This article offers a detailed look at the shifting goalkeeper landscape in Major League Soccer during the 2025 season. It covers significant transfers like Drake Callender's move from Inter Miami to Charlotte FC, Daniel’s contract extension with San Jose, the much-anticipated return of Matt Turner to MLS with New England Revolution, plus how these shifts influence betting trends—especially when considering a great DraftKings promo.
Drake Callender’s Transfer from Inter Miami to Charlotte FC
Drake Callender, aged 27 and hailing from Sacramento, California, has been traded from Inter Miami CF to Charlotte FC in a deal worth $750,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), split as $400,000 in 2025 and $350,000 in 2026, with the possibility of an additional $75,000 in conditional GAM and a retained sell-on percentage by Miami.
At Inter Miami, Callender made 118 appearances across all competitions, 96 in MLS, becoming one of the first two players to reach the century mark for the club. He played a critical role in securing the inaugural Leagues Cup title in 2023—earning Man of the Match in the final and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament—as well as the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, where Miami achieved a record-breaking 74 points in the regular season.
Matt Turner’s Return to New England Revolution
Matt Turner has returned to the New England Revolution on loan from Olympique Lyonnais through June 30, 2026, including an option to purchase. He will occupy a Designated Player (DP) slot in 2025 and will be a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM)-eligible player in 2026.
Turner, who won the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, MLS Best XI, All-Star Game MVP, and helped New England win its first Supporters’ Shield, previously tallied 108 MLS regular-season starts and 23 clean sheets with four penalty saves on 11 attempts. Internationally with the USMNT, he has 52 senior caps, 27 clean sheets and leads all USMNT keepers for clean sheets through their first 20 caps (14), also becoming the first American keeper to save a penalty in his international debut. In the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup he recorded five shutouts in six starts and won Gold Glove and Best XI honors, finishing runner-up to Christian Pulisic for U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year.
Daniel’s Contract Extension with San Jose
Daniel, San Jose Earthquakes’ first-choice goalkeeper since January 2023, missed most of his debut season due to a muscle injury but returned for the final matches. Across his first two seasons, he collected 6 clean sheets in 34 appearances and helped the club reach the MLS Cup in 2023.
While full financial details of Daniel’s contract extension remain undisclosed, his retention underscores San Jose’s commitment to maintaining stability in goal. His blend of sharp reflexes and composure continues to make him a critical piece in the Earthquakes’ defensive strategy heading into 2025.
Impact on Betting Trends and DraftKings Promo
These high-profile goalkeeper moves—Callender’s transfer, Daniel’s extension, and Turner’s return—reshape the defensive balance of several MLS clubs, directly influencing betting lines. Savvy bettors looking to capitalize on these transitions may want to explore a DraftKings promo, using it as an entry point to find value in markets tied to goalkeeper stability or volatility. As early-season odds adjust to reflect these roster shifts, leveraging promotions alongside careful analysis can make wagering both strategic and rewarding.
This combination of returning stars and emerging talents reshapes both MLS competitive balance and betting lines. Bettors looking for value in the early stages of the season should factor in these goalkeeper changes when deciding on match predictions and futures.
MLS Goalkeeper Save Percentage Leaders in 2025
According to 2025 MLS goalkeeping stats, Jayden Hibbert of Atlanta leads with a save percentage of .929 (3 games, 6 clean sheets, 14 shots on goal against, 13 saves), followed by Jimmy Maurer of Houston (.800), Luka Gavran of Toronto (.800), David Bingham of Charlotte (.800), and Javier Otero of Orlando (.750). Matt Turner, now with New England, holds a .722 save percentage (4 GP, 1 clean sheet, 18 SOG, 13 saves).
These numbers show how goalkeeper efficiency can dramatically impact match results. Clubs investing heavily in solidifying their defensive lines are seeing returns in points earned, tournament progress, and overall goal differential.
Emerging Talents: CJ dos Santos and Others
CJ dos Santos, now with San Diego FC, brings European academy experience at Benfica and US youth international pedigree. Acquired in December 2024 from Inter Miami, he’s become San Diego’s starter and is considered one of the nation’s top goalkeeping prospects, likely to rise among USMNT options.
Similarly, Orlando City’s Carlos Mercado, 25, overcame a declined contract option, shoulder surgery, and near-retirement to secure a first team deal with Orlando City SC in 2025, with club options through 2027. In MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B last season, he started 20 games, logged 1,830 minutes, posted a 1.48 goals-against average, saved 81 of 111 shots (73% save percentage), stopped two of four penalties, had three clean sheets, and went 9-5-6, earning praise for his persistence and leadership.
Veteran Reinforcements: William Yarbrough
Inter Miami signed 36-year-old veteran William Yarbrough as a free agent for the remainder of the 2025 season, adding him to the roster as depth behind Oscar Ustari while Callender recovers from hernia surgery. Yarbrough comes with 34 clean sheets in 120 MLS starts, including an outstanding 13 shutouts with Colorado Rapids during the 2021 campaign.
For Miami, this signing offers not only experience but stability in a season where goalkeeper continuity has already been disrupted. Yarbrough’s track record brings reassurance in critical defensive phases.
Sporting Kansas City’s Goalkeeping Transition
Tim Melia, 38, Sporting KC’s all-time leader in goalkeeper appearances (260), saves (752), and clean sheets (69), has departed following contract expiration, marking the end of a storied era that included MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2017 and two U.S. Open Cup titles. His exit leaves an open door for SKC to reconfigure their goalkeeping ranks.
The club’s challenge now is identifying a replacement who can provide similar consistency while also fitting into a more aggressive, ball-playing tactical style being adopted for the 2025 season.
Nashville’s New Stop: Brian Schwake
Brian Schwake joined Nashville SC on January 23, 2025. In his debut for NSC during the U.S. Open Cup on May 6, 2025, he kept a clean sheet. He became the first Nashville goalkeeper to record wins in each of his first three starts in club history.
Schwake’s early success highlights Nashville’s emphasis on nurturing talent while balancing experience across its roster. His ability to adjust quickly to MLS demands makes him one of the intriguing prospects to watch as the season unfolds.