NCAA Men's Goalkeeper Rankings (Fall 2024)

Bill Reno November 22, 2024

Seniors

1. Nathanael Sallah (Omaha, Germany)
2. Luke Pruter (UC Irvine)
3. Trace Alphin (Wake Forest)
4. John Harms (Indiana)
5. James Lowell (Marist)
6. Khamari Hadaway (Princeton)
7. Erik Lauta (New Hampshire)
8. Carter Abbott (Fordham)
9. Djibril Doumbia (San Diego State)
10. Grant Calvert (Belmont)

11. Blake Franzen (Liberty, South Africa)
12. Enzo Carvalho (NC State)
13. Will Watson (Princeton)
14. Alex Lopez (Tulsa, Spain)
15. Oliver Townend (Colgate)
16. Tristian Himes (Coastal Carolina)
17. Eoin Gawronski (Long Island)
18. Harry Townsend (Missouri State, England)
19. Javier Ramirez (UCA, Spain)
20. Andrew Cooke (Penn State)

One to Watch: Erik Lauta. Lauta barely scraped out of college with twenty starts to his name but the senior goalkeeper has taken his opportunity and ran with it. Depsite having less than 300 minutes played going into this fall, Lauta and New Hampshire have anchored a 0.76 GAA defense, which has propelled the Wildcats into a top 50 spot in the RPI. Although a run in the NCAA tournament is out of the cards for New Hampshire, it’ll be curious to see if Lauta can continue his traction. Lauta is a little reminiscent of John McCarthy in that he will break from traditional passive “rule of thumbs” and instead trust his gut through aggression and taking forward space. With a short resume and loose play style, it’s anyone’s guess what will become of Lauta’s professional chances.

Juniors

1. Logan Erb (NC State)
2. Alec McLachlan (St. John's, England)
3. Freddie Lapworth (Bucknell, England)
4. Cabral Carter (Pittsburgh)
5. Andrew Cordes (North Carolina)
6. Zac Kelly (Michigan State)
7. Devin Armstrong (NJIT)
8. Tenzing Manske (Georgetown)
9. Joseph Andema (Clemson, Ghana)
10. KyMani Dade (Loyola Marymount)
11. Casper Mols (Kentucky, Denmark)
12. Leonard Stritter (Charlotte, Germany)
13. Eryk Dymora (Monmouth)
14. Valentin Kneis (La Salle)
15. Ciaran Dalton (Rutgers)

One to Watch: Devin Armstrong. The Wake Forest-to-NJIT pipeline has been bone dry over the last few years but Armstrong has done well to get out from under Trace Alphin’s shadow. You always have to respect someone who is willing to give up the prestige of a top school in favor of betting on themselves with a smaller stage. So after only 33 minutes with Wake Forest, Armstrong became the clear starter for New Jersey’s most technical institution and showed why he wasn’t just a perennial number two. However, if Armstrong has any professional aspirations, he’ll need to break the stigma of going to a smaller school by proving he’s still a big-time goalkeeper who can stand on his head when called upon, which he could have used more this year.

Sophomores

1. Wyatt Nelson (UCLA)
2. Nigel Van Haveren (FIU, Netherlands)
3. Aidan Crawford (Loyola-Chicago)
4. Rowan Schnebly (Stanford)
5. Jonathan Munteanu (UAB)
6. Alex Shields (UC Irvine)
7. Thomas MacAuley (George Washington, England)
8. Andrew Samuels (Princeton)
9. Viktor Sulc (Detroit, Czech Republic)
10. Dorian Drucks (Cal State Northridge, Germany)
11. Atahan Arslan (Northern Illinois, Turkey)
12. Aaron Salinas (Furman)

One to Watch: Nigel Van Haveren. The 6’6” Dutch goalkeeper is one of the few goalkeepers who make people ask “Why are you playing at this level?” Van Haveren clearly has top-end abilities but there were some clunky goals conceded against UAB and Tulsa this year, so properly evaluating his potential is difficult. The head-scratching question for Van Haveren is if he’ll be able to play at a top level consistently or if he’ll continually be a “what could have been…” story at the end of the day.

