*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 9 December 2011 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 November 2010
Joseph Lapira (born August 13, 1986) is a retired footballer. Born in the United States, represented Ireland at youth level.[1] Besides the United States, he has played in Norway and India.[2][3]
In April 2007, it was reported that Lapira would be joining Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen for a trial at some point in summer 2007,[9] although he eventually went on trial at Rangers instead.[10] Lapira broke down with a calf injury minutes into his first training session with the Ibrox club.[11] In January 2008, Lapira finally joined Aberdeen for a week-long trial after recovering from his calf injury.[12] He played for the reserve side in a 1–1 draw with Falkirk reserves but did not do enough to earn a contract with the Dons.[13]
On April 1, 2008, Lapira signed with Norwegian Adeccoligaen side Nybergsund IL-Trysil,[15] who played in the second tier after being promoted from the third tier in 2007.[16] Lapira scored a brace in his Nybergsund debut, a 3–0 victory.[17]
Lapira is a full international for the Republic of Ireland. He qualifies for the Republic by virtue of his Irish mother,[16] and came to the attention of former Irish boss Steve Staunton through Lapira's uncle, who worked at the FAI.[7] He gained a cap for Ireland on May 23, 2007, against Ecuador,[21] becoming the first amateur player to play for Ireland since Willie Browne in 1964.[11]
Awards and honours
M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Winner (2006)
Soccer America National
Player of the Year (2006)
All-America First Team (2006)
All-BIG EAST First Team (2006)
BIG EAST Offensive
Player of the Year (2006)
All-BIG EAST Third Team (2005)
Participated in the 2019 Joe Lapira FIFA tournament, placing a respectable 21st out of 22 participants (2019)