1968-2004 Women's International Soccer Games and Rankings

FIFA women’s international rankings officially started in the summer of 2003. The new world standard was built off the previous 30 years but unfortuantely FIFA didn’t retroactively release rankings, nor make it clear what games they were and weren’t counting. So after a few years of compiling as many games as possibly, Everybody Soccer presents a retroactive ranking system that will hopefully shed some light on where nations stood prior to 2003.

Download the Google Spreadsheet to make similar graphs.

Since it’s unclear what games FIFA did and didn’t count, any international matches were included in this project as FIFA-recognized teams weren’t a high priority for most of the 20th century either way. FIFA’s top ten teams at the start of 2005 are roughly the same from the ones displayed here with minor differences. So the methodology seems to have checked out.

To simply peruse the data and look at various games or yearly rankings, click here for a web page. However, if you’re looking to work with the data, click here to open a Google Spreadsheet that you and copy and download.

The top ten teams in the world from 1971 to 2005 (counting at the start of the year) are listed below for quick reference. Each year shows the top ten teams as of January 1st of the respective year.

For any errors in the data, or if you simply have questions about the information or spreadsheet, please use the contact form to reach out with any inquiries or helpful corrections.

National Rankings 1971–2005

National Team Rankings

1971 to 2005

Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jan 1971DenmarkItalyCzechiaGermanyMexicoSwitzerlandFranceEnglandArgentinaAustria
Jan 1972DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanyFranceSwitzerlandArgentina
Jan 1973DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanySwitzerlandSerbiaFrance
Jan 1974DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoGermanyNetherlandsSwitzerlandSerbiaFrance
Jan 1975DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoGermanyNetherlandsSwitzerlandSerbiaEngland
Jan 1976DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanySwitzerlandSerbiaEngland
Jan 1977DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsEnglandGermanySerbiaBelgium
Jan 1978DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoEnglandNetherlandsGermanyTaiwanSerbia
Jan 1979DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsTaiwanGermanyBelgiumEngland
Jan 1980DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsEnglandTaiwanGermanyBelgium
Jan 1981DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsTaiwanEnglandGermanyBelgium
Jan 1982DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoTaiwanGermanyEnglandNew ZealandSerbia
Jan 1983DenmarkSwedenItalyCzechiaMexicoTaiwanEnglandGermanyNorwayBelgium
Jan 1984DenmarkSwedenItalyCzechiaMexicoTaiwanEnglandGermanyNorwaySerbia
Jan 1985SwedenDenmarkItalyCzechiaEnglandMexicoTaiwanGermanyNorwayBelgium
Jan 1986SwedenDenmarkItalyEnglandCzechiaMexicoTaiwanNorwayUSANetherlands
Jan 1987ItalySwedenEnglandCzechiaDenmarkNorwayTaiwanUSANetherlandsGermany
Jan 1988SwedenEnglandItalyTaiwanNorwayDenmarkCzechiaGermanyNetherlandsUSA
Jan 1989NorwayItalySwedenDenmarkTaiwanEnglandGermanyCzechiaUSABrazil
Jan 1990SwedenNorwayGermanyDenmarkItalyChinaTaiwanEnglandUSACzechia
Jan 1991SwedenGermanyChinaDenmarkNorwayUSAItalyCzechiaBrazilEngland
Jan 1992USASwedenNorwayChinaGermanyDenmarkItalyNetherlandsCzechiaEngland
Jan 1993USANorwaySwedenGermanyChinaNetherlandsCzechiaBrazilEnglandEngland
Jan 1994USANorwaySwedenChinaGermanyDenmarkItalyCzechiaBrazilEngland
Jan 1995USANorwayGermanySwedenChinaDenmarkItalyFranceEnglandCanada
Jan 1996NorwayUSAGermanySwedenChinaDenmarkItalyEnglandBrazilFrance
Jan 1997USANorwayChinaGermanySwedenBrazilItalyDenmarkFranceEngland
Jan 1998USANorwayGermanyChinaSwedenItalyBrazilDenmarkFranceEngland
Jan 1999USANorwayChinaGermanySwedenItalyBrazilDenmarkFranceNetherlands
Jan 2000USAChinaNorwayGermanyBrazilSwedenItalyRussiaFranceNigeria
Jan 2001NorwayUSAChinaGermanyBrazilSwedenItalyRussiaFranceCanada
Jan 2002NorwayGermanyUSAChinaSwedenBrazilNorth KoreaFranceDenmarkRussia
Jan 2003USAGermanyNorwayChinaSwedenBrazilNorth KoreaFranceDenmarkItaly
Jan 2004GermanyUSASwedenNorwayChinaUSABrazilFranceNorth KoreaCanada
Jan 2005USAGermanyNorwayBrazilSwedenFranceChinaDenmarkNorth KoreaItaly
National team rankings • 1971 to 2005