Freshmen

1. Blake Kelly (Notre Dame)
2. Marten Brink (Marquette, Germany)
3. Max Kerkvliet (Connecticut)
4. Leo Ledin (Wofford, Sweden)
5. Filip Versterre (South Carolina, Denmark)
6. Carlito Saylon (Tulsa)
7. Declan Finnegan (IUPUI)
8. Matisse Hebert (Wisconsin, Canada)
9. Jonah Mednard (Wake Forest, Haiti)
10. Alexander Yagudayev (Villanova)

One to Watch: Carlito Saylon. Let’s get it out of the way: he’s not the tallest goalkeeper. But fortunately for the SKC product, Tulsa has welcomed undersized goalkeepers if they can provide a service elsewhere on the field. Senior goalkeeper Alex Lopez has arguably the best distribution in the game for college goalkeepers, so filling his shoes will be tricky for Saylon but it’s been a good sign that Tulsa has already given the freshman goalkeeper minutes. Saylon will need to continue to develop if he doesn’t want to split time again for the next three years.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2024: Preseason
2023: Preseason and Final
2022: Preseason and Final
2021: Preseason and 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
2014: Preseason and Final

NCAA Women's Goalkeeper Rankings (Fall 2024)

Bill Reno November 22, 2024

Seniors

1. Elizabeth Beardsley (Maryland)
2. Macy Enneking (Iowa)
3. Nadia Cooper (Washington State)
4. Marzia Josephson (Kentucky)
5. Ryan Campbell (UCLA)
6. Maddie Prohaska (Auburn)
7. Leah Freeman (Duke)
8. Mia Justus (Texas)
9. Clare Gagne (North Carolina, Canada)
10. Anna Karpenko (Georgetown, Canada)

11. Megan Plaschko (TCU)
12. Stephanie Sparkowski (Michigan)
13. Haley Craig (Stanford)
14. Wiebke Willebrandt (Boston College, Germany)
15. CJ Graham (Utah Valley)
16. Maddy Anderson (Mississippi State)
17. Tyler McCamey (Princeton)
18. Shu Ohba (Mississippi, Japan)
19. Genevieve Crenshaw (Boise State)
20. Ashley Naylor (UC Irvine)

One to Watch: Elizabeth Beardsley. It’s uncommon to see a top goalkeeper with so few winning moments on their resume. Beardsley qualified for the national tournament once (2022) and only amassed fifteen wins over four years. Although critics may raise an eyebrow, Beardsley is one of the most complete goalkeepers to come out of college in the last few years. The increased shots Beardsley has faced over the past four years sharpened her ability to know when to rely on her athleticism and when to be patient. The real question now is if she’ll have to continue to be patient by sitting on the bench in the NWSL or if she’ll have opportunities to continue to grow her game.

Juniors

1. Teagan Wy (California)
2. Pauline Nelles (Arizona State, Germany)
3. Olivia Pratapas (NC State)
4. Jordan Brown (Georgia)
5. Shea Vanderbosch (Syracuse)
6. Jordan Nytes (Colorado)
7. Sally Rainey (New Hampshire)
8. Addy Holgorsen (Clemson)
9. Caroline Duffy (Oklahoma)
10. Kamryn Willoughby (Eastern Washington)

One to Watch: Jordan Brown. To the surprise of Bulldog supporters, Jordan Brown and Georgia were bounced from the NCAA tournament by unseeded Colorado. The visiting side scouted Brown well, taking away her clear strengths and forcing her to handle awkward situations in front of net. The final two goals against Georgia in the 3-2 loss were from a poor rebound and then inefficient body shape from Brown on a breakaway that yielded the game-winner. That’s not to take away from Brown’s elite-level playmaking ability when it comes to covering the corners of the net. However, Brown needs to become even more efficient with her movement and shot-stopping if she wants to make a run in either professional league in the US.

Sophomores

1. Addie Todd (Florida State)
2. Victoria Safradin (Virginia)
3. Nona Reason (Clemson)
4. Olivia Bodmer (Rutgers)
5. Maddie Buckley (UC Santa Barbara)
6. Sarah Martin (Minnesota)
7. Emily Edwards (Purdue)
8. Mackenzie Gress (Penn State)
9. Izzy Lee (Illinois)
10. Anna Markland (Southern Indiana)
11. Kate Phillips (Missouri)
12. Bayliss Flynn (Montana)
13. Allison Deardorff (Loyola-Chicago)

One to Watch: Anna Markland. It’s not often that the University of Southern Indiana boasts a top goalkeeper but Anna Markland has been a joy to watch this season. Markland quickly showed what Samford would be missing after the 5’10” goalkeeper left the Bulldogs after one year to join Southern Indiana, where she immediately won the OVC’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2023. As for the Alabama native’s ceiling, it’s hard to say. Markland can be a little overreliant on her athleticism, which is impressive in its own right. However, if she’s looking to be something more than just a USI great, she’ll need to take on more responsibility in communication and footwork to help the team reverse the current direction of their GAA.

