8 Goalkeepers We Could See in the USL Super League

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)

Top 100 American Goalkeepers (USMNT Depth Chart)

Cover photo Maor Alexelsi.

After nearly a decade of updates, the top 100 returns once again with this winter’s lineup. Each goalkeeper is slotted by a number of factors: historical individual results, current individual level of play, and projected on-field performance. The top 100 attempts to remove exterior noise and team statistics to isolate the goalkeeper’s true ability.

Each block of ten names features a player to watch, giving a small bio about the goalkeeper and what to look out for in the coming months. To see how the top 100 rankings have evolved since July 2013, click here.

This article is currently going under a re-work to represent the accurate standings heading into 2024.

1. Matt Turner, 29 - Nottingham Forest (England.1)
2. Ethan Horvath, 28 - Nottingham Forest (England.1)
3. Joe Willis, 35 - Nashville SC
4. Brad Stuver, 32 - Austin FC
5. Zack Steffen, 28 - Colorado Rapids
6. Josh Cohen, 31 - Atlanta United
7. Stefan Cleveland, 29 - Austin FC
8. Drake Callender, 26 - Inter Miami
9. JT Marcinkowski, 26 - San Jose Earthquakes
10. Earl Edwards, 32 - New England Revolution

One to Watch: Zack Steffen. A return to MLS could reset the once-promising goalkeeper… or be telling of what direction he’s headed. The game is the ultimate decider but he still has an easy six years left in his game, if not closer to ten. If he has a good year in MLS, does he continue to stay at the level or push himself for a more challenging league abroad?

11. Tyler Miller, 30 - DC United
12. Luis Barraza, 27 - New York City FC
13. Sean Lewis, 31 - One Knoxville SC
14. William Yarbrough, 34 - San Jose Earthquakes
15. Carlos dos Santos, 23 - Inter Miami
16. Roman Celentano, 23 - FC Cincinnati
17. Pablo Sisniega, 28 - San Antonio FC
18. Alec Kann, 33 - FC Cincinnati
19. Zac MacMath, 32 - Real Salt Lake
20. John McCarthy, 31 - Free Agent

One to Watch: Pablo Sisniega. Going from MLS to USL is typically a death sentence so Sisniega has his work cut out for him. Sisniega leaves Charlotte FC, where the highs were high and the lows were low. If Sisniega can showcase that he’s above the level of USL, perhaps he gets another chance at MLS. However if he can’t, a return to Spain’s lower divisions may be the next move.

21. Tim Melia, 37 - Sporting Kansas City
22. Chris Brady, 19 - Chicago Fire
23. Steve Clark, 37 - Houston Dynamo
24. Stefan Frei, 37 - Seattle Sounders
25. Sean Johnson, 34 - Toronto FC
26. Logan Ketterer, 30 - CF Montreal
27. Michael Nelson, 28 - Free Agent
28. Matt Freese, 25 - New York City FC
29. Jimmy Maurer, 35 - FC Dallas
30. Alex Bono, 29 - DC United

One to Watch: Chris Brady. How much longer does he stay in MLS? He’s closing in on becoming the best goalkeeper in the league but Slonina playing for a club that’s soon-to-be relegated doesn’t sound that appealing. With Turner and Steffen’s struggles overseas as well, Brady must be careful not to chase for prestige without proper development.

31. Ethan Wady, 22 - Millwall FC (England.2)
32. Cody Mizell, 32 - New York City FC
33. Andrew Tarbell, 30 - Houston Dynamo
34. Kyle Morton, 29 - Free Agent
35. Brad Guzan, 39 - Atlanta United
36. Mason Stajduhar, 26 - Orlando City SC
37. Mike Lansing, 29 - Kristiansund (Norway.1)
38. Jesse Gonzalez, 28 - Free Agent
39. Evan Louro, 28 - FC Cincinnati
40. Danny Vitiello, 27 - Sacramento Republic

One to Watch: Jesse Gonzalez. It seems like ages ago Gonzalez earned his lone cap for the USMNT but in June 2020 Gonzalez was suspended by MLS for alleged domestic abuse allegations. Three years later, Gonzalez resurfaced in Guatemala with Antigua GFC. A little rusty, Gonzalez still showcased why he was in the national team picture in the first place. A lot of questions circle around Gonzalez’s future and ability to re-enter the league.