Biggest Upsets

date - scoreline - setting (location) +elo change

  1. 7/20/86 - Japan (3) vs. Mexico (0) - Mundialito (Japan) +86

  2. 10/11/78 - Thailand (4) vs. England (0) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +83

  3. 4/11/03 - Bolivia (7) vs. Chile (1) - CONMEBOL Qualifying (Bolivia) +74

  4. 10/20/78 - Australia (5) vs. Thailand (0) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +73

  5. 10/15/81- Netherlands (0) vs. Norway (3) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +72

  6. 9/24/03 - Norway (1) vs. Brazil (4) - World Cup (USA) +70

  7. 6/24/99 - Korea DPR (3) vs. Denmark (1) - World Cup (USA) +70

  8. 12/21/86 - Thailand (0) vs. Japan (4) - AFC Champ (Hong Kong) +69

  9. 10/16/81 - Netherlands (0) vs. Finland (5) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +69

  10. 10/3/90 - Japan (3) vs. Chinese Taipei (1) - Asian Games (Japan) +69

  11. 11/29/91 - Sweden (4) vs. Germany (0) - World Cup (Sweden) +69

  12. 7/6/97 - Norway (0) vs. Italy (2) - Euro (Norway) +67

  13. 12/4/93 - Japan (6) vs. Chinese Taipei (1) - AFC Champ (Malaysia) +67

  14. 3/11/01 - USA (0) vs. Canada (3) - Algarve (USA) +65

  15. 12/12/87 - Canada (0) vs. Australia (2) - World Invitation (Canada) +65

  16. 10/5/03 - USA (0) vs. Germany (3) - World Cup (USA) +65

  17. 6/9/03 - India (6) vs. Uzbekistan (0) - AFC Champ (Thailand) +64

  18. 9/25/95 - South Korea (6) vs. Uzbekistan (0) - AFC Champ (Malaysia) +62

  19. 7/4/99 - Norway (0) vs. China PR (5) - World Cup (USA) +62

  20. 12/14/01 - Korea DPR (3) vs. China PR (1) - AFC Champ (Taiwan) +62

  21. 11/16/91 - China PR (4) vs. Norway (0) - World Cup (China PR) +61

  22. 7/2/89 - West Germany (4) vs. Norway (1) - Euro (West Germany) +61

  23. 4/14/83 - Philippines (2) vs. Hong Kong (0) - AFC Champ (Thailand) +60

  24. 11/27/91 - Germany (2) vs. USA (5) - World Cup (Germany) +59

  25. 5/25/91 - Hong Kong (2) vs. Singapore (0) - AFC Champ (Japan) +59

The Top Goalkeepers in Women's Soccer

The 2027 World Cup is around the corner, where fans will get to see some of the best goalkeepers in the world battling out for the claim of “best in the world”. These next few years are jam-packed with high-stakes international soccer and, hopefully, a slew of great saves and top-notch goalkeeping performances.

Goalkeepers are rated on their form with club and country, taking into account their success in shot-stopping, distribution, cross management, and ability to improv on a broken play. For past rankings, click here to see the annual list of top 50 goalkeepers dating back to 2016.

Last updated March 20, 2026

1. Angelina Anderson - Angel City FC

The towering (6'0") Californian who's emerged as a commanding presence in goal. Drafted 27th overall by Angel City FC out of Cal Berkeley in 2023, she became the first rookie goalkeeper to start an NWSL playoff match since 2013 and earned a long-term extension through 2028 as the club's primary No. 1. At Cal, she was Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year and Freshman of the Year as a true freshman and ultimately climbed to second on the school's all-time shutout list despite a COVID-shortened career. A former U.S. youth international (U-17 World Cup captain), she's since earned senior USWNT training call-ups and U-23 caps, showing poise under pressure and steady hands on crosses and shots. With regular NWSL starts and a club betting big on her long-term future, the 24-year-old is a rising USWNT contender whose blend of athleticism, technical reliability, and maturity positions her for elite-level consistency and potential international breakthroughs.

