He then moved to Fairfield, Connecticut where he began his university studies whilst also on a full soccer scholarship.
[citation needed] Michael moved to Wellington, New Zealand, where he honed his goal keeping skills as a member of Blenheim All Stars indoor handball team.
In June 2012 O'Keeffe received a late call-up to the All Whites as an injury replacement for Mark Paston in the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.
O'Keeffe was selected for the New Zealand U23 national team, participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
[6][7] In 2013 O'Keeffe joined USL Premier Development League team Ocean City Nor'easters.