NCAA Preseason Goalkeeper Rankings - Women's 2017

photo belongs to Shane Lardinois

Following up the men's rankings from yesterday, we survey the top ten goalkeepers in the women's game. Last year we saw all three of Everybody Soccer's top rated goalkeepers get selected in the 2016 NWSL Draft so don't be surprised if you hear these names again in a few months. Scroll to the bottom to check out previous years' lists.

Seniors

1. EJ Proctor (Duke) - 21
2. Lauren Clem (Northwestern) - 21
3. Caitlyn Clem (Wisconsin) - 22
4. Emily Boyd (California) - 21
5. Katie Hatziyianis (Binghamton) - 20
6. Catalina Perez (Colombia, Mississippi State) - 22
7. Cassie Miller (Florida State) - 22
8. Nevena Stojakovic (Serbia, Florida International) - 22
9. Jordan Sallee (UNLV) - 21
10. Kat Elliott (South Florida) - 21

Bill says: EJ Proctor returns as our number one and while she may not possess the size scouts are looking for, she was the most completely goalkeeper in 2016 and there's no reason to expect anything has changed. Lauren Clem will struggle to top last year's accomplishments, being named first team All-American. Caitlyn Clem returns from a successful summer, earning the UWS Defender of the Year Award with Detroit Sun FC. Catalina Perez (2015 World Cup) and Nevena Stojakovic (Serbia U19s) add international prestige but don't expect them to be in the NWSL next year as international spots are few and far between.

Juniors

1. Alexis Smith (UC Davis) - 21
2. Lainey Burdett (Arizona) - 20
3. Ella Dederick (Washington State) - 21
4. Alison Jahansouz (Stanford) - 21
5. Rose Chandler (Penn State) - 20
6. Caroline Brockmeier (LSU) - 21
7. Casey Murphy (Rutgers) - 21
8. Sarah Le Beau (Auburn) - 21
9. July Mathias (Utah) - 21
10. Samantha Leshnak (North Carolina) - 20

Bill says: It's a polarizing batch of juniors this year. Most noted is Casey Murphy, who had her fair share of ups and downs in the 2016 U20 World Cup. Alison Jahansouz looks to take over for graduated Jane Campbell but will need to keep her aggressive play in control. USYNT alumni Rose Chandler and Samantha Leshnak are looking for breakout years as both are finally set to takeover the reigns, but combine for only five games in NCAA play. Smith, Burdett, and Dederick have shown the most consistency but if the rest of the list find a good run of form, there will be plenty of juniors fighting for the number one spot.

Sophomores

1. Mandy McGlynn (Virginia Tech) - 18
2. Jalen Tompkins (Colorado) - 20
3. Mikayla Krzeczowski (South Carolina) - 19
4. Evangeline Soucie (Kentucky) - 18
5. Brittany Wilson (Denver) - 19
6. Rylee Foster (Canada, West Virginia) - 19
7. Teagan Micah (Australia, UCLA) - 19
8. Haley Smith (Illinois State) - 19
9. Chloé N'gazi (France, UCF) - 21
10. Maggie Smither (South Dakota State) - 20

Bill says: The ACC is no jog in the park but Mandy McGlynn carried her own as a 17 year old freshman last year, starting in 16 games for Virginia Tech. Jalen Tompkins had no issue making 2016's save of the year but, similar to the juniors, will be needing more consistency in net to avoid a sophomore slump. SEC Goalkeeper of the Year Mikayla Krzeczowski will have competition with Kentucky's Evangeline Soucie, with both goalkeepers showing the ability to play well on bigger stages. Rylee Foster had a disappointing U20 World Cup run, conceding eight goals in two games with Canada, but she has the pieces to become a dynamic goalkeeper for the Mountaineers. Maggie Smither looks to follow up her incredibly .911 save percentage from 2016.

Freshmen

1. Brooke Heinsohn (Duke) - 19
2. Kaylie Collins (USC) - 19
3. Hillary Beall (Michigan) - 18
4. Emily Alvarado (Mexico, TCU) - 19
5. Zoe Clevely (Pepperdine) - 18
6. Olivia Sekany (California) - 18
7. Ashley Orkus (Tennessee) - 18
8. Lauren Brzykcy (UCLA) - 18
9. Laurel Ivory (Virginia) - 18
10. Lysianne Proulx (Canada, Syracuse) - 18