2. Phallon Tullis-Joyce - Manchester United

The marine biologist-turned-Man Utd No. 1, a late bloomer who swapped ocean depths (certified deep-sea diver, fossil hunter, University of Miami degree in marine science) for Premier League gloves. After going undrafted out of college, she bet on herself with a move to Reims in France, then OL Reign, before landing at United in 2023, eventually claiming the starting spot and earning her first senior USWNT cap in 2025 with a clean sheet. Tall, athletic, and composed, she racks up shutouts (17 in a recent league campaign) and brings a calm authority between the posts. The USWNT's goalkeeping depth chart is crowded, but her form in England and unique path make her a serious dark horse to climb higher.

3. Ann-Katrin Berger - Gotham FC

The veteran German shot-stopper who finally became her country's No. 1 after a decorated career across Europe. A three-time FA WSL Golden Glove winner at Chelsea, she moved to Gotham FC in 2024 and immediately delivered: NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, Best XI, and a club-record low goals-against average with eight clean sheets. Precise, experienced, and unflappable under pressure—known for penalty heroics and commanding presence—she's the reliable veteran who elevates any backline. Late international breakout or not, her trophy cabinet and recent NWSL dominance prove she's still performing at an elite level, making her a key piece for both club and Germany.

4. Jane Campbell - Houston Dash

The steady, long-time Houston Dash captain and USWNT regular who's been a model of consistency in the NWSL. NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, with double-digit caps for the senior national team, Campbell’s reflexes and shot-stopping abilities have kept her in the conversation for earning more games with the national team. Years of starting reps in Houston have made her one of the league's most dependable options, though international minutes remain competitive. She's the type who rarely beats herself—low-error profile, high save counts—and remains a reliable backup/rotation piece with upside for more starts if injuries or form open the door.

5. Kailen Sheridan - North Carolina Courage

The Canadian international who turned NWSL dominance into Olympic gold. Drafted by Sky Blue FC (now Gotham) in 2017, Sheridan worked her way to earning 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors before helping San Diego Wave capture the Challenge Cup. Now at North Carolina Courage, she's a fixture for Canada and a highlighted name on any scouting report. Tall enough to cover the frame, with excellent distribution and penalty-saving prowess, she combines athleticism with composure. At 30, she's in her prime, a proven big-game performer who's elevated every team she's joined.

6. Cecilie Fiskerstrand - Fiorentina

The reliable Norwegian international who's built a steady, globe-trotting career across top European leagues while anchoring Norway's goal for over a decade. At 5'9" and turning 30 in 2026, Fiskerstrand signed with ACF Fiorentina in 2024 and quickly became the undisputed No. 1, starting nearly every match, extending her contract through 2029, and delivering consistent performances in Serie A. Her journey to Italy included stints at LSK Kvinner (where she won domestic titles and racked up caps), a productive spell at Brighton & Hove Albion in the WSL, and earlier stops at Stabæk and Fortuna Ålesund.

A regular for Norway since her youth days, she's featured in multiple major tournaments (World Cups, Euros, Nations League), often as the dependable backup turned starter in key qualifiers and friendlies, showcasing composure under pressure, sharp positioning, and strong command of her area. Strengths lie in her decision-making, ability to organize defenses, and reliable shot-stopping. With renewed commitment at Fiorentina and ongoing Norway call-ups, she's in her prime as a veteran who delivers quiet excellence, positioning her well for continued international relevance and potential club silverware in Italy.

7. Mandy McGlynn - Utah Royals

The resilient American goalkeeper who's forged a path through perseverance, international stints, and breakout NWSL performances to earn senior USWNT recognition. At 27 years old, McGlynn is the current No. 1 for the Utah Royals, where she signed in December 2023 via trade from NJ/NY Gotham FC and earned an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year nomination. Her college days at Virginia Tech were dominant: four-year starter, back-to-back All-ACC First Team honors, first Hokie goalkeeper to play every minute of a season since 2004, and school records for shutouts (32) and goals-against average (0.99). Youth international experience came at U-18 and U-20 levels for the US, but senior breakthrough arrived in late 2024 with her debut in a 3-0 win over Argentina (becoming the 27th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap), followed by additional caps and regular call-ups into 2026 despite occasional injury setbacks (like a finger issue in early 2026 SheBelieves Cup camp). McGlynn looks to take on the responsibilities of the modern goalkeeper but consistent play is needed to make a run at capturing the starting spot for the USWNT.