Freshmen

1. Jillian Medvecky (Pepperdine)
2. Liv Geller (TCU)
3. Sonoma Kasica (Notre Dame)
4. Sarah Wommack (Appalachian State)
5. Sydney Fuller (Texas A&M)
6. Anna Shamgochian (Yale)
7. Hannah Johann (North Carolina, Germany)
8. Marihicks Bishop (North Texas)
9. Paloma Pena Toro (Florida)
10. Jamie Campbell (Colorado)
11. Caroline Dysart (Duke)
12. Cate Burns (Siena)
13. Adelaide Paredes (Mount St. Mary's)

One to Watch: Liv Geller. It’s refreshing to see a goalkeeper whose game is built on power also be comfortable coming off her line. After 600 minutes with the Horned Frogs this fall, Geller showed an impressive desire to take on responsibility in the game that wasn’t exclusively shot-stopping. On the other side of the coin, there were moments where Geller struggled with pressure under the possession, seeing awkward turnovers against Arizona and Cal Poly. Now Senior goalkeeper Megan Plaschko eyeing the professional game, it’s up to Geller to convince TCU she can smooth out the wrinkles and be the number one for the next three years.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

Teams with the Strongest Potential to Claim the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League

Bill Reno November 22, 2024

The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League presents several teams with a solid chance of achieving success. Spain, as the defending champions, enters the tournament with momentum, but several other teams are also emerging as formidable contenders for the title. The competition format, team rosters, and recent performances are key factors when considering which teams have the strongest potential to claim the trophy.

Spain, the Defending Champions, Retain a Strong Presence

Spain remains one of the leading teams, having secured the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League crown. They progressed through a challenging group featuring Portugal, Czechia, and later defeated Italy and Croatia to win the final on penalties. Spain's consistency in performing against top-tier teams suggests their potential to retain the title in the upcoming edition. The team boasts a blend of experienced professionals and younger talents, and their defensive organization, midfield control, and attacking capabilities remain a core strength. Despite slipping into phases of offensive drought, Spain's pragmatic approach helped secure key victories in the latter stages of the previous Nations League edition. Players like Pedri and Dani Olmo will be central to their campaign again.

Spain finds itself in League A4 alongside the Netherlands, Denmark, and Serbia. Given their recent form, expectations will be high for their progression through their group. Spain's key advantage—as in previous editions—is their ability to balance possession with defensive resilience. Though other teams pose considerable threats, Spain is equipped to make a deep run in the competition.

France and Italy: Always in the Conversation

France is another historically strong contender, consistently performing at high levels in international tournaments. Multiple squads can be produced from their wealth of talent and depth, meaning injuries or squad rotations have minimal impact on their overall competitiveness. France's potential to progress is bolstered by players such as Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who provide versatility across the pitch. They are placed in League A2, alongside Belgium, Italy, and Israel. Given their previous performances—particularly their victories over Israel and Belgium—France is poised for advancement through their group with relative ease.

Italy, positioned in the same group, also remains a perennial threat despite an inconsistent Euro 2024 campaign. Italy's defensive strength remains a key asset, built around tight-knit defending and a disciplined midfield line. Their group performances in recent years indicate their resilience, particularly following their 2020 European Championship victory. Players like Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni bring stability, while attacking options such as Federico Chiesa allow them to break opposition defenses. Furthermore, Italy's methodical approach has historically served them well in knockout stages, and this formula could again propel them into the latter rounds of the tournament, potentially setting up an encounter with teams like France or Spain in the knockout stages.