41. David Bingham, 34 - Free Agent
42. Jonathan Klinsmann, 26 - Free Agent
43. John Berner, 32 - Atlanta United 2
44. Nathan Steinwascher, 30 - Detroit City
45. Tomas Gomez, 30 - Real Salt Lake
46. Adam Grinwis, 31 - Charleston Battery
47. Spencer Richey, 31 - Chicago Fire
48. Gabriel Slonina, 19 - Chelsea FC (England.1) #
49. Brian Schwake, 22 - Castellón (Spain.3)
50. Paul Blanchette, 29 - Oakland Roots

# - on loan with Eupen (Belgium.1)

One to Watch: Roman Celentano. Although there are many teen-aged goalkeepers to have plenty of excitement about, Celentano is one of the few goalkeepers in their early 20’s who is actually getting good playing time. Celentano still has room to grow but the question on most fans’ minds will be centered around his duration in MLS. Cincy’s starter currently has traction to theoretically make the jump abroad in a year or two but his old-school approach of a “less is more” mindset may be better served by staying stateside.

51. John Pulskamp, 22 - Sporting Kansas City
52. Eric De La Cerda, 22 - Free Agent
53. Antonio Carrera, 19 - FC Dallas
54. Patrick Schulte, 22 - Columbus Crew
55. Kendall McIntosh, 30 - Free Agent
56. Danny Rogers, 29 - St. Patrick's Athletic (Ireland.1)
57. Rashid Nuhu, 28 - Union Omaha
58. Andrew Thomas, 25 - Seattle Sounders
59. Ryan Meara, 33 - New York Red Bulls
60. Bill Hamid, 33 - Free Agent

One to Watch: Patrick Schulte. Schulte’s year started slow with some moments the young goalkeeper would surely want back but it didn’t matter in the end as the Columbus goalkeeper capped off the year by winning the MLS Cup. It’s an immense honor for a young player but when you compare to previous goalkeepers who have won the cup, it’s not a guarantee for higher success. Schulte has good momentum now but can he stay hot in 2024 to keep traction or will he regress back to the median?

61. George Marks, 24 - Charlotte FC
62. AJ Marcucci, 24 - New York Red Bulls
63. Jacob Jackson, 23 - New England Revolution
64. Evan Bush, 37 - Columbus Crew
65. Brooks Thompson, 21 - Hartford Athletic
66. Benny Diaz, 25 - Club Tijuana (Mexico.1) #
67. Joe Bendik, 34 - Free Agent
68. Chituru Odunze, 21 - Charlotte FC
69. Jordan Farr, 29 - San Antonio FC
70. Hunter Sulte, 21 - Portland Timbers

# - on loan with FC Juárez (Mexico.1)

One to Watch: Brooks Thompson. A once-heralded goalkeeper, Thompson now joins his fourth team in four years (including a loan to North Carolina). At 21, he’s still young enough to power through the tumultuous path and, admittedly, he looked good with North Carolina last year. In 17 matches, Thompson was only on the losing end three times, including winning the 2023 League One final in a penalty shootout. If Thompson can keep the traction going, he could reach the high expectations that were originally placed on him.

71. Vicente Reyes, 20 - Norwich U21 (England.1)
72. Jeff Gal, 30 - Chicago Fire
73. Clint Irwin, 34 - Minnesota United FC
74. Peter Swinkels, 26 - Free Agent
75. Rocco Rios Novo, 21 - Club Atlético Lanús II (Argentina.1)
76. Matt Bersano, 31 - Austin FC
77. Alex Borto, 20 - Fulham U21s (England.1)
78. Abraham Rodriguez, 21 - Free Agent
79. Eric Lopez, 24 - Orange County SC
80. Jared Mazzola, 25 - Sacramento Republic

One to Watch: Peter Swinkels. For a goalkeeper who went 0-5 in his professional starts, he oddly enough still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Swinkels has a bit of “squireliness” (patent pending) to his game who could see success if he and his defense were completely in sync. But for backlines who aren’t on the same page with their goalkeepers, it tends to be a quick opening of floodgates. If Swinkels can get some consistency and trust, he could carve out a decent career in the lower levels.