8. Lorena - Kansas City Current

The Brazilian international who's made waves in the NWSL with athleticism and flair. Known for bold plays off her line, strong distribution, and penalty heroics, she brings a dynamic presence to her club. At 5'11" and in her mid-20s, the agile shot-stopper is known for bold rushes off her line, strong distribution, and penalty-saving heroics that make her a modern sweeper-keeper fit for possession teams. After standout spells in Brazil (Santos, Corinthians), she crossed to the NWSL, where her reflexes in one-on-ones, command on crosses, and highlight-reel saves have shone through. Capped multiple times for Brazil (including World Cup and Olympic squads), she combines explosive athleticism with composure under pressure. Still refining consistency at the elite level, her ceiling is high as a potential game-changer for club and country.

9. Claudia Dickey - Seattle Reign

The rising American talent who's transformed into Seattle Reign's ironclad No. 1, blending elite shot-stopping with remarkable durability. At 5'10" and 26 years old, Dickey had a stellar UNC career, where she earned First Team All-ACC honors, ranked nationally in shutouts (15 in one season), and posted a sub-0.50 GAA. In 2025 she broke out, playing every minute of every regular-season game and earning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist nods. Through early 2026, she's amassed over 50 regular-season appearances with 13 clean sheets plus standout playoff moments like a debut shutout in 2023. A former U.S. youth international (U-18 to U-20 camps), her senior USWNT breakthrough came in 2025 with eight caps, seven clean sheets, and consistent starts under Emma Hayes. Known for sharp reflexes in one-on-ones, strong positioning, high-volume saving ability, and composure under fire—rarely rattled despite heavy shot counts—she commands her box on crosses and organizes defenses effectively. With a contract extension through 2028 and growing international reps, Dickey's consistency, work ethic, and big-save mentality make her a serious contender in the USWNT's deep goalkeeper pool, poised for even bigger roles on the world stage.

10. Jordan Silkowitz - Bay FC

At 6'0", the resilient American prospect has risen from draft-day backup to a starting NWSL role and USWNT call-up contender through persistence and standout shot-stopping. Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, the 25-year-old was the first Iowa State Cyclone ever selected in the NWSL after a strong college run with the Cyclones. She spent her early pro years as a reserve in KC (behind Cassie Miller and Adrianna Franch), then ventured to Brisbane Roar in Australia's Liberty A-League for the 2023/24 season before landing at Bay FC, where she truly broke out in 2025. Silkowitz is largely off the radar for most when it comes to earning a call-up with the national team but similar to the rest of the current national team goalkeepers, so were they. If Silkowitz can continue her steady trajectory, she’ll go from NWSL backup to USWNT contender in no time.

Best of the Rest
rk. name - club, nationality (age)

11. Jordyn Bloomer - Racing Louisville, USA (28)
12. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin - Denver Summit, France (34)
13. Laura Giuliani - AC Milan, Italy (32)
14. Ayaka Yamashita - Manchester City, JPN (30)
15. Casey Murphy - Boston Legacy, USA (29)
16. Misa Rodriguez - Real Madrid, Spain (26)
17. Livia Peng - Werder Bremen, Switzerland (24)
18. Cata Coll - Barcelona, Spain (24)
19. Lize Kop - Tottenham, Netherlands (28)
20. Hannah Hampton - Chelsea, England (25)

21. Daphne Van Domselaar - Arsenal, Netherlands (26)
22. Christiane Endler - Lyon, Chile (34)
23. Mary Earps - PSG, England (33)
24. Anna Moorhouse - Orlando Pride, England (31)
25. Lena Pauels - Benfica, Germany (28)
26. Larissa Rusek - Juventus, Austria (21)
27. Samantha Murphy - FC Rosengard, USA (28)
28. Hillary Beall - Houston Dash, USA (27)
29. Alyssa Naeher - Chicago Stars, USA (37)
30. Ellie Roebuck - Aston Villa, England (26)

