NCAA Men's Goalkeeper Rankings (Fall 2022)

Seniors

1. Jassem Koleilat (New Hampshire, Canada)
2. Oliver Semmle (Marshall, Germany)
3. Dominic Peters (San Diego)
4. Kris Shakes (Penn State)
5. Michael Collodi (Columbia)
6. Ryan Troutman (Louisville)
7. Jonathan Burke (Drake)
8. Holden Trent (High Point)
9. Matt Frank (Stanford)
10. Marco Saborio Perez (North Carolina, Costa Rica)

One to Watch: Marco Saborio Perez. Saborio Perez leaves UNC with only five appearances to his name in the four years at Chapel Hill. However, the former Costa Rican YNT and New England Revs academy product came in with a lot of buzz and is clearly still trying to carve a route forward for himself. Saborio Perez needs minutes ASAP to keep his momentum going in the right way, which raises questions about his options going forward. He reportedly holds a Swiss passport that could get him to Europe but could also return to the college game with two years of eligibility remaining on the table. Keep an eye out to see how this once highly touted goalkeeper keeps his career alive.

Juniors

1. Jacob Castro (San Diego State)
2. Edu Rodriguez (Campbell, Spain)
3. James Lowell (Maryland)
4. Lute Lillo Portero (Omaha, Spain)
5. Ryan Schewe (Georgetown)
6. John Harms (Indiana)
7. Sam Fowler (Washington)
8. Holden Brown (Virginia)
9. Brendan Graves (Bowling Green)
10. Kash Oladapo (St. Mary's)

One to Watch: Edu Rodriguez. Rodriguez is one of the more complete goalkeepers in the college game. Unfortunately for foreign goalkeepers in the NCAA, their chances of signing with an MLS team are drastically lowered due to roster restrictions. And despite a global dominance in goalkeeping standards, Spanish goalkeeping isn’t rated among most American coaches. Add in the additional hurdle that Campbell isn’t typically known as a goalkeeper powerhouse, Rodriguez has his work cut out for him to catch on in the US after his time in college winds down.

Sophomores

1. Ben Martino (Virginia Tech)
2. Eoin Gawronski (Temple)
3. Trace Alphin (Wake Forest)
4. Luca Hatsios (NC State)
5. Alex Lopez (Tulsa, Spain)
6. Nathanael Sallah (Omaha, Germany)
7. Alex Bobocea (Loyola MD)
8. Colin Welsh (Memphis)
9. Nate Crockford (UCLA)
10. Brennan Klein (Boston College)

One to Watch: A lead goalkeeper. Typically classes have a goalkeeper or two that break away from the bunch but so far none have impressed to that level. For each goalkeeper listed, we’ve seen positives and negatives in their game thus far. The sophomore year for any goalkeeper is a tough transition as they’re finally starting to find their rhythm, yet they simultaneously need to start becoming a leader on the team. Be prepared to see massive changes in these names going forward as we’re due for a star goalkeeper in the sophomore class.

Freshmen

1. Jay Hibbert (Connecticut)
2. Paul Walters (Northwestern)
3. Andrew Cordes (North Carolina)
4. Mitchell Budler (Akron)
5. Alex Aitken (Houston Baptist, England)
6. Ryan Friedberg (Cornell)
7. Landon Carter (Utah Valley)
8. Seth Wilson (Akron)
9. Matt Tibbetts (American)
10. Michael Sly (Oakland)

One to Watch: Andrew Cordes. UNC hasn’t had a goalkeeper who started all four years since Michael Ueltschey graduated in 2001 and Cordes is on track to become the next one. Cordes received the bulk of the minutes this season (splitting with Saborio Perez) and seems prime to have a clear runway for the next three years. Cordes has a nice control on his movement in the box, keeping it light without distracting himself with busy footwork to find the “perfect” positioning. There’s a simplicity to his game that has worked very well for him. If there’s one name MLS scouts are starting to circle from this class, it’s likely Cordes.

