Top 100 USWNT Goalkeepers - April 2017

cover photo belongs to Lyndsay Radnedge, Stanford Athletics

We haven't had an update on the goalkeeper pool in over a year and since the NWSL has kicked off, we’re overdue for an update. There's not a ton of change at the top but I've changed gears on including college goalkeepers. There are still a number of collegiate players on the list (42, to be exact) but previously we were having too high of a turnover rate. Over half of last year's top 100 aren't playing anymore and most of them are seniors who didn't make the jump. In an attempt to find some more consistency at the end of the list, college goalkeepers now have a higher focus on their development as well as long term potential.

1. Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 29
2. Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 31
3. Brittany Cameron (Vegalta Sendai / Japan.1) - 30
4. Michelle Betos (Valerenga / Norway.1) - 29
5. Katie Fraine (Vittsjö GIK / Sweden.1) - 29
6. Michele Dalton (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 28
7. Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City / USA.1) - 35
8. Haley Kopmeyer (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 26
9. Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 26
10. Adelaide Gay (IBV / Iceland.1) – 27

Bill says: Naeher and Harris still top the list. Betos joins other top goalkeepers in leaving the NWSL, which simultaneously opens the door for Franch in Portland. Somehow Barnhart is defying the odds by still playing at a high level. Kopmeyer has twenty-seven NWSL starts entering the year but this is the first season Seattle has placed her as the undisputed starter and she’s more than ready for the season.

11. Libby Stout (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 26
12. Hope Solo (Free Agent) - 35
13. Ashley Thompson (Sandviken / Norway.1) - 31
14. Brett Maron (Kristianstad / Sweden.1) - 30
15. Arianna Criscione (Kungsbacka / Sweden.1) - 32
16. Rebecca Ritchie (Real Salt Lake Women / USA.2W) - 29
17. Cat Parkhill (FC Kansas City / USA.1) - 26
18. Micaela Crowley (ÍR Reykjavík / Iceland.2) - 32
19. Aubrey Bledsoe (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 25
20. Kaycee Gunion (San Diego Sea Lions / USA.2P) - 27

Bill says: WPSL goalkeepers are tough to track. One season they're there and the next they're not. Ritchie and Gunion have been two of the few consistent goalkeepers in the WPSL and should be returning for 2017. No word on Solo’s plans yet, although there are rumors of her going abroad. Adelaide Gay and Aubrey Bledsoe had some good highlights from 2016 and are looking to build off of them this year. Stout is still out for a few more weeks with an ankle injury.

21. Audrey Baldwin (FCF Juvisy / France.1) - 25
22. Didi Haracic (Washington Spirit / USA.1) - 25
23. Kelsey Wys (Washington Spirit / USA.1) - 26
24. Kelsey Quinn (Melbourne City / Australia.1) - 26
25. Nora Abolins (Östersund / Sweden.1) - 25
26. Britt Eckerstrom (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 23
27. Caroline Stanley (Free Agent) - 24
28. Bryane Heaberlin (Turbine Potsdam / Germany.1) - 23
29. Megan Kufeld (Sundsvalls DFF / Sweden.2) - 24
30. Alyssa Giannetti (Arna-Bjørnar / Norway.1) – 22

Bill says: Giannetti returns to Arna-Bjørnar after being named Goalkeeper of the Year in her first year. Eckerstrom was traded to Portland and while she won't see a ton of playing time, she will be working with German legend Nadine Angerer in the meantime. Heaberlin spent preseason with the North Carolina Courage but should be returning to Germany for the spring. Stanley was competing for Sky Blue’s starting spot last year but hasn’t been connected with a team since.

31. Madalyn Schiffel (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 22
32. Lindsey Harris (FH / Iceland.1) - 23
33. Abby Smith (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 23
34. Brianna Smallidge (Seattle Reign Trialist) - 23
35. Sammy Jo Prudhomme (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 23
36. Amanda Kopale (FC Kansas City Trialist) - 23
37. Kelsey Brouwer (Apollon Limassol / Cyprus.1) - 22
38. Kelsey Devonshire (FC Dallas / USA.2P) - 24
39. Katelyn Rowland (North Carolina FC / USA.1) – 23
40. Caroline Casey (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) - 22

Bill says: We're starting to see more trailists down this part of the list. Smallidge didn’t end up making the roster for Seattle but it sounds like there’s a good chance she’ll be training with the Reign, like she did with the Chicago Red Stars last year. After missing almost the entire 2016 season, Smith now has an opportunity to start with Stout missing the first month of the season. Madalyn Schiffel has most recently spent time with the U23s, although Harris and Rowland have USYNT experience too.

41. Jane Campbell (Houston Dash / USA.1) - 22
42. Lauren Watson (Keflavik FC / Iceland.3) - 23
43. Emily Dolan (Zaccaria / Italy.1) - 22
44. Ashton McKeown (Free Agent) - 22
45. Emily Armstrong (Portland Thorns Trialist) - 22
46. Holly Van Noord (Free Agent) - 22
47. Hannah Seabert (Orlando Pride Trialist) - 22
48. Kaela Little (FC Kansas City Trialist) – 22
49. Lillie Ehlert (Free Agent) - 22
50. Morgan Stearns (Sundsvalls DFF / Sweden.2) – 22

Bill says: Jane Campbell is easily the biggest name here. She recently earned her first cap for the national team, making her the only goalkeeper under 29 with a cap. Watson, Dolan, and Stearns are now all overseas and there's something to be said about graduating seniors not staying for their final spring semester. It may be a few years until we see them in the US again but they’ll come back with playing experience, an invaluable asset at the next level. Dolan has already started with Zaccaria and has so far helped her new club stay above relegation.