31. Jennifer Falk - Liverpool, Sweden (32)
32. Sabrina D'Angelo - Aston Villa, Canada (32)
33. Courtney Brosnan - Everton, Ireland (30)
34. Katie Atkinson - Chicago Stars, USA (29)
35. Jalen Tompkins - Brondby, USA (29)
36. Sofia Manner - AFC Toronto, Finland (28)
37. Melina Loeck - Hammarby, Germany (25)
38. Sandra Paños - America, Spain (33)
39. Stina Johannes - Wolfsburg, Germany (26)
40. Ena Mahmutovic - Bayern Munich, Germany (22)

41. Jada Whyman - AIK, Australia (26)
42. Anna Tamminen - Newcastle, Finland (31)
43. Marisa Jordan - Kansas City Current, USA (25)
44. Laurel Ivory - Boston Legacy, USA (26)
45. Sydney Schneider - Tampa Bay Sun FC, Jamaica (26)
46. Anneke Borbe - Arsenal, Germany (25)
47. Bridgette Skiba - Stjarnan, USA (26)
48. Jessica Berlin - Thor/KA, USA (26)
49. Lola Gallardo - Atletico Madrid, Spain (32)
50. Friederike Repohl - Bayer Leverkusen, Germany (31)

USMNT Goalkeeper Eras

Breaking down the “eras” of goalkeepers with the USMNT typically gets boiled down to World Cup starters but the in’s and out’s of how active goalkeepers were is a bit messier. For starters, the number of caps and available games during one’s career has greatly varied since day one. For some reference, let's revisit the graph from "What Does 100 Caps Mean?"

When looking at the annual games played for the USMNT, it’s easy to see how erratic things were for such a long time. But even the graph can be misleading as the US played a fair number of universities and clubs throughout the late 20th century, although zero official matches in 1981 is unbelievable to see in today’s context. So a goalkeeper’s ability to establish themselves on the national team really wavered over the years. For some, the route in was more accessible while others had to take what they were given.

Understanding there are significant limitations, the total amount of caps collected were broken into yearly percentages to showcase the different rise and falls of goalkeepers with the national team. Each goalkeeper is charted monthly on how many games they played over the previous 12 months. For example, December 2024 shows that Matt Turner played in 80% of the games over the 12 months leading up to the end of the year (including December). Only goalkeepers with over five caps were included to simply the charts.

The main chart we’ll be using today is from 1972 through 2025. We’ll break down each section to take a closer look but hopefully the chaos of the graph is already a good sign that it’s very difficult to break the timeline into eras, although there are some standout sections.

January 1924 - Summer 1972

Not to completely over look our early pioneers but, as stated earlier, this time featured very few games. Even after the US had the match of their lives in beating England 1-0 at the 1950 World Cup, the federation did very little to follow up on the success, letting the national team decay and not qualify for another World Cup for 40 years. This graph also doesn’t show Patrick Hughes and George Tintle, both of who are absent from the graph. Hughes was technically the first to represent a US national team as a goalkeeper, although the USSF doesn't count their official start until 1913.

Jimmy Douglas recorded the first World Cup shutout in 1930 and the heroic Frank Borghi was featured with the US before and after his World Cup showing. Victor Gerley and Gary DeLong both earned caps, but again, the time wasn’t heavily organized, and there were long absences from the national team playing any games whatsoever.

Fall 1972 - Summer 1986

7. Arnie Mausser (35 caps)
12. Winston DuBose (14 caps)
15a. Mike Ivanow (10 caps)
23b. Bob Rigby (7 caps)
26. David Brcic (6 caps)
26b. Mike Winter (6 caps)
26c. Alan Mayer (6 caps)
27. Other

The NASL era features many forgotten stalwarts. Tampa Bay Rowdy Winston DuBose had a six year tenure with the national team, although it would have likely been longer if not for Arnie Mausser. Mausser, who skipped college and eventually signed with the NASL, earned 35 caps, which still ranks 7th all-time for American goalkeepers. Mike Ivanow (San Jose Earthquakes), Bob Rigby (Philadelphia Atoms), David Brcic (New York Cosmos), Mike Winter (St. Louis Stars) and Alan Mayer (San Diego Jaws / Las Vegas Quicksilvers) all competed for time with the national team while plying their craft with their NASL teams throughout the rest of the year.