NCAA Women's Goalkeeper Rankings (Fall 2022)

cover photo belongs to Duke Athletics

Seniors

1. Ruthie Jones (Duke)
2. Angelina Anderson (California)
3. Megan Plaschko (Minnesota)
4. Marz Josephson (North Carolina)
5. Kayza Massey (West Virginia, Canada)
6. Madeline Smith (Maryland)
7. Lauren Brzykcy (UCLA)
8. Meagan McClelland (Rutgers)
9. Lyza Bosselmann (Gonzaga)
10. McKinley Crone (Alabama)

11. Jordan Silkowitz (Iowa State)
12. Mackenzie Wood (Notre Dame)
13. Lauren Kozal (Michigan State)
14. Katherine Asman (Penn State)
15. Monica Wilhelm (Iowa)
16. Heather Hinz (South Carolina)
17. Olivia Sekany (Washington)
18. Charlotte Cyr (Dartmouth)
19. Lindsey Romig (Tennessee)
20. Ashley Orkus (Mississippi)

One to Watch: Marz Josephson. Josephson’s time at UNC was quite the tumultuous one. Earning only 1161 minutes (equivalent to 13 games) in four years, Josephson is currently sitting on two more years of eligibility due to the infamous “covid year” that every player, parent, and coach has heard about over and over. As for Josephson’s path forward, it can go in several directions. For a player whose collegiate career was so stop-and-go within a highly competitive environment and sought-after minutes, it’s quite common to see a player finish out their eligibility with stability and less stress by finding a university that will commit to giving her the bulk of the minutes. However, if Josephson is eyeing the pros, don’t be surprised to see her keep her foot on the gas and re-enter a highly competitive environment to best prepare her for the next level, whether at another university or with a professional side. Whichever path she chooses, it’s certain Jospheson has plenty of “gas left in the tank” to make some noise for next fall, if she chooses that route.

Juniors

1. Maria Echezarreta (NC State, Spain)
2. Macy Enneking (Iowa)
3. Cristina Roque (Florida State, Puerto Rico)
4. Lauren Traywick (Baylor)
5. Leah Freeman (Oregon)
6. Ryan Campbell (Stanford)
7. Hailey Coll (Oregon State)
8. Anna Karpenko (Harvard, Canada)
9. Halle Mackiewicz (Clemson)
10. Maddy Anderson (Mississippi State)

One to Watch: Maria Echezarreta. If there’s one takeaway from goalkeepers over the 2022 season, it’s that we need more variety in the NCAA. Echezarreta brings a breath of fresh air to the position by taking on a level of responsibility that we rarely see for division I programs. The Spanish YNT goalkeeper focuses on preventing the opposition’s ability to create goal chances through distribution and organization, whereas American goalkeepers are typically more focused on putting all their eggs in the shot-stopping basket. I don’t think many are doubting Echezarreta’s ability to play at the next level, although there is a gray question of “where?” Does an NWSL team get ready to pounce? Does one of the top Spanish clubs attempt to continue her development or will a midtable team put her in goal immediately? Or does a non-Spanish side with high aspirations in the Champions League look to make an attractive offer? There are several directions forward, one that hopefully leaves a pathway for more Spanish goalkeepers in the college ranks.

Sophomores

1. Mia Justus (Florida State)
2. Liz Beardsley (Georgia)
3. Wiebke Willebrandt (Boston College, Germany)
4. Tyler McCamey (Princeton)
5. Savanna Mason (BYU)
6. Maya Bellomo (Yale)
7. Trinity Corcoran (Northern Arizona)
8. Shu Ohba (East Tennessee State, Japan)
9. Haley Craig (Stanford)
10. Bella Grust (Colorado)

One to Watch: Liz Beardsley. Georgia recorded their first 13-win season since 2011 and not without the help of the Florida native in goal. Beardsley employs a level of chaoticness in goal by playing a deep line while simultaneously being more than eager to throw her body into the fray. The lanky-yet-mobile combo is an increasingly popular trend for a reason and the sophomore Bulldog has repeatedly shown why with her high flying saves. If Beardsley can continue to shore up her response in atypical situations where something has gone wrong in the box, look for her to become a frontrunner to join the NWSL in a few years.

