The US enters a new era this fall with another division one league kicking up its inaugural season. The USL Super League will feature eight teams, with nine rumored expansion sides in future seasons. The new league has talked boldly about its future but it will need to set a high standard of bringing in serious talent to accomplish this. Here are eight goalkeepers who would be up to the task.
1. Catalina Perez, 29
After a strong showing at the 2023 World Cup, Perez is still unfortunately looking for a club team to champion as their starter. The Colombian goalkeeper has struggled to catch on overseas, currently with her fifth club in as many years. For teams looking for a talented and tested veteran, Perez would be a perfect pick. (Highlights)
2. Bridgette Skiba, 24
Skiba finished playing for Oregon State in 2021 and originally had a good first spell with Koge, finishing third in the Danish Women's League. However, she’s been relegated to the bench this season after her 3-1 victory over KI in Champions League play. Skiba has immense athleticism to help any professional side but could use a restart to her career. (Highlights)
3. Sham Khamis - 29
The 29-year-old Australian has bounced around the continent, both in the W-League and their second division (National Premier Leagues NSW). Although her window to join the national team is closing, Khamis has a scrappy approach to the game that attracts new buyers to bring her into their setup. For a league looking for players to handle an inaugural season that will inevitably bring bumps in the road, Khamis would be a great addition to bring in.
4. Makenna Gottschalk - 25
New Mexico State isn’t normally known for producing professional goalkeepers but Makenna Gottschalk has been plying her trade for Torreense this season. The midtable Portuguese club has struggled offensively, giving Gottschalk plenty of chances to showcase her talents. Gottschalk utilizes her mobility to cover the goal through extension saves and scrambles in the box. (Highlights)
5. Annalee Grove -22
Grove is in her third year as a starter in Australia’s W-League and is ready for a step up to the next level. Grove has already added international playing time to her resume with the Aussie U19s and has a realistic shot at a top, top league. For a goalkeeper looking to challenge for Australia’s future number one, Grove could use the USL to help propel her to a top league. (Highlights)
6. Emily Dolan - 29
Dolan has carved out a career for herself in Europe since joining Italian club Zaccaria in 2017. After playing in three different countries (Italy, Poland, Spain), Dolan has hit a bit of a wall with playing time with Espanyol. Dolan is a very technical goalkeeper who would be a prime veteran to help kickstart a new American club. (Highlights)
7. Abbie Faingold - 27
Faingold has circled the globe in order to continue her professional career. The 27-year-old has spent time in Japan, Israel, France, and Cyprus with Champions League-side Apollon Limassol. Faingold has most recently repped California Storm, a semi-pro team here in the US. Although there won’t be a USL California-based team in 2024, Faingold has shown the determination to maintain a professional career and wouldn’t be a stranger to traveling once again for a starting spot. (Highlights)
8. Glo Hinojosa - 24
Hinojosa has a strong “bet on me” attitude that mirrors Lindsey Harris’ style of play. Despite the lack of height, Hinojosa and UC Irvine played spoiler to number-one seed UCLA in the 2023 tournament through her gritty, never-say-die approach. Oh, and the year before? Hinojosa led UC Irvine in another upset over USC in the 2022 tournament. As far as young Americans who have a track record of proving doubters wrong, Hinojosa tops the list. (Highlights)