Cody Cropper signs with MK Dons

Today MK Dons of the English Championship announced the signing of United States goalkeeper Cody Cropper to a one-year contract with an option for a second. The former Southampton player, who was released in May, joins the Championship side in hopes of finding regular playing time.

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson is excited by the American's potential, "Cody has got tremendous potential and he fits the type of the person we want around the place. He's a good size, got a great work ethic and wants to learn."

Cropper started his professional career with Ipswich Town in 2010 before signing with Southampton in August of 2012.

The 22-year-old has been rated as one of the best goalkeeping prospects in U.S. Soccer for a long time. He played in two games for the USA U-23 team in the Toulon Tournament in May/June. Cropper played in three games and had an up-and-down tournament. A terrible gaffe against the Netherlands will leave a bad mark on his record, but he redeemed himself several times with clutch saves.

Despite his rocky form in Toulon and the emergence of U-20 star Zack Steffen, it is expected that he'll get the starting nod come October when Olympic qualifying starts.

The American is excited about his new opportunity, "It's a great opportunity for myself and I'm very pleased to be here. I want to push on and develop as a goalkeeper." Cropper told mkdons.com

Cropper's new club MK Dons have only been in existence for 11 years. Founded in 2004, MK is short for Milton Keynes, which is a large town in Buckinghamshire, England. Which is roughly 50 miles north of London. The Dons secured promotion to the English second-division last season by finishing second in League One. They begin their 2015/16 campaign on August 8 against Rotherham United.