Freshmen

1. Emmie Allen (North Carolina)
2. Neeku Purcell (UCLA)
3. Erynn Floyd (Louisville)
4. Teagan Wy (California)
5. Bella Schopp (Brown)
6. Pauline Nelles (Arizona State, Germany)
7. Cara Martin (Georgetown)
8. Olivia Ramey (Oklahoma)
9. Caroline Duffy (Duke)
10. Reiley Fitzpatrick (Northwestern)

One to Watch: Erynn Floyd. Don’t let Louisville’s 6-8-2 record fool you, a true freshman starting in goal for any ACC squad is a tall order. Floyd started 14 of the 16 matches and displayed a rarely-seen composure in net, moving in sync with the quick play and showing a decisive mindset without hesitation. Similar to Beardsley, Floyd looks most comfortable playing near the goal line but she has a “bet on yourself” energy that encourages her to explore all the corners of the 18. If she can continue to embrace more responsibility within the game, Floyd could be yet another non-USYNT goalkeeper that makes a strong run in the professional game.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2022: Preseason
2021: Final
2020: Preseason and Final
2019: Preseason and Final
2018: Preseason and Final
2017: Preseason and Final
2016: Preseason and Final
2015: Preseason and Final

Scouting Potential Foreign Goalkeepers for MLS (2022)

Following the previous fall 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 at least 21 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,500,000 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.

Toni Fuidias - Girona, 21

Bill says: Fuidias left Real Madrid this summer for another La Liga club, Girona, on a free transfer. Although Fuidias future is a little clouded when it comes to Girona’s plans for the young Spaniard, what’s not as blurry is Fuidias’ ability in between the posts. Although competitive minutes were sparse in the highly competitive environment, Fuidias is your prototypical young, Spanish goalkeeper: highly mobile with a keen focus on the smallest nuances but without any of the paralysis that typically comes with that attention to detail. TM has Fuidias’ contract with Girona running through summer 2025 but if they continue to keep him on the bench, they may be willing to let him go for a low fee.

Transfermarkt listing: $355,000

Mees Bakker - AZ, 21

Bill says: Bakker is currently on loan from AZ to second-division Dutch club De Graafschap but has yet to break in with either club. Transfermarkt lists Bakker’s contract to end next summer, making him a perfect candidate for MLS clubs to pounce on a potentially profitable goalkeeper. Bakker’s lack of minutes have kept the Dutch YNT goalkeeper off the radar for most clubs but that hasn’t stopped AZ from developing yet another front-footed goalkeeper. There aren’t many more aggressive goalkeepers in the world than Bakker, which provides a high boom-or-bust possibility.

Transfermarkt listing: $118,000

Anthony Racioppi - Young Boys, 23

Bill says: Racioppi rings in at just over the one million mark but the Swiss YNT alum has struggled for consistent playing time. Since leaving Dijon this winter, Racioppi returned to Swizterland’s premier league with Young Boys but has still been relegated to the bench. Utilizing a fluid style that’s often seen in Italian goalkeepers, Racioppi does well to react to a multitude of situations. From short-to-long range shooting situations to leaving his line, decision-making comes naturally for him, even if it’s not always a “textbook answer”. Racioppi needs minutes ASAP to stay relevant in Switzerland’s goalkeeping depth chart and MLS has long struggled to find foreign goalkeepers to handle atypical and scrappy challenges in goal.

Transfermarkt listing: $1,100,000

Luca Philipp - Hoffenheim, 22

Bill says: The German youth international is closing on a decade with how long he’s been with Hoffenheim. Philipp has patiently climbed every step inside the club, from the youth academy to the U17s to the U19s to the reserves, and has now found himself on the bench for the first team. It’s hard to see Hoffenheim offload him at this point, unless the steady play of 32-year-old starting goalkeeper Oliver Baumann delays the switch to the point where Philipp is frustrated from waiting. Philipp isn’t very flashy in goal but he is classically German in his methodical approach. Although you’re likely to see fewer big highlight reel saves, you’re also less likely to see poor goals with his steady approach. TM has his contract ending in the summer of 2023 and the right fit might pull the young goalkeeper to a new environment.

Transfermarkt listing: $330,000

Lazar Carevic - Vojvodina, 23

Bill says: Spain are quietly developing a slew of game generals and Carevic is no exception. After four years with Barcelona, Carevic moved east on a free transfer to the Vojvodina, a Serbian first-division club. Allowing only 13 goals in his first 15 league matches with the club, Carevic has also notched his first start with his national team of Montenegro back in March. Carevic brings a unique nimbleness to the southeastern European league, although it’s difficult to maintain in environments that lean on power and speed (see Kepa’s difficult start with Chelsea). Although the Serbian SuperLiga could trampoline the goalkeeper to a higher league, MLS will offer more exposure for Carevic.