81. Phil Breno, 28 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
82. Benjamin Machini, 27 - Free Agent
83. Taylor Bailey, 26 - Oakland Roots
84. Will Pulisic, 25 - Free Agent
85. Andrew Pannenberg, 25 - Carolina Core
86. TJ Bush, 26 - Chattanooga Red Wolves
87. Quentin Westberg, 37 - Atlanta United
88. Austin Causey, 22 - Lexington SC
89. Will Palmquist, 26 - Richmond Kickers
90. Isaac Walker, 25 - Crown Legacy FC

One to Watch: Austin Causey. Son of former MLS goalkeeper Jeff Causey, may have had to wait a number of years to see Austin finally get his chance with a professional outlet. Now with Lexington SC, Causey has started five of their club’s first six matches and looks to be adding to that number throughout the season. Although some young goalkeepers look more like athletes than goalkeepers when they’re first starting out, Causey is one of the few prospects that actually plays like a goalkeeper first and foremost. He’s a little undersized for what scouts and coaches are looking for, however, if he can display a level of consistency that says he’s more than just a legacy appointment, don’t be surprised if an MLS team rewards him for his patience and determination.

91. Drew Romig, 25 - Memphis 901
92. Alec Smir, 24 - Minnesota 2
93. Joe Rice, 27 - Colorado Springs Switchbacks
94. Luis Zamudio, 25 - DC United
95. Carlos Saldaña, 27 - Sacramento Republic
96. Justin Garces, 23 - Free Agent
97. Damian Las, 21 - Austin FC
98. Carlos Merancio, 25 - Spokane
99. Trevor Spangenberg, 32 - Birmingham Legion
100. Daniel Faundez, 30 - Louisville City FC

One to Watch: Justin Garces. Garces was featured with Atlanta United’s Next Pro squad this past year and still wakes up at night in sweats from re-living the season. Although there are some that will criticize Garces’ stat line (27 goals allowed in 9 matches), he had the unfortunate task of trying to steer the ship of one of the worst teams in the third division. Garces did have an option to return to the MLS side but Atlanta declined it so now Garces gets to test the waters elsewhere. Does an MLS side look to try to get a return on the UCLA alum or will he try to lead a lower division side to hardware?

Scouting Potential Foreign Goalkeepers for MLS (Fall 2021)

cover photo belongs to Felipe Oliveira / EC Bahia

Following the previous summer report on potential signings for MLS, Everybody Soccer returns with another scouting report on possible foreign goalkeepers for MLS teams. The US’s top league has finally started to explore more avenues when it comes to buying and selling players, both domestic and foreign.

Eligible goalkeepers were limited to (1) being over 21 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,000,000 market value by Transfermarkt, and (3) ones that would have the highest possibility of being re-sold by an MLS team. Additionally, certain eligible goalkeepers were removed from inclusion, as moving to MLS didn’t make feasible sense for the stage they’re currently at in their career.

Matheus Teixeira - EC Bahia (22)

Photo: Felipe Oliveira/EC Bahia

Nationality: Brazil

Transfermarkt Listing: $550,000

MLS equivalent: Josh Cohen

After notching only three shutouts in 17 matches this season, EC Bahia pulled the plug on the young Brazilian in goal, opting for more experience in net. Teixeira picked up a couple of cup matches with the Brazilian club thereafter and, despite the depth chart shuffling, still ended up with 29 matches over the last 9 months. Teixeira doesn’t carry the same prestige as some other notable Brazilian goalkeepers in Europe but don’t mistake him for not having talent. The young keeper performed well in his first season as a starter at a first division club, especially considering how many shots his defense conceded. Teixeira has a bit of chaotic energy but he bottles it well until the time is right, displaying a good sense of patience vs. aggressiveness. Teixeira would do well with more playing time, not less, and MLS might be an appropriate home down the line. (Highlights)

Stefan Drljaca - Dortmund (22)

