2019 NCAA Men's Goalkeeper Rankings

cover photo belongs to Al Sermeno, KLC fotos

Seniors

1. Drake Callender (California)
2. Paul-Andre Guerin (CSUF, France)
3. Anthony Mwembia (Bowling Green, France)
4. Albert Escuin (California Baptist, Spain)
5. Jimmy Slayton (Hartford)
6. Parker Siegfried (Ohio State)
7. Tim Trilk (Western Illinois)
8. Jacob Harris (Colgate)
9. Wallis Lapsley (UC Davis)
10. Carlos Caro (Howard)
11. Remi Prieur (St. Mary's)
12. Nathan Wisbey (Bradley)
13. Elliot Panicco (Charlotte)
14. Keegan Meyer (High Point)
15. Vincent Durand (NC State)

Most improved: Drake Callender. No, it’s not because Callender already has his professional track sorted out before he’s finished his college career, although that doesn’t hurt his case. The Golden Bear goalkeeper has the ability to cover every corner of the goal, as well as the 18 yard box, through his Stretch Armstrong-inspired frame and 0-60 acceleration. However, for all the goals he’s prevented, Callender’s thorn in his side revolves around him overusing his athleticism. Whether it’s taking one too many steps when facing a breakaway or not utilizing a quick shuffle before a dive, Callender would benefit from adding more nuances to his footwork and relying less on his athleticism to solve every problem. If he can make the adjustments, he’ll make a potent challenge for all the offensive firepower in MLS. If he can’t, don’t expect him to gain many minutes outside of USL.

Juniors

1. Paul Tyson (Georgia State, England)
2. Yannik Oettl (UCF, Germany)
3. Chase Vosvick (Loyola Maryland)
4. Jake Gelnovatch (Louisville)
5. Jahmali Waite (Fairleigh Dickinson, Jamaica)
6. Matthew Rosenberg (Xavier)
7. Andrew Pannenberg (Wake Forest)
8. Noah Lawrence (Cincinnati)
9. Alec Smir (North Carolina)
10. Colin Shutler (Virginia)

Most improved: Paul Tyson. The English goalkeeper has most certainly been tracking Jordan Pickford when discovering his own style of play, except add a few inches to Tyson’s frame. At 6’7”, Tyson can cover a foot above the goal with ease yet somehow get low on shots from close range with either his hands or feet. His handling ability isn’t exceptional but his use of his entire body makes up for some sloppy rebounds he may give away. Tyson will struggle to find a job as a goalkeeper in the United States after graduation but with more professional options each year, the Georgia State goalkeeper has shown up at a good time.

Sophomores

1. Andrew Thomas (Stanford)
2. Giannis Nikopolidis (Georgetown, Greece)
3. Quantrell Jones (UMBC)
4. Hunter Morse (Michigan State)
5. George Tasouris (Grand Canyon, Cyprus)
6. George Marks (Clemson)
7. Elian Haddock (Yale)
8. Daniel Husa (Gardner-Webb, Norway)
9. Sam Ilin (Marist)
10. Justin Garces (UCLA)

Most improved: Quantrell Jones. Coming back from his freshman year, Jones looks about fifteen pounds lighter and has clearly worked on his footwork to minimize excessive movement on multi-step runs. The added agility has aided Jones on post-to-post plays and 1v1s, although the latter can look a little like he’s simply winging it at times. Moving forward, Jones’ potential is hard to pin down. He checks a lot of boxes but he still needs to face more high-pressure situations to continue his development. If Jones makes a similar jump from his sophomore-to-junior year as he did last offseason, the world is his oyster. But if he rests laurels as a USYNT alum, the UMBC goalkeeper will be an extremely polarizing figure for his final two years.