Transfermarkt listing: $220,000

Best of the Rest

• Cristian Rivero - Valencia, 24. Long time Valencia product with no clear route forward in the club. $220,000 listing.

• Markus Schubert - Vitesse, 24. German returning from knee surgery at a crowded dutch club. $660,000 listing.

• Luis López - Real Madrid, 21. One of the stalwart clubs in goalkeeper development with a goalkeeper struggling for playing time. $355,000 listing.

• Ortwin De Wolf - Royal Antwerp, 26. Former Belgian YNT whose value recently “dropped” from depth chart issues and is wanting to reignite his career. $592,000 listing.

• Manuel Roffo - Tigre, 22. Argentinian YNT looking to take his career forward from Argentina’s premier division. $740,000 listing

• Théo De Percin - AJ Auxerre, 21. “Shoot from the hip” style with high range, if he can find the right blueprint for himself. $178,000 listing.

• Andrea Zaccagno - Rimini, 25. Illustrious Italian YNT whose career has stalled in third division Italy. $118,000 listing.

• Ellery Balcombe - Brentford, 23. Contract reportedly expires in May 2023 for the English U20 goalkeeper. $355,000 listing.

Seven Goalkeepers in Europe with Long-Term NWSL Potential

This article is a guest-submitted article by a writer wishing to stay anonymous. The post was edited by Bill Reno. Cover photo belongs to Arsenal FC.

For many goalkeepers based abroad, a new season is beginning, with all the associated hopes for personal achievement and team glory. Other players are deep into the schedule, hoping to grasp silverware or avoid the turmoil of relegation. As is customary for the position, a single heroic moment or blunder could forever become etched into club lore. While the quality in Europe can vary compared to the National Women’s Soccer League, there are several intriguing talents plying their respective trades and building careers across the Old Continent. 

With most clubs carrying two or three goalkeepers on the roster, there are few domestic opportunities for match time. After several years in college, gaining professional experience is essential, after which a move could be made to the NWSL. Here are five European-based players to watch with the potential to climb the ladder. 

Getty Images

Kaylan Marckese, Arsenal (England) 

After spending an underwhelming debut professional season with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the former Florida Gator has carved out quite the burgeoning career in Europe. Following a season at Icelandic outfit Selfoss, which included claiming the Women’s Football Super Cup, Marckese moved to HB Køge. She claimed the starting job and led Svanerne (The Swans) to consecutive Kvindeliga titles.

Her performances drew the attention of 15-time domestic champions Arsenal, who signed the 24-year-old on a permanent contract. She competed twice against the Gunners last season in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her new manager, Jonas Eidevall, expects her to “bring real quality to [the] squad” and is “ready for the challenge of playing in England.”

Arsenal finished second in the table last season with Austrian international Manuela Zinsberger making 33 appearances. She should be the assumed starter again, although Marckese will have ample opportunities as a backup. The new signing is expected to “add competition to the squad.”

Marckese has a solid, powerful frame that allows her to handle physical challenges on crosses. While lacking explosive athleticism, the 5’11” goalkeeper possesses a calm nature and is often in the perfect position to make a save, more than capable of covering the entire area. Contrary to the typical American player, she utilizes her whole body to make stops, unafraid to kick out her legs on low, driven shots. 

Marckese was on the fringes of the national team program in her youth, earning an invitation to a U-19 camp in 2015. While distant from a senior call-up, there is a compelling composure to the nature of her game – a no-frills steadiness that is often embodied by reliable back-ups. If able to earn regular playing time and claim the number one role at Arsenal, she is on an easily charted upward trajectory with an unknown ceiling and young enough to still reach those heights.

Peter Sonander/SPP/Shutterstock

Amanda “Mandy” McGlynn, Piteå IF (Sweden) 

Considered one of the top collegiate prospects in the 2020 NWSL Draft, Gotham FC selected McGlynn following four decorated seasons at Virginia Tech. The Jacksonville, Florida native set school records for shutouts and goals against average, while earning an array of All-Conference and All-American accolades. Her professional career began with a slow start, as she made a mere single appearance across two seasons.

In December, Gotham announced that the goalkeeper was moving to Piteå IF in the Swedish Damallsvenskan on a one-year contract. The American club would “retain her NWSL playing rights until the 2024 preseason.” McGlynn was excited for the opportunity to become a “more all-around” player.

Piteå is currently lodged in the middle of the Swedish table, with McGlynn having played in every match. She is gaining the necessary experience and impressing local media with her performances. “Sharp” is the most frequently used description, as her athleticism is rescuing points and helping the club steal results.

McGlynn is a solid shot-stopper with strong propulsion on her jumps and dives, having the mental presence to push the ball away without surrendering cheap rebounds. Her form and footwork are excellent, which sets her up to be in the right position. She displays the ability to recover on crosses, deflections, and loose balls in the final third, making heroic sprints across the line that culminates with an intelligent kick-out or fingertip save. 

As an international, McGlynn was a frequent inclusion for the United States at the youth level. She was in goal at the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship and on the roster for the ensuing World Cup. Her most recent call-up was an invitation to a U-23 camp, but perhaps her time in Sweden could lead back to the NWSL and the senior squad.

Photo belongs to Isabel Cutileiro

Katelin Talbert, Benfica (Portugal) 

One of the year’s best stories, Talbert signed with Benfica during the winter and led the historic outfit to the Campeonato Nacional Feminino title. The 23-year-old hit the ground running and established a long shutout streak, surrendering a mere four goals in eight appearances. She made a series of stunning saves in the deciding match against Sporting CP, including a confident stop on a penalty attempt. Despite her brief tenure, the players’ union named her Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2021/22 season.

Talbert is something of a Srinivasa Ramanujan-type, lacking the tutelage of “a dedicated goalkeeper coach” prior to her time in Portugal. She played collegiate ball at Humboldt State University (now known as California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt) from 2016 through 2019, a Division II institution nestled into the northwest of the Golden State. After graduating, she played with California Storm and trained with OL Reign before joining Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar in the second tier of Iceland and making 18 total appearances. Following a few months of training with West Ham, her winding career journey landed with Benfica – an overnight sensation years in the making.

Almost impossible to beat from distance, Talbert has thrived in Portugal’s professional environment, improving her “technique and positioning.” She describes her confident style as “making difficult flying saves,” occasionally “jumping like a crazy person” while also charging out of the box to beat attackers to long balls. Stopping penalty attempts is an asset, possessing the composure and intelligence to read the opponent’s body. Her composed distribution allows her to receive hard passes from teammates and select the proper option when under pressure.

Photo from the Kansas City Star

Carly Nelson, Nordsjælland (Denmark) 

Nelson has taken an interesting journey through the ranks, enduring noted struggles that included jaw surgery that required the use of a medication tube while competing with the Utah Royals FC reserve team. After capping a four-year career at the University of Utah with All-Pac-12 and All-Pacific Region selection, the 24-year-old signed a short-term contract with OL Reign in advance of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. The club gave her another deal through the end of the ensuing Fall Series.

Nelson then moved to expansion side Kansas City Current. In her sole appearance, she earned a shutout in a 0-0 draw against North Carolina Courage, an experience described as “a dream come true.” Her remaining time at the club would last a total of one month, being sent on loan to Nordsjælland of the Danish Kvindeligaen.

During her first season in Europe, Nelson featured in 23 matches. The goalkeeper “settled in really well,” utilizing the club’s development resources and “fantastic coaches,” which allowed her to “feel a greater understanding and attention to the game.” She earned Team of the Week honors an impressive four times. Following her release from Kansas City this summer, Nordsjælland converted the loan into a permanent deal.

Nelson’s preference can be to hang back, waiting to make a save, but she will charge off the line at a sharp angle when necessary. The Nordsjælland back line hangs her out to dry from time to time, allowing the opponent to penetrate far too deep into the defensive third, which forces her into emergency mode. Her footwork, notably horizontal shuffling, proves useful in all situations and, of course, on penalty attempts. There is little hesitation when challenging for crosses, often absorbing heavy contact but still ending up with the ball. 

Nordsjælland opened the season with a 3-0 loss to FC Thy-Thisted Q, which could be a sign of trouble ahead. Nelson will have to continue to earn points for her club, the opportunity to earn accolades with heroic play. While competing for champions is preferable, grinding in the mid-table can provide necessary experience for a goalkeeper looking to develop as a professional. 