Germany and Portugal: Strong Foundations, High Expectations

Germany's path to the quarterfinals appears smooth, with strong performances thus far in the competition. Their placement in League A3 provides a competitive yet achievable route for advancement, sharing the stage with the Netherlands, Denmark, and Israel. Of particular note is Germany's consistent rebuilding effort, positioning themselves as formidable opponents. Players such as Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané offer balance in attack and midfield, ensuring fluidity between defense and attack. Germany's efficient play has vastly improved under recent management changes, and their depth allows them to rotate key players ahead of critical matches. The improved tactical approach, mixing physical play and technical sharpness, results in Germany being well-positioned for a long tournament run.

Portugal, positioned in Group A1 alongside Croatia, Poland, and Scotland, represents another credible contender. Portugal's recent tournament experiences, including their Nations League win in 2019 and strong Euro qualifying campaigns, highlight the wealth of talent available for selection. Veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, now further experienced, blend with emerging players, including João Félix and Rafael Leão, giving Portugal a balanced and versatile team composition. Their formidable display of defensive coordination under manager Fernando Santos's structured tactics has kept opposition teams at bay. With a final group match against Croatia deciding key group standings, Portugal's advancement in the tournament is highly probable. Having already secured multiple qualifications in past international tournaments, Portugal's competitiveness places them among the potential teams to reach the semifinals or finals.

Emerging Teams: The Impact of the New Format

The 2024-25 tournament introduces a new quarterfinal stage, featuring the winners and runners-up of all Group A divisions. This format adjustment serves as an advantage for teams consistently finishing in the top two of their respective groups, improving their chances of reaching the finals. The revised structure also amplifies competition between elite teams while offering smaller nations like Georgia or Luxembourg—with their rises in League C and B respectively—chances to compete for promotional aspirations.

Georgia is particularly noteworthy. Their ascent in League B, punctuated by topping their group in the last Nations League, demonstrates their increasing competency on the international stage. Georgia conversely offers a different dynamic, emerging as a dark horse. Their players' technical ability, coupled with a solid defensive record, positions them as a team capable of producing results against higher-ranked opponents. Should their form in League B continue, the team may serve as a surprising contender for promotion into League A, offering long-anticipated representation at a higher level of competition.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg's upward trajectory also demands consideration. Their performance in League C earned them promotion, and their display against higher-tier teams—exemplified by competitive matches against Portugal in Euro qualifiers—enhances their credentials. Though Luxembourg remains distant from title contention at present, their potential carries implications for future tournament cycles, as they continue to exceed expectations.

Platforms and Their Role in Sports Predictions

The wide range of online platforms available today has transformed the way enthusiasts engage with sports predictions. Among them, several sportsbooks provide options for betting enthusiasts interested in the UEFA Nations League. Using these platforms, users can explore detailed odds analysis, upcoming fixtures, and team statistics that can enhance informed betting decisions. Websites such as Bet365, William Hill, and Caesars Sportsbook remain popular due to their extensive coverage of international football events. Furthermore, dedicated sections for live-in-play betting allow users to adapt their stakes based on real-time match developments, which is essential for those focusing on the dynamic environment of tournaments like the UEFA Nations League.

Similarly, platforms like Fanduel Sportsbook offer enticing propositions for those interested in sports betting. They provide a detailed interface that covers betting markets for events and tournaments, including live updates and quick access to multiple football leagues. This accessibility allows for thorough comparative analysis of odds across different matches, potentially guiding bettors toward smarter wager placements. Moreover, with various promotional offers and bonuses, these platforms enhance the betting environment, incentivizing deeper involvement as bettors explore their options. Therefore, leveraging such platforms can provide an analytical edge, combining statistical forecasts with user-friendly interfaces, which is invaluable when contemplating potential outcomes in leagues like the UEFA Nations League.

Group Dynamics and Projections

The dynamics of the group stages will determine which teams advance to the quarter-finals. Given the strong performance from teams such as Italy and France in Group A2, both are expected to progress. Germany, having already secured a quarter-final spot, await the eventual runner-up from Group A3, where competition remains fierce between the Netherlands and other contenders. Spain must outperform Serbia to continue their Nations League campaign, while Denmark faces a tough challenge to secure a top-two position in their group.

Safer Betting on Upcoming Sports Events

Bill Reno October 28, 2024

While sports betting can be exciting—with the potential for big wins—it’s also essential that when taking part in it, you are responsible at all times and ensure that safe betting practices are followed. So, whether you’re a beginner or you’re more experienced with sports betting, we’ve got you covered with some handy tips to stay safe when playing online or at a sporting event.