Freshmen

1. Kris Shakes (Penn State)
2. Patrick Schulte (Saint Louis)
3. Tomas Romero (Georgetown, El Salvador)
4. Dane Jacomen (George Washington)
5. Michael Collodi (Columbia)
6. Niklas Neumann (Maryland, Germany)
7. Nate Holladay (UNC Asheville)
8. Martin Sanchez (Northern Illinois)
9. Owen Finnerty (Michigan)
10. Oren Asher (Rutgers, Israel)

Most improved: Owen Finnerty. Finnerty didn’t make his first collegiate start in an easy fashion. Filling in for an injured senior, Andrew Verdi, Finnerty would help aide the Wolverines to an unbeaten finish in 2019, allowing just three goals in 484 minutes of play. The freshmen class is still very fluid at this point, but it’s hard to bet against an undefeated freshman goalkeeper with the 13th seed in the national tournament. Finnerty plays with a lot of passion and heart so whether the young Michigander is featured in 2019 postseason play or not, expect to get accustomed to seeing Finnerty’s name in headlines in the near future.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2019: Preseason
2018: Preseason and Final
2017: Preseason and Final
2016: Preseason and Final
2015: Preseason and Final
2014: Final

2019 NCAA Soccer Bracket Challenge

Mobile users may need to zoom out (typically through pinching the screen). Rankings are sorted by maximum possible score (purple column).

The Deadline to play is
6:00 PM (ET) Thursday, November 21st.

Welcome back to Everybody Soccer's sixth annual NCAA Soccer Bracket Challenge. Last year Sean Steffen came close as the first two-time champion but SBZipfan edged out the competition with the Akron pick, of which only two selected correctly!

2019 returns and all the scores are reset as we gear up for a new bracket challenge. Admission is free and the only prize is bragging rights. Student-athletes and the elderly are all welcome to play!

What Is the NCAA Tournament?

Every year NCAA soccer concludes their season with a 48 team tournament. 24 conference representatives are selected by either winning their respective conference or tournament. The remaining 24 spots are filled by teams earning at-large bids, regardless of conference affiliation. The first round features 32 teams facing off while the second round introduces the 16 seeded teams who were given a bye past the first round.

Click here to see the 2019 bracket

What Is the Bracket Challenge?

The bracket challenge is a free-to-enter competition with no prize, allowing student-athletes the option of playing. Simply make your predictions on each game in the national tournament then submit it before the first game kicks off, on Thursday night. The winner will be determined by who scores the most points. You can score a maximum of 176 points total (32 each round, except the first which is only 16). The rounds are weighted as such:

Round 1 - 1 point (16 games)
Round 2 - 2 point (16 games)
Round 3 - 4 points (8 games)
Quarterfinals - 8 points (4 games)
Semifinals - 16 points (2 games)
Final - 32 points (1 game)

Past Winners

2018 - SBZipfan
2017 - JR Eskilson
2016 - Sarah Dobrolowski
2015 - Sean Steffen
2014 - Liviu Bird

How to Play

There are a couple of different ways to submit a bracket.

1. The Fancy, Interactive Google Doc - I have created a fancy interactive tool through Google Docs but unfortunately does not work on phones. (You can only use it on a desktop or laptop computer.) 

• Click here to go to view the bracket template.

• You will not be able to edit the spreadsheet unless you download the document. Underneath "2019 NCAA Soccer Bracket Challenge Template" in the top left, click

  • File > Download As > Microsoft Excel (.xslx)

• The spreadsheet will download to your computer. Fill out column D, the blue and green cells. The rest of the document will automatically update itself. The spreadsheet has formulas to double check accuracy and spelling, so make sure you end up with smiley faces in the purple column.

• In the green column at the top, enter your name, state or country you represent, bracket name (can be anything serious or silly), and your twitter handle to appear on the scoreboard.

• Email me the file at: everybodysoccer@yahoo.com

• If something goes terribly wrong or you mess up the document, just go back to the link to re-download the document and start over.

2. Edit a Blank Bracket and Send It Over - You can either download the bracket and edit it on your phone or computer. The bracket is fairly clean so writing on it may be easier for you, depending on your phone. You can email me the final product at everybodysoccer@yahoo.com or tweet a picture @letsallsoccer. This doesn’t have to be super neat long. As I can tell who your selections, you’re in!