Nationality: Serbia

Transfermarkt Listing: $275,000

MLS equivalent: Steve Clark

Unless Dortmund is looking to commit to a longer developmental track, the 22-year-old Serbian goalkeeper is most likely ending his time with Dortmund soon. Drljaca originally joined Dortmund for free back in the summer of 2020 but his playing time with BVB has been limited since his arrival. Similar to Steve Clark, Drljaca has a knack for making non-textbook saves but saves nonetheless. If Drljaca is winding down at Dortmund, which TM says his contract extends to this upcoming summer, MLS could be a suitable next step. (Highlights)

Vasilios Athanasiou - PAS Giannina (22)

Nationality: Greece

Transfermarkt Listing: $55,000

MLS equivalent: Stefan Cleveland

The former U19 Greek YTN goalkeeper hasn’t had much to do since leaving Italy for PAS Giannina, picking up only a handful of matches over the past couple of years. Athanasiou has a smooth fluidness to him that aids his ability to cover the entire goal mouth but he needs opportunities to prove his worth. Athanasiou is at a point where he could utilize more minutes and with his track record of trying his hand in another country, a possible loan-turned-transfer deal might be a viable option. As listed by TM, Athanasiou’s contract runs up in two summers. For a backup goalkeeper with no clear path forward in the club, MLS could be a welcomed destination for the young goalkeeper.

Catalin Cabuz - AFC Chindia Targoviste (25)

Nationality: Romania

Transfermarkt Listing: $440,000

MLS equivalent: Matt Reis

Although Cabuz just signed with Romanian club AFC Chindia Targoviste, it was on a free transfer and reportedly only through summer 2023. For a talented goalkeeper who doesn’t have interest outside his domestic league and posssses little traction with the national team, Cabuz might try his hand at a more competitive league. The former U21 Romanian goalkeeper is a little undersized - standing at just 6’0” - but plays the position like a typical undersized goalkeeper: quick and mobile. As MLS has hosted a number of shorter goalkeepers with successful careers (Reis, Rimando, Busch), Cabuz and MLS could be a good fit, if Chindia is willing to let him go for a reasonable price.

Nils-Jonathan Körber - Hertha BSC (25)

Nationality: Germany

Transfermarkt Listing: $385,000

MLS equivalent: Brad Stuver

The 25-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly in the twilight of his contract with Hertha BSC and rumored to be leaving the club at the end of the season. Realistically, his next jump will likely be two a second or third division club in Germany. However, considering that an MLS team could pick him up for a low cost, if not outright free, the former German U21 goalkeeper could compete for a starting spot sooner than later here in the US. The lanky goalkeeper checks a lot of boxes, although his lack of playing time will make it difficult for teams to buy in on the German.

Scouting Potential Foreign Goalkeepers for MLS (Spring 2021)

Following the previous summer report on potential signings for MLS, Everybody Soccer returns with another scouting report on possible foreign goalkeepers for MLS teams. The US’s top league has finally started to explore more avenues when it comes to buying and selling players, both domestic and foreign.

Eligible goalkeepers were limited to (1) being over 19 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,000,000 market value by Transfermarkt, and (3) ones that would have the highest possibility of being re-sold by an MLS team. Additionally, certain goalkeepers were removed from inclusion, despite qualifying for the previous criteria, as moving to MLS didn’t make feasible sense for the stage they’re currently at in their career.

Each goalkeeper is ranked in nine different categories. Rankings are based on the ranking levels provided in the nearby graphic where 7 is an elite ability while 1 is extremely poor. A brief rundown on each goalkeepers’ style of play and relevant information is provided underneath the rankings. Lastly, each goalkeeper’s style of play - not overall ability - is compared to an MLS goalkeeper to give the reader an idea of how the goalkeeper approaches the position.

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Phillip Menzel

Notes: 6’4”, 182 lbs… average athleticism but otherwise above average in most other aspects of his game… feels comfortable collecting crosses with smooth approaches and clean hands… has a calming posture to him where he’s found a healthy mix of being patient yet knowing how to take forward space when need be… doesn’t seem to get overwhelmed when he needs to make a reflex or improv save, despite not having the athleticism of his peers… understated goalkeeper who can easily be overlooked but strong fundamentals will add up over the course of his career.