Bill says: Nearly every goalkeeper on the list has trained at their respective youth national team level but it's tough to say what type of college player they'll turn into. 6'1" Blue Devil Brooke Heinsohn and 2016 Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Year Kaylie Collins top the list while Mexican YNT goalkeeper Emily Alvarado enters the year as a redshirt freshman. U20 World Cup veteran Lysianne Proulx lands right under Laurel Ivory, who is talented enough to start for #19 ranked Virginia in her very first year.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2015: Preseason and Final
2016: Preseason and Final

NCAA Preseason Goalkeeper Rankings - Men's 2017

Cover photo belongs to Kris Wright

It's that wonderful time of year again where we all get to speculate on the potential for every school and their respective players alike. While the seniors are only five months away from draft day, the underclassmen are still fighting to prove they're the number one goalkeeper. It's an incredibly short season jam packed with games so don't expect these lists to stay the exact same come December. Here are the top ten goalkeepers in men's college soccer, sorted by class. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to look back at past rankings.

Seniors

1. Jeff Caldwell (Virginia) - 21
2. Ben Lundgaard (Virginia Tech) - 21
3. Paul Christensen (Portland) - 21
4. Andrew Shepherd (Western Michigan) - 22
5. Michael Nelson (SMU) - 22
6. Kyle Dal Santo (SIUE) - 22
7. Eric Dick (Butler) - 22
8. Sascha Otte (Germany, Saint Louis) - 22
9. Collin Partee (Loyola Marymount) - 22
10. Nils Leifhelm (Germany, Rhode Island) - 23

Bill says: The seniors heading into the 2018 MLS SuperDraft are a strong core. U20 USYNT goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell leads the pack but 2017 PDL goalkeeper of the year, Ben Lundgaard, is one to keep an eye on as well. (Make sure to circle September 15th on the calendar when Virginia and Virginia Tech square off.) Paul Christensen has homegrown ties to the Sounders while SIUE penalty hero Kyle Dal Santo looks to build off of last year’s cinderella run. Foreigners face an added hurdle when trying to make the jump to MLS due to roster restrictions, but there's plenty of room for Sascha Otte and Nils Leifhelm in the USL and NASL.

Juniors

1. JT Marcinkowski (Georgetown) - 20
2. Bobby Edwards (Monmouth) - 22
3. Todd Morton (Delaware) - 21
4. Jimmy Hague (Michigan State) - 22
5. Ximo Miralles (Spain, Clemson) - 21
6. Ryan Cretens (UNC Wilmington) - 21
7. Austin Aviza (Connecticut) - 20
8. Sawyer Jackman (UIC) - 20
9. Luis Barraza (Marquette) - 20
10. Nick Gardner (Denver) - 22

Bill says: If there’s one goalkeeper that everyone is expecting big things from, it’s Georgetown’s JT Marcinkowski, who is generally viewed as the most complete goalkeeper in the college game. Bobby Edwards (6'6") and Todd Morton (6'4") possess the large frame modern teams are looking for and should make the transition to the professional game with relative ease when the time comes. Austin Aviza looks for a new beginning - and more playing time - after leaving Syracuse for Connecticut this offseason. UNC Wilmington’s Ryan Cretens’ playing style is akin to Nick Rimando’s, standing only 5’11” but covering the goal better than most collegiate goalkeepers in the college game.

Sophomores

1. Kevin Silva (UCLA) - 19
2. Parker Siegfried (Ohio State) - 20
3. Elliot Panicco (Charlotte) - 20
4. Arie Ammann (Penn State) - 20
5. Aron Runarsson (Iceland, Vermont) - 21
6. Jimmy Slayton (Hartford) - 19
7. Andrew Verdi (Michigan) - 19
8. Remi Prieur (St. Mary's) - 20
9. Andreu Cases Mundet (Spain, Wake Forest) - 20
10. Jared Brown (Canada, Florida Gulf Coast) - 19

Bill says: Kevin Silva keeps him number one spot from last season, but not without pressure from his peers. Columbus Crew product, Parker Siegfried, anchored the helm at Ohio State without much of a hiccup and Charlotte’s Elliot Panicco had a wonderful season, after being named to the Conference USA’s All-Freshmen Team as well as earning the John McCarthy look-a-like award. Philadelphia Union academy player Andrew Verdi adds more USYNT flare to the list and while Remi Prieur only has eight games to his college career so far, the San Jose product shouldn't have a tough time taking over the number one role for St. Mary's

Freshmen

1. Will Pulisic (Duke) - 19
2. Andrew Romig (North Carolina) - 19
3. Ben Hale (Furman) - 19
4. Joe Wheelwright (Utah Valley) - 21
5. Andrew Pannenberg / Dominic Peters (Wake Forest) - 18 / 17
6. Matt Freese (Harvard) - 18
7. Jake Gelnovatch (Louisville) - 20
8. Noah Lawrence (Cincinnati) - 18
9. David Abonce / Xavier Kennedy (Ohio State) - 18
10. Jack Butterfield (Appalachian State) - 18

Bill says: Predicting success of freshmen goalkeepers before they’ve even played a minute is always tricky (aka impossible). Will Pulisic returns from his time with Dortmund, after a previously successful run with the US’s U20s. While Andrew Romig and Ben Hale might not see playing time this fall, keep an eye on them in 2018 to transition into the starting position. Both Wake Forest and Ohio State have talented freshmen goalkeepers on their rosters, although both schools are starting sophomores in goal so we may not hear of these freshmen for some time.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings
2014 (final)
2015 (preseason and final)
2016 (preseason and final)

Three Things the USWNT Needs to Address With Its Goalkeeper Position

It's a worrisome time for the USWNT goalkeeper position. A last place finish at the SheBelieves Cup in March raised concerns with the current starters, Alyssa Naeher and Ashlyn Harris. Now with Harris out for a month and a half and turning 32 in October, fans are left wondering what the future of the position is going to look like. There are a number of fantastic write-ups on who the next USWNT goalkeeper should be (Scott French's article on FourFourTwo lists a number of possible goalkeepers while Jessica Fletcher provides a more in-depth look at four rising stars) but there a few hurdles the USWNT needs to address first.

Get As Many Goalkeepers in As Possible

The biggest problem with the Hope Solo era is that it was only the Hope Solo era. Rarely did any other goalkeeper get on the field in the past fifteen years. It was so lopsided, that the USWNT just recently got back to having more than one goalkeeper under 30 with at least one cap.

It was encouraging to see Abby Smith's inclusion on the Scandinavia tour but to no surprise she was not granted an appearance on the field in either game. Instead Alyssa Naeher, who we know exactly what to expect as a goalkeeper, played both games. In the two game series with 25th ranked Russia back in April, Jane Campbell was subbed in for Ashlyn Harris during the 74th minute when the scoreline was 5-1. Even when the USWNT is mopping opponents, youngsters struggle to get off the bench.

Teams should strive for cohesiveness between their goalkeepers and backline but overprotecting the position, by playing only one goalkeeper, creates a glass ceiling for everyone. The starting goalkeeper becomes complacent while the backups realize they can not work themselves into the starting role.

Perhaps the best example of a team utilizing multiple goalkeepers correctly was in the most recent Copa America. Some fans were skeptical about the lack of cohesiveness in the defense but Mexico earned seven points in the three matches, topping Venezuela and Uruguay for first place. Even in a competitive tournament, Mexico had no issue rotating goalkeepers, conceding only two goals in the group stage.

An open net, when done properly, empowers the goalkeeper core as well as the rest of the team. It sends a message that the manager is looking for the best and isn't content with anything short of it. Not every American goalkeeper deserves a chance in goal, but currently there are too many goalkeepers who haven't been given a chance. For goalkeepers like Abby Smith, Haley Kopmeyer and Adrianna Franch, they're constantly thought of as possible USWNT goalkeepers but we never really know because they're not given opportunities to prove themselves.

Stop Ignoring Goalkeepers in Europe

The USWNT has a thin history with Euro-based goalkeepers. The last two goalkeepers to earn a cap when playing in Europe were Hope Solo in 2005 and Saskia Webber in 1998. It says a lot about a goalkeeper who's willing to uproot from a comfortable place and push themselves to another level. The NWSL's limited roster spots offers only so much time for American goalkeepers yet Europe has a need of high level goalkeepers. While the the USWNT should want its players to continue to strive for the next level, they routinely ignore American goalkeepers playing abroad.

Despite offering aspects that the NWSL can't, Europe is understood to be a place void of National Team invites from fans and players alike. Katie Fraine expressed back in 2014 the unlikelihood of a call up in the past. "I believe being in Europe very strongly hurts my chances on getting a call up, especially considering that all of the players currently on the national team who were previously playing abroad have been brought back to the NWSL."

Libby Stout, when playing at Liverpool, echoed the same sentiment. "I do think that being overseas slightly affects my chances. I’m not being seen on a weekly or monthly basis so the odds are less."

