Jan. 20, 2017 FINLAND - Former LMU men's soccer goalkeeper Paul Blanchette '16 has signed a professional contract to be the starting netminder for 1958 PEPO Lappeenranta, a professional team based in Finland that competes in the Finnish 2nd Division.
Blanchette, a two-time WCC Goalkeeper of the Year, set the Lions career shutout record at 19. Also a two-time All-WCC second team member, the Palo Alto, California native also holds the LMU single-season shutouts record (8), set the single-season shutout mark (8) and career wins (26).
"It feels amazing to sign my first contract," said Blanchette. "A dream come true. I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in Europe professionally. hrough soccer and class I was able to develop, and now use the skills I've learned to help me reach this point in my career. My education at LMU has allowed me to have a better understanding of the world helping me in my international adventures."
Blanchette also ranks third all-time with 11 single-season wins in 2013, while his 226 career saves ranks fourth and his 0.98 career goals against average ranks fifth.