Similar style of play: Jeff Attinella

Transfermarkt listing: $220,000

Calvin Heim

Notes: 6’3”, 165 lbs… solid foundations, methodical approach in most situations… sharp footwork… hands inconsistent but has positive moments, should come in time… cross management problematic… comfortable on the ball and will try ambitious passes… left foot has a noticeable dropoff but not completely unserviceable… doesn’t look to develop much more athletically but is far from poor in those areas… hasn’t played since July 2020… strengths are found in strong technical foundation and steadiness in goal.

Similar style of play: Brady Scott

Transfermarkt listing: n/a

Mike van de Meulenhof

Notes: 5’11”, 174 lbs… hasn’t played since February 2020… confident with both feet but execution and decision making in question… quick yet smooth footwork allow for impressive acceleration and the ability to break out for an extension save… not afraid to attack a cross but, similar to distribution, can overplay his hand… utilizes speed and smart body shape to shut down 1v1s, but doesn’t play a high line… displayed several positive moments put lack of recent minutes is concerning.

Similar style of play: Tony Meola

Transfermarkt listing: $330,000

Moritz Nicolas

Notes: 6’4”, 191 lbs… footwork is confident and well thought-out, but average speed likely means it’s about as good as it’s going to get… not poor but not great athleticism… has struggled in close range situations in knowing what tool is the right fit for the job, although he has shown different looks. Needs to find correct style for himself in that area… strong on crosses, reads the ball and executes well… distribution is mostly with right foot and simple but has adapted well when need be… an understated goalkeeper with little “flash” to his game, but the consistency should pay off in an environment that utilizes him.

Similar style of play: Stefan Frei

Transfermarkt listing: $275,000

Jay Gorter

Notes: 6’3”, 174 lbs… sits incredibly deep when defending but has impressive speed to close down attacks… can be a little overly reliant on quickness on breakaways… difficult for him to defend 1v1s efficiently when heels sit on goal line… hands not great but adequate, could be improved… reliance on mobility makes for a “boom or bust” situation when plays break down… can get lost when patience is required… deep position makes coming from crosses tricky but compensates with a quick break off his line… can clip a ball well with both feet… doesn’t have the typical fundamentals down when considering MLS goalkeepers, but plays extremely front-footed and wants to be more than just a shot-stopper… upside could be higher if he finds a better complementary style, as deep line + speed don’t always mesh well.

Similar style of play: Steve Clark

Transfermarkt listing: $770,000

Martin Vantruba

Notes: 6’5”, 176 lbs… lack of consistent play makes Vantruba’s upside difficult to gauge… has some mechanics and foundations to his game but every so often he’ll rely on brute force to solve a problem… weak hands… coming off his line isn’t the smoothest… has moments of brilliance when he can figure out his footing… comfortable on the ball, if not overambitious… Vantruba feels close but lack of consistent minutes likely inhibiting his ability to find consistency… would be a project for any team but the upside is there for the nimble, lanky goalkeeper.

Similar style of play: Alex Bono

Transfermarkt listing: $165,000

Remy Descamps

Notes: 6’5”, 180 lbs… has the ability to make a game-changing save with the combination of frame and athleticism. However, nimble movement is difficult for him, which can show up in lateral movement or deflected shots… dominates crosses easily… distribution can be poor at times but does have a cannon with his left foot… excels in all the areas a tall goalkeeper would be expected to excel at and struggles in the areas tall goalkeepers typically struggle at.

Similar style of play: David Ousted

Transfermarkt listing: $880,000

Dominik Hladun

Notes: 6’3”, 169 lbs… lanky, explosive goalkeeper who can cover the upper corners with ease… forward movement is cumbersome and can struggle when it’s more than a few steps to collect a ball… distribution average at best… plays fine when he lets the play come to him, but has a knack of inevitably running into situations he can’t solve with just having a big frame... would do well to play more within skillset and not shoehorn aggressive approach when he doesn’t have the quick footwork to match it.

Similar style of play: Michael Gspurning

Transfermarkt listing: $715,000