How To Stay Safe When Placing a Bet

Sports betting is entertaining, but it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of it all when you’re a dedicated sports fan at an event, or if you’re placing a bet online. So, if you’re not careful, this could lead to some potential issues. Betting more than you can afford and repeatedly chasing losses is an example of this. It’s important to recognize that losses come as part of the betting experience, but as long as you’re aware of the risks involved and enjoy your gameplay in a responsible way, you can protect yourself and still have loads of fun. Here are some key strategies to engage in safer sports betting practices.

Setting a budget

First, set a budget and stick to it. Remember to never wager more than you can afford to lose and make sure that whatever you choose to spend doesn’t impact your essential bills, expenses, or savings. It’s important to realize that sports betting has risks and that although you can win a significant amount, you can also lose money. So, only play what you can afford to lose and do not rely on it as a source of income. Setting deposit limits can also help prevent overspending. Choosing a secure payment method online ensures that your money remains safe when placing a bet on a sports betting site, so make sure you’re using a trustworthy payment method with excellent security features. A trusted company will have advanced encryption technologies to protect your financial and personal data.

Choosing a safe and trusted platform

It’s essential to use reputable betting websites. Do your research and make sure that the one you choose is safe and secure. Checking customer reviews and seeing if the site has a reliable customer service team, and if it has the right resources available if you need assistance, is also beneficial. It’s also important that all the terms and conditions are clear and that you understand them before placing a bet. A respected betting operator will adhere to strict regulations and will have the necessary licenses in place. When online, look for platforms that have SSL encryption and strong cybersecurity, as well as data protection measures and fair play guarantees. The same will apply at a physical sporting event, making sure that the organizers are reputable—as well as the officials, staff members, and athletes participating.

Betting with a clear mind

When placing bets, it’s best to avoid emotional betting that could cloud your judgment. Examples of emotional betting could be things like, going with a “gut feeling” or only betting on football teams that you’ve grown to love over the years. Instead, try to stay objective and look at facts, figures, and data before making a decision, rather than personal bias or listening to your emotions. Understanding the odds and the particular sports you are betting on can help you make more informed decisions before placing a bet.

Establishing limits

And lastly, setting time limits on sports betting will ensure that healthier gambling habits are formed.

Taking regular breaks can help you stay on track and will reduce the desire to make impulsive decisions.

Who is Responsible for Ensuring Betting Safety?

While it’s the individual who initially places the bet as the person who’s ultimately responsible, the sports betting industry also plays a crucial role in making sure that they protect their players from the risks associated with gambling. A trusted sports betting site will prioritize your safety and well-being over spending. Both the player and the online operator need to work together in order to ensure that betting is an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved.

What Resources are Available for Sports Bettors?

Online betting platforms now have tools and features designed to promote responsible gambling and protect users from potential harm. Some of these operators have also teamed up with responsible gambling organizations to provide support to users who may be at risk. They can offer various services, such as counseling, self-assessment tools, and other resources to help players manage their gambling. Helplines can also be a valuable method of support if you need further assistance and would like to talk to someone impartial who can offer advice. Another great tool is the self-exclusion option, which allows players to take a longer break from betting if it becomes overwhelming and they need further help. Once you register for self-exclusion, a source of further support can step in, and you may be prevented from using various gambling websites for a certain period of time.

How Technology Plays a Role in Safe Sports Betting

Thanks to technological advancements, most online betting platforms now have the tools in place, like artificial intelligence, to verify a player’s age and to monitor their behavior—such as identifying signs of a potential gambling problem and intervening if necessary. This can help create a safer betting environment and protect the user if they run into any issues.

Conclusion

Sports betting can be exciting and rewarding when approached with the right mindset.

So, by understanding the risks, setting limits, and using reputable operators who will prioritize safety, sports bettors can enjoy the thrill of betting without compromising their finances or personal well-being. Remember that betting should be a form of entertainment and not a strategy to improve your finances. So, stay informed, bet responsibly, and do not join a betting website or place a bet at a sporting event unless you’re 100% sure that it’s a reputable and trustworthy company. And don’t forget to know when to stop or to take a break to avoid serious consequences. Be vigilant, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun!