts. Bono also played a key role in Toronto's Canadian Championship victories in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020; in the 2016 final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he started the decisive second leg, securing a 2–1 loss but advancing Toronto on away goals after a 1–0 first-leg win (aggregate 2–2, with Toronto's away goal advantage), while in 2017, he started both legs of the aggregate 5–2 win over Ottawa Fury FC, including a 4–0 victory in the second leg after a 1–2 first-leg loss. Additionally, Bono started both legs of the 2018 Canadian Championship final against CF Montréal, helping Toronto overcome a 1–0 first-leg deficit with a 2–1 second-leg victory to claim the title 2–1 on aggregate. Toronto also won the 2020 Canadian Championship during his time with the club. Bono's subsequent stints with D.C. United (2023–2024) and the New England Revolution (2025–present) have not yet yielded any team honors, as D.C. United missed the playoffs in both seasons and New England finished 11th in the Eastern Conference in 2025 without advancing to postseason play.

Individual accomplishments

During his collegiate career at Syracuse University, Alex Bono earned several individual honors, including selection to the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team in 2012 after recording 10 shutouts in his freshman season. In 2014, as a junior, he was named to the NSCAA First-Team All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and All-ACC First Team, while also becoming a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, college soccer's most prestigious individual award. Bono's professional career began with his selection as the sixth overall pick by in the 2015 , following his signing of a Generation contract that allowed him to forgo his senior year of eligibility. He holds franchise records for goalkeeper wins (67) and clean sheets (35) across all competitions. He earned MLS Team of the Week honors at least twice during his 2022 season with the club. As of November 2025, Bono has made 169 regular-season appearances in , all but four as starts, establishing him as a reliable presence in net across stints with , , and the , recording 34 clean sheets and 518 saves. He earned his lone senior cap for the men's national team on May 28, 2018, starting and keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 friendly victory over .

References

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