For goalkeepers like Alyssa Giannetti and Michelle Betos in Norway or Adelaide Gay and Lindsey Harris in Iceland or Kelsey Brouwer in Cyprus or Audrey Baldwin in France, they're training in an environment where losing their job means having to leave a country. The USWNT needs to reward players for reaching a higher standard and not encourage them to become a backup in the NWSL. If playing in Europe was good enough for Ashlyn Harris (FCR 2001 Duisburg, Tyresö FF, 2012-13) and Alyssa Naeher (Turbine Potsdam, 2011-13), it's good enough for American goalkeepers in 2017.

Explore a "B" Team For Fringe Players

If players are stuck in a limbo of being untested but not quite USWNT-ready, a "B" team would be an easy fix. Essentially the equivalent of the USMNT's Camp Cupcake in the winter, the USWNT could organize a second team to place the players in question in an elevated environment. England's David James made a great case for a "B" team for England back in 2010. Specifically he points out an issue with late bloomers:

“Otherwise, it seems, if you want to be successful in international football you had better do it while you’re young or miss out forever. As someone interested in coaching, I worry about an attitude that assumes if you haven’t done it already then you will never do it. That’s far too simplistic an approach and it says everything about this throwaway world we’re in: he’s had his chance, it didn’t work out so let’s get a new one. The B team can work as a vehicle to rejuvenate players who were in the frame at one point and are now out of it because of their age. ”

— David James

While a "B" team might not sellout stadiums, as James points out in the article, it gives players a chance to showcase themselves at an international level the NWSL can't offer. In turn, coaches are able to see who does and doesn't fit in a more intense and focused setting. 

The USWNT played 25 games last year, so finding opponents isn't the issue. And there's not a shortage of countries who wouldn't mind playing the USWNT's "B" team instead of the "A" team. Young players wouldn't have to worry about costing their club team points while late bloomers could finally get themselves out of limbo. Worst-case scenario is the late bloomers aren't good enough and it turns into a U23 team to give young players time on the field.

The US aren't strangers to unconventional methods with their national teams. The early 90's essentially created a "club USMNT" as MLS wasn't established yet so players trained solely with the national team. On the women's side, the 1999 World Cup winners were club-less, as the WUSA was still two years away from creation. The USSF found a solution for both set of players to make sure they were still getting games and developing along the way.

The goalkeeper position turned stale by not giving young goalkeepers a chance and now fans are left wringing their hands over the position's future. There are avenues to reviving the position, but sticking with the same one or two goalkeepers isn't the answer.

Top 40 Goalkeepers Under 24

There was only one goalkeeper in the 2016 edition of MLS's 24 Under 24, which was nice because sometimes there have been zero. So we'll take what we can get. 24 is typically not viewed as "young" for a field player but since goalkeepers take a little longer to develop, it's a fine gauge for them. Here are 40 American goalkeepers to keep an on over the next few years.

1. Ethan Horvath, 22 - Club Brugge (Belgium.1)
2. Jesse Gonzalez, 22 - FC Dallas (USA.1)
3. Zack Steffen, 22 - Columbus Crew (USA.1)
4. Abraham Romero, 19 - Pachuca (Mexico.1)
5. Eric Klenofsky, 22 - DC United (USA.1)
6. Richard Sanchez, 23 - Tampico Madero (Mexico.2)
7. Jeff Caldwell, 21 - Virginia (USA.N)
8. Will Pulisic, 19 - Dortmund (Germany.1)

Bill says: Well no surprise with the number one here. Typically if you get called up for a World Cup Qualifier as a 22 year old you're probably fairly decent. Gonzalez (still not cap-tied with Mexico, although most likely will be) and Steffen battle for the number two spot, depending on your preference. Both have shown positives and negatives and I wouldn't be surprised if Steffen outplayed Gonzalez at the end of the day. It's just too earlier to call it just yet. Romero has done well with Mexico's U20s in their World Cup run and could be a frustrating loss for the US in years to come. Klenofsky had surgery (MCL) at the end of April and his return date is unknown at this time. Pulisic is expected back at Duke this fall but is still currently with Dortmund's U19s. Theoretically he could sign back with Dortmund but there's no word of that yet. Lastly, Sanchez is a bit of an unknown. Mexican clubs haven't had the greatest track record when it comes to playing its youth goalkeepers but that doesn't necessarily mean he isn't developing. He was good at one point, but he's stayed hidden for the past couple years.

9. Alex Bono, 23 - Toronto FC (USA.1)
10. Alec Ferrell, 23 - Free Agent (None)
11. Wade Hamilton, 22 - Portland Timbers II (USA.3)
12. Andrew Tarbell, 23 - San Jose Earthquakes (USA.1)
13. Kevin Silva, 19 - UCLA (USA.N)
14. Bill Heavner, 23 - Minnesota United FC (USA.1)
15. Paul Blanchette, 23 - PEPO Lappeenranta (Finland.3)
16. Logan Ketterer, 23 - Columbus Crew (USA.1)

Bill says: A number of twenty-three year olds in this group. Bono is taking full advantage of his time with Toronto. Ferrell is has not technically signed with Minnesota United despite being drafted in January, after needing to sit for half the season, if not the entire year. Tarbell played only 45 minutes last year and two matches in the USL this year. For someone so highly touted, it's odd San Jose can't find him more playing time. Kevin Silva returns to UCLA for his sophomore year, after taking the starting spot from a returning senior last year. Heavner keeps the goalkeeper pool alive and is stationed with Minnesota for the time being. Blanchette has started four of six games for third place PEPO Lappeenranta.

17. Ben Lundgaard, 21 - Virginia Tech (USA.N)
18. David Greczek, 22 - Sporting Kansas City (USA.1)
19. JT Marcinkowski, 20 - Georgetown (USA.N)
20. Justin Vom Steeg, 20 - Fortuna Düsseldorf (Germany.2)
21. Paul Christensen, 21 - Portland (USA.N)
22. Carlos dos Santos, 16 - Benfica (Portugal.1)
23. Bobby Edwards, 21 - Monmouth (USA.N)
24. Parker Siegfried, 20 - Ohio State (USA.N)

Bill says: Lundgaard is spending this summer with the Red Bulls' PDL squad, who are known for producing standout goalkeepers, and has already impressed RBNY fans. JT Marcinkowski currently sits second to Klinsmann with the U20s but Georgetown fans are anixous to see the sophomore goalkeeper lead their team back to the NCAA tournament. Justin Vom Steeg is interested in resigning with Fortuna Düsseldorf but is currently out of contract. Paul Christensen has notched two starts with the Sounders U23s (PDL), allowing just one goal in the two games. Dos Santos was the backup goalkeeper during the U17s World Cup Qualifiers and is back with Benfica for the time being. Bobby Edwards joins Lundgaard with the U23 squad after transferring to Monmouth University while Siegfried spends his summer with NPSL side Asheville City Soccer Club.

25. Benjamin Machini, 20 - Barakaldo CF (Spain.3)
26. Matt Turner, 23 - New England Revolution (USA.1)
27. Connor Sparrow, 23 - Real Monarchs (USA.3)
28. Tim Dobrowolski, 23 - Louisville City FC (USA.3)
29. Eric Lopez, 18 - Los Angeles Galaxy II (USA.3)
30. Mike Lansing, 23 - Aalborg BK (Denmark.1)
31. Adrian Zendejas, 21 - Sporting Kansas City (USA.1)
32. Kyle Morton, 23 - Rochester Rhinos (USA.3)

Bill says: Machini finished his loan with Barakaldo and will return to RCD Mallorca. Tim Dobrowolski has already earned two save of the week awards (first and second) within USL play. Eric Lopez made his first professional start last month and while the 4-0 drumming to the OC Blues wasn't ideal, he rebounded well with a 2-1 win against the Red Bulls a week later. Lansing earned three starts for Danish premier club Aalborg BK, who finished 8th in the table. Morton also made his first professional start with the Rochester Rhinos in a comfortable 3-0 US Open Cup start.

33. Andrew Shepherd, 22 - Western Michigan (USA.N)
34. Todd Morton, 21 - Delaware (USA.N)
35. Mike Kirk, 23 - Rio Grande Valley FC (USA.3)
36. Michael Nelson, 22 - SMU (USA.N)
37. Evan Louro, 21 - New York Red Bulls II (USA.3)
38. Kyle Dal Santo, 22 - SIUE (USA.N)
39. Austin Pack, 23 - Puerto Rico FC (USA.2)
40. Jonathan Klinsmann, 20 - California (USA.N)

Bill says: Shepherd (Michigan Bucks), Morton (Ocean City Nor'easters), and Dal Santo (St. Louis FC U23s) are putting their summers to good use in the PDL. Evan Louro has been a polarizing figure over the past few years. A lackluster season with Michigan last year didn't inspire confidence but he's toned up and has taken his role at RBNY more seriously. His ceiling is up to him, as he carries a ton of untapped potential still. Jonathan Klinsmann received his fair share of backlash after a disappointing opener to the U20 World Cup, which I wrote about here.