With so many backup goalkeepers making their mark in MLS this season, it’s no secret that there’s a plethora of talent across the country ready to take on a little more responsibility. USL expansion has created more chances for goalkeepers to prove their merit, as proven by the fact that all three of the listed goalkeepers are with teams that were founded in the last five years. As we head into 2021, don’t be surprised if you see one of these goalkeepers with a new team and playing in the US’s top league.
Sean Lewis (Tulsa FC, 28)
MLS equivalent: Sean Johnson
Highlights
Lewis’ rise to prominence has almost a fairytale story. After finishing his time in the collegiate ranks (starting at Western Michigan before transferring to Oakland for his senior year) he bounced around with some PDL, NPSL, and NASL teams for years before finally landing in the USL. Lewis was on track to become a lifelong backup before capturing the starting spot with Penn FC, where he springboarded to Tulsa FC.
Tulsa had relied heavily on Lewis to qualify for the 2020 playoffs as he’s only conceded an astonishing 16 goals in 15 games. Lewis’ game is similar to New York City FC’s Sean Johnson, who plays deep on his line but has the quickness and bravery to shut down dangerous situations in the box. It’s been a long road to this point but if there’s one word to describe Lewis’ trajectory to 2020, it’s determination.
Logan Ketterer (El Paso Locomotive, 26)
MLS equivalent: Tyler Miller
Highlights
Despite remaining almost exclusively on the bench for his two years with the Columbus Crew, Ketterer rebounded well by signing with the newly minted El Paso Locomotive in hopes of showing what the Crew missed out on. There’s something to be said about a player who’s willing to bet on themselves and Ketterer has done just that. After a stellar collegiate career at Bradley University, Ketterer took the first-year club to the 2019 USL semifinal before a goal in extra time ended their run.
Now after back-to-back trips to the playoffs in both 2019 and 2020, Ketterer is due an upgrade in responsibility. Ketterer and Tyler Miller have some parallels, with both utilizing their mobility and lanky frame to cover a surprising amount of the goalmouth. Ketterer has been counted out by MLS thus far but another positive post-season run could put him back on MLS teams’ radars.
Kyle Morton (St. Louis FC, 26)
MLS equivalent: Will Hesmer
Highlights
For the old-timers out there, Morton’s play is reminiscent of Will Hesmer. It’s a combination of patience and strength to see tough situations all the way through, not conceding weak goals down the middle. Although Morton’s play isn’t flashy, he’s a difficult goalkeeper for strikers to figure out. Fundamentals and not overplaying his hand are pillars to Morton’s game, showing why turn of the century American goalkeepers were successful without having lightning-fast reflexes.
At 26, Morton has his best years ahead of him. Although St. Louis will join MLS in 2023, don’t be surprised if Morton leaves the USL a little early to show off just how high his ceiling actually is.