Photo from Arkansas State University

Megan McClure, KFF Vllaznia Shkodër (Albania) 

One of the most recent Americans to head overseas, McClure registered five seasons at Arkansas State, setting several school records. During her final years, she was named Sun Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. Despite training with Racing Louisville, the allure of continental competition beckoned.

McClure joined Albanian powerhouse KFF Vllaznia Shkodër, which has claimed nine consecutive National Football Championships and Women’s Cups. The Kuq e Blutë (Red & Blues) are in the qualifying rounds of this year’s UEFA Champions League, starting with a match against the winner between Breznica and Spartak Myjava. The new goalkeeper has the opportunity to earn playing time and make an immediate impact. While not venturing to a destination league or toiling away as a back-up at a more prestigious club, this is a shrewd decision to start the beginning of a career in order to gain a toehold in the professional world.

Perhaps what stands out most about McClure is her ability to make fast-twitch saves, quickly shifting into a dive to shots from close range and reacting when screened. She also has solid hands and is unafraid to challenge for a cross in a crowded box. While many goalkeepers struggle to make decisions or react under pressure, the 23-year-old possesses the presence of mind to kick out when forced into an awkward movement in the goalmouth or in the midst of a breakaway, thus avoiding unnecessary blunders. 

Photo belongs to Oregon State University

Bridgette Skiba, HB Køge (Denmark) 

Currently building a dynasty in Denmark, HB Køge needed to rebound from the departure of Marckese and made a strong statement with her replacement. Dipping back into the American pool, the club added Skiba on a two-year contract. The “ambitious and brave” goalkeeper was most recently on the books with the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, signed as a “replacement player” in July.

While a standout with Oregon State, she was unable to latch onto an NWSL roster and faced the tough decision to wait for the next chance or look elsewhere. With limited opportunities in the United States, Skiba was able to accomplish her “big dream” of playing in Europe. The new signing “feels comfortable” at Køge and earned the first professional minutes of her career, starting and earning a shutout in a 4-0 victory over FC Thy-Thisted Q.  

Skiba is an intriguing player who should continue to develop with experience. She gets to the ground quickly and is rarely beaten on low shots. An impressive wingspan allows her to cover the entire goalmouth when fully extended, reaching high to stop balls destined for the top shelf. As with many goalkeepers enjoying their first extended spell in a professional environment, her athleticism and physical attributes should improve with structured training and a committed program, which should enable the 22-year-old to push for a higher level after a few seasons in Denmark. 

Photo belongs to University of Nebraska

Aubrei Corder, IFK Kalmar (Sweden) 

On her third European club, Corder could be considered something of a veteran. Following four years and 80 appearances at the University of Nebraska, she moved abroad and started her professional career with Poland’s KKPK Medyk Konin. After a runner-up finish, the coronavirus pandemic forced an early return home. The next stop was at Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.

Next, she went to IFK Kalmar, then in Sweden’s second-tier Elitettan. In her first season, Corder made 22 appearances, leading the club to a runner-up finish and promotion. Local media considered her a standout and the lynchpin of a stout defense. The club signed the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year to a contract extension in advance of the promotion adventure, with the adopted country “a good environment to grow.”

The adjustment to the first-tier Damallsvenskan has been steep, with Kalmar currently at 10th place in the 14-team table, a mere two points above the relegation-playoff spot. Compounding matters, Corder underwent knee surgery during the offseason and dealt with a collision-induced concussion in March but was able to maintain the number one role. Despite struggling with the occasional error, her play is described as “fantastic,” often forced to play the hero. The club is building for the future, with the West Virginia native expected to be a key part of the roster moving forward.

At 6’, Corder has the height to cover the crossbar and cuts down angles when fast-breaking opponents maraud into the final third. She performs the necessary lateral movements and rapidly shifts into a diving motion, displaying impressive athleticism when called into action. Teammates praise her as being “focused, always doing the right thing, and commanding the penalty area.”

Enduring a challenging season with a club punching above its weight can be the best learning experience for a goalkeeper. While being shelled is far from ideal, the best players will steal points and make a real difference in avoiding relegation. Corder is likely to emerge from Sweden in a strong mental state with the improved form that comes from age and experience.