Summer 1986 - Summer 1995

2. Kasey Keller (102 caps)
3. Tony Meola (100 caps)
4. Brad Friedel (82 caps)
9a. David Vanole (22 caps)
11. Mark Dodd (15 caps)
17c. Marcus Hahnemann (9 caps)
20a. Juergen Sommer (10 caps)
27. Other

In the lead up to Tony Meloa’s run, where he notched 90% of games played in 12 months leading up to January 1992, it was David Vanole who championed the net. Vanole was the last goalkeeper to hit the 100% mark, which again speaks to the lack of caps during the 1980s. Mark Dodd would feature in his first of three stints with the national team, as he will return in later sections (see below). Kasey Keller (small red sections at the bottom) and Brad Friedel (purple) would make their debuts with the national team at this time as well. Meola would start for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cup but fairly soon after the competition with Friedel and Keller would heat up. Marcus Hahnemann earned nine caps but they’re separated by 18 years.

Summer 1995 - End of 2002

1. Tim Howard (121 caps)
2. Kasey Keller (102 caps)
3. Tony Meola (100 caps)
4. Brad Friedel (82 caps)
9b. Nick Rimando (22 caps)
11. Mark Dodd (15 caps)
20a. Juergen Sommer (10 caps)
17c. Marcus Hahnemann (9 caps)
20b. Zach Thornton (8 caps)
27. Other

After two relatively successful World Cups, Tony Meola stepped away from the national team and Steve Sampson would pivot to giving chances to over half a dozen promising goalkeepers. Keller and Friedel would eventually separate themselves from the group and split time at the 1998 World Cup, 1999 Confederations Cup, and qualification for the 2002 World Cup, although Friedel would eventually win the starting spot out for the 2002 World Cup. Meola would eventually re-enter the picture for some friendlies and World Cup qualification during the 2002 cycle, his last and 100th cap would come in a 2006 friendly against Jamaica while a young upstart named Tim Howard would enter the scene in 2002.

This period would feature as the start of the Golden Age of Goalkeeping for the United States, which was heavily bolstered by the highly competitive nature for the number spot and each goalkeeper’s individual pursuit to climb the ladder overseas. The largest share any goalkeeper would gain during this period was 63% due to the competitive nature of the position.

Early 2003 - Fall 2018

1. Tim Howard (121 caps)
2. Kasey Keller (102 caps)
3. Tony Meola (100 caps)
4. Brad Friedel (82 caps)
5. Brad Guzan (64 caps)
8. Zack Steffen (30 caps)
9b. Nick Rimando (22 caps)
13a. Sean Johnson (13 caps)
15b. Ethan Horvath (10 caps)
17c. Marcus Hahnemann (9 caps)
20b. Zach Thornton (8 caps)
20c. Bill Hamid (8 caps)
23c. Troy Perkins (7 caps)
27. Other

Looking to build off the 2002 success, the United States would continue to feature a competitive battle for the number one spot. Brad Friedel would remove himself from the picture in 2005, voluntarily stepping down to focus more on his club career, while Kasey Keller locked down the 2006 World Cup spot, although the US would once again fail to leave the group stage. As the Golden Age came to a close with Howard’s retirement, the US would struggle to find not only one, but any goalkeeper to compete on the level their predecessors did for the past 20 years.

Fall 2018 - End of 2025

5. Brad Guzan (64 caps)
6. Matt Turner (52 caps)
8. Zack Steffen (30 caps)
9b. Nick Rimando (22 caps)
13a. Sean Johnson (13 caps)
13b. Matt Freese (13 caps)
15b. Ethan Horvath (10 caps)
20c. Bill Hamid (8 caps)
27. Other

The post-Howard era quickly revealed the lack of available goalkeepers. Although Guzan (teal) was once a peer in the English Premier League, he wasn’t that much younger than Howard and the baton was once again passed on. Steffen and Turner’s rise to gaining entry to the EPL and loss of footing within the league are showcased on the graph, eventually allowing Matt Freese to try his hand at the position.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

So what are all the goalkeeper eras? It’s hard to concisely say X goalkeeper had such-and-such time as the number one. Even Howard, who had a long career with the national team, wasn’t always the most played goalkeeper, whether due to tough competition from Kasey Keller or stepping away for a one-year hiatus with the national team after the 2014 World Cup. Although there are some clear standouts (Mausser, Vanole, Meola), after that the timeline gets a little blurry until Howard gets the bulk of the time in net.