Click here to view the printable bracket

3. Draw It on a Napkin, Etc. - If you're having trouble downloading the bracket, you can always write down all your picks on a napkin, take a picture of it, and send it my way. It doesn't matter if you write it in crayon or spell it out with macaroni art, as long as I can read each pick, you're in!

Send in brackets to:
everybodysoccer@yahoo.com
or
@letsallsoccer

Deadline Is 6:00 PM (ET)
Thursday, November 21st.

 

Resources

RPIs and Schedules - Dan Gaucho has a great site for all your RPI and scheduling needs.

Media Coverage - Top Drawer Soccer has multiple articles on the tournament, rankings, and players to watch for.

History - Take a look at each school's history with the tournament. Teams were given points for how many rounds they went (Round Pts) and if they held a seed (Seed Pts).  "+/-" is gauging if they overperform or underperform in the tournament given their seed history.

Lastly, here are a few stats on how far average seeds advance in the tournament. Second seeds are the most successful while 14 seeds (who start in the second round) only advance half the time.

Performance by Seed
avg number of rounds completed, 1 to 7

1 - 4.2
2 - 5.7
3 - 4.3
4 - 3.4
5 - 3.8
6 - 3.3
7 - 3.3
8 - 3.9
9 - 3.5
10 - 3.0
11 - 3.1
12 - 3.1
13 - 2.9
14 - 2.5
15 - 2.6
16 - 3.1
unseeded - 1.7

7 Foreign Goalkeepers Who Would Be a Good Fit for MLS

MLS has long been a league that has tried to accommodate foreign players to elevate its level of play. However while field players have seen success with integrating foreigners, goalkeepers have remained the exception to the rule. Despite the league entering its 25th year in 2020, there have been so few productive foreign goalkeepers in MLS. While ideally MLS is focused on developing our domestic talent, which I’ve posted a thread on Twitter covering seven American goalkeepers who would be good enough for MLS, realistically it is the foreign talent that is more likely to earn a transfer fee for MLS teams. If MLS teams can circumvent the many hurdles of getting the right talent in the league, it’s in everyone’s interest.

Following last year’s list of goalkeepers who would be a good fit for MLS, the same three parameters have been applied for possible candidates: goalkeepers must be between 21-26 years old, listed under five million pounds on Transfermarkt, and have a sensible reason to transfer for both the player and club. For example, if a 22-year-old German goalkeeper is a backup in the Bundesliga, it’s not realistic to expect them to come to MLS as their willingness to make such a move is low and the opportunities for success are already present in their home country.

The seven goalkeepers listed below are ready for the level of play in MLS and are likely able to jump to an even higher league within two or three years, earning MLS teams a nice incoming transfer fee. Each goalkeeper is listed with their current club, age, demonym, their current listed price on Transfermarkt, and their potential selling fee an MLS team could make if the goalkeeper develops well.

1. Denis Scherbitski
BATE Borisov (Belarus)
23, Belarusian

Current TM Listing: $1,330,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $12,000,000

Scherbitski sent some waves out earlier this year when the Belarusian goalkeeper stunned eventual Europa League runner-up Arsenal to a 1-0 win for BATE Borisov. While BATE would not advance past the round of 32, the shutout would momentarily put Scherbitski on clubs’ radars. Unfortunately a shoulder injury four months later sidelined him and has kept him away from the field since June. If he has returned to full strength, the fringe Belarusan national team starter would be a great pickup as a shot-stopper who is quick with his feet yet has the size most MLS teams are looking for in their number one.

2. Toma Niga
FCSB (Romania)
22, Romania

TM Listing: $167,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $9,000,000

Romanian netminder Toma Niga is likely to be overshadowed by his peer Andrei Radu, another Romanian goalkeeper already making waves in Italy. However Niga possesses a spring in his dive that is reminiscent of the Robin Williams’ movie Flubber and controlled agility you don’t typically find in young goalkeepers. The 22-year-old is still searching for consistent playing time, although he may have trouble finding that in Europe as Romania isn’t high up on scouts’ list. MLS teams could sign him for cheap and immediately claim to have one of the best young goalkeepers in the league.

3. Tiepo
Chapecoense (Brazil)
21, Brazilian

TM Listing: $994,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $12,000,000

After a long drought of elite goalkeepers, Brazil has seemingly found the secret to alleviating their problems in net. While Alisson and Ederson lead the way overseas, Tiepo is doing well for himself early into his professional career. Already with 25 starts in Brazi’s Série A, the 21-year-old is rarely caught guessing or wrong-footed. With a strong pair of impeccable balance and precise reactions, Tiepo is most likely going to reach a higher level sooner or later, whether due to MLS or not.

4. Dominik Greif
Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia
22, Slovak

TM Listing: $442,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $15,000,000

Spoiler: Greif has been linked with Porto FC already so while he may be out of MLS’s reach, we’ll leave him in the list for now as he technically meets the requirements. But the interest from the Portuguese powerhouse adds up when you consider his recent performance against Wolverhampton, making several top-class saves in the 1-0 loss. Greif relies on his David de Gea frame and blazing reactions when facing shots for Slovan Bratislava. Whether Greif ends up at Porto or not, the young Slovak has greener pastures ahead.

5. Emre Koyuncu
Altay SK (Turkey)
23, Turkish

TM Listing: $193,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $8,000,000

Koyuncu is currently in Turkey’s second division in order to receive playing time but he won’t be there long. The former Turkish YNT goalkeeper is a classic definition of a “gem in the rough” as his club is sitting mid-table in a largely uncovered league. Koyuncu’s play is similar to Tony Meola. He’s a little undersized - standing around 6’0” - but contains a lot of power in both his reactions and handling ability. MLS has a number of goalkeeping spots to fill with recent retirements and expansion teams entering 2020. Koyuncu’s asking price is at an all-time low but could easily be flipped for profit in two or three years time.

6. Vsevolod Ermakov
Shirak Gyumri (Armenia)
23, Russian

TM Listing: $166,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $8,000,000

Ermakov has had somewhat of an odd journey to Armenia. After being sent out on loan as an 18-year-old from Russia’s third division, Ermakov bounced back and forth between Russia and Armenia for years until his current situation found him with Shirak Gyumri. While still young, it’s not uncommon for players to be stuck with a “damaged goods” label and if Ermakov stays in Armenia much longer, he may well be labeled as such. A move to the US would be a good fit for both the league’s and Ermakov’s level of play, as well as springboarding the Russian goalkeeper to the next step in his career.

7. Ezequiel Unsain
Defensa y Justicia
24, Argentine

TM Listing: $3,320,000
Potential Transfer Selling Fee: $8,000,000

Carried over from last year’s list, Unsain is somewhat ironically the antithesis to what MLS goalkeeper coaches are looking for yet the perfect example of types of goalkeepers who have found success in MLS. The young Argentine isn’t as technically proficient as some may wish, but his mobility and nose for the ball are reminiscent of Nick Rimando, Matt Reis, and Dan Kennedy. Unsain has 65 starts in Argentina’s premier league, the Superliga, and is ready for the next step in his career. With some fine-tuning, MLS could make a profit on another South American heading to Europe.

2019 NCAA Women's Goalkeeper Rankings

cover photo from hokiesports.com

Seniors

1. Mandy McGlynn (Virginia Tech)
2. Sophia Brown (Cal Poly)
3. Mikayla Krzeczowski (South Carolina)
4. Jalen Tompkins (Colorado)
5. Rylee Foster (West Virginia, Canada)
6. Haley Smith (Illinois State, Canada)
7. Jaelyn Cunningham (Illinois)
8. Sandy MacIver (Clemson, England)
9. Heather Martin (Texas State)
10. Amanda Fitzgerald (Fairleigh Dickinson)
11. Brittany Wilson (Denver)
12. Courtenay Kaplan (Radford)
13. Ella Dederick (Washington State)
14. Amanda Knaub (Monmouth)
15. Teagan Micah (UCLA, Australia)

Most improved: Sophia Brown. Often overlooked, Brown is akin to a Swiss Army knife. The 5'8” Mustang goalkeeper possesses a shocking range when stretching out to cover the post, as well as a surprising amount of quickness to put pressure on strikers in 1v1 situations. While her athleticism allows her to cover shots that many can’t reach, Brown does have a knack for overcomplicating plays by relying on brute force instead of technical or tactical foundations, most notably on crossing situations. The senior class is overflowing with talent this year - take note of the 15 goalkeepers who are all ready for the next level - but Brown has an upside that if properly tapped into, could make a run at the world’s top leagues.

Juniors

1. Sydney Schneider (UNC Wilmington, Jamaica)
2. Emily Alvarado (TCU, Mexico)
3. Hillary Beall (Michigan)
4. Kaylie Collins (USC)
5. Emma Roccaforte (McNeese State)
6. Laurel Ivory (Virginia)
7. Jessica Berlin (NC State)
8. Melody Jayroe (Liberty)
9. Shelby Hogan (Providence)
10. Madison Less (Cincinnati)

Most improved: Hillary Beall. Rewind back to August of 2018, Beall is being erased from the U20 World Cup roster at the eleventh hour due to an untimely injury. While she was able to return to the field before 2018 came to a close, the USYNT goalkeeper was already facing questions about her longevity just halfway through her collegiate. But building off a strong summer run with the LA Galaxy OC - also known as the current 2019 UWS champions - Beall was rewarded with 3rd Team All-Big Ten honors as she played every minute in goal for Michigan this fall. Beall still has some work to do in close range situations, where she can’t rely as heavily on her 5’11” frame to make the save, but if she can continue her healthy streak she’ll have her pick of doors to walk through this time next year.

Sophomores

1. Claudia Dickey (North Carolina)
2. Meagan McClelland (Rutgers)
3. Bridgette Skiba (Oregon State)
4. Hensley Hancuff (Villanova)
5. Mackenzie Wood (Northwestern)
6. Sydney Martinez (South Florida)
7. Kamryn Stablein (Delaware)
8. Brooke Bollinger (Florida State)
9. Anna Smith (USC)
10. Marisa Bova (Purdue)

Most improved: Bridgette Skiba. It’s hard to believe the Oregon State turned around a two-win 2018 season into just nearly missing the 2019 national tournament. The Beavers went 11-6-2, thanks in large part to Skiba’s NASA-esque statistical skyrocket. After finishing her freshman year with a 2.58 goals allowed average, Skiba returned for her sophomore year with a vengeance, posting a 0.98 GAA through 20 games. Skiba is now quicker, more intentional with her movement through the box, and has honed her reactions to cover every inch under the crossbar.

Freshmen

1. Kayza Massey (West Virginia, Canada)
2. Alisa Crooks (Alabama)
3. Lindsey Romig (Tennessee)
4. Angelina Anderson (California)
5. Marz Josephson (North Carolina)
6. Tatum Sutherland (SMU)
7. Lauren Kozal (Michigan State)
8. Anna Leat (Georgetown, New Zealand)
9. Kat Asman (Penn State)
10. Jenny Wahlen (Portland, Sweden)

Most improved: Alisa Crooks. Whoever was Crooks’ goalkeeper coach during her time through high school deserves some recognition. To walk into an SEC program as a true freshman and post a 6-3-2 record while spitting time with a junior is no easy task, yet Alabama witnessed it first-hand. Her movement in even the slightest actions is a result of countless hours of molding a specific technical and tactical game plan. Crooks has some work ahead of her to get to a level of athleticism that many of her peers are already at, but she’s certainly in the 1% when it comes to consistency, mechanics, and decision making when compared to the freshmen class.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2019: Preseason
2018: Preseason and Final
2017: Preseason and Final
2016: Preseason and Final
2015: Preseason and Final