51. Sydney Lavan (Free Agent) - 22
52. Taylor Francis (Free Agent) - 22
53. Nicki Turley (Free Agent) - 22
54. Tarah Hobbs (Free Agent) - 21
55. Anna Buhigas (Chicago Red Stars Reserves / USA.2P) - 22
56. Kristyn Shea (Sky Blue FC Trialist) - 21
57. Kailey Norman (Free Agent) - 21
58. Danielle Rice (FC Kansas City Trialist) - 21
59. Caitlyn Clem (Wisconsin / USA.N) - 22
60. EJ Proctor (Duke / USA.N) – 21

Bill says: A number of senior graduates here. Shea and Rice have earned trials and while players like Buhigas have ties to reserve teams, there isn't a great turnover rate with WPSL goalkeepers making it as a professional. Even if a graduate does play in the summer league, it's still another eight or nine months until most leagues kick back up again in the spring. As for goalkeepers still in college, Clem and Proctor (highlights) and lead the pack for the fall.

61. Cassie Miller (Florida State / USA.N) - 22
62. Lauren Clem (Northwestern / USA.N) - 21
63. Taylor Sebolao (Towson / USA.N) - 21
64. Kat Elliott (South Florida / USA.N) - 21
65. Emily Boyd (California / USA.N) - 20
66. Jordan Sallee (UNLV / USA.N) - 21
67. Bella Geist (Oregon State / USA.N) - 21
68. Katie Hatziyianis (Binghamton / USA.N) - 20
69. Miranda Horn (George Washington / USA.N) - 21
70. Catherine Schmidt (IUPUI / USA.N) - 21

Bill says: A fair bit of USYNT prestige in this group. California's Emily Boyd spent time with the U20s last summer as they were gearing up for their World Cup. (Cal did a short feature on her in November.) Lauren Clem was named Third Team All-American last year. Lastly, Cassie Miller (three time Second Team All-ACC) returns for her final year at Florida State.

71. Alexis Smith (UC Davis / USA.N) – 21
72. Kelly O'Brien (Lafayette / USA.N) – 21
73. Sarah Le Beau (Auburn / USA.N) - 21
74. Erika Yohn (Purdue / USA.N) – 21
75. Maddie Ford (Loyola-Chicago / USA.N) – 21
76. Lexi Nicholas (Notre Dame / USA.N) - 21
77. Mikki Lewis (Troy University / USA.N) – 21
78. Juli Rossi (SIUE / USA.N) – 21
79. Casey Murphy (Rutgers / USA.N) – 21
80. Alyssa Heintschel (Ball State / USA.N) – 21

Bill says: Murphy missed Rutgers' last fall as she was busy playing for the US in the U20 World Cup. After sitting for most of last year, newly named senior captain Erika Yohn looks to rebound from last year’s 4-12-1 season. Similarly, Lexi Nicholas has more breathing room in net after stellar goalkeeper Kaela Little graduated last season. Le Beau and Heintschel look to build off of impressive runs in 2016, being named second and first team in their respective conferences.

81. Emily Harris (Villanova / USA.N) – 21
82. Ella Dederick (Washington State / USA.N) – 20
83. Charlee Pruitt (Loyola Marymount / USA.N) – 20
84. Rose Chandler (Penn State / USA.N) – 20
85. Lainey Burdett (Arizona / USA.N) - 20
86. Jalen Tompkins (Colorado / USA.N) – 20
87. Caroline Brockmeier (LSU / USA.N) – 20
88. Kelsey Dossey (Missouri / USA.N) – 20
89. Marnie Merritt (Mississippi / USA.N) – 20
90. Rachel Lusby (Portland / USA.N) – 20

Bill says: Dedrick (U19 camp), Pruitt (backup for 2016 U20 World Cup), and Brockmeier (U20 camp) are allearmarked with USYNT experience but it was Jalen Tompkins who had the save of the season last year. Brockmeier looks for a change of scenery, transferring out of Florida State and into LSU. Expect Lusby to take over the net this fall, after German goalkeeper Hanna de Haan graduated.

91. Brittney Rogers (UC Santa Barbara / USA.N) – 20
92. Cassidy Babin (Massachusetts / USA.N) - 20
93. Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Miami / USA.N) - 20
94. Samantha Leshnak (North Carolina / USA.N) - 20
95. Amanda Poertner (Idaho / USA.N) - 20
96. Katelyn Jensen (Maryland / USA.N) - 20
97. Kaelyn Johns (Dayton / USA.N) - 20
98. Morgan Beans (Virginia / USA.N) - 20
99. Olivia Swenson (North Dakota / USA.N) - 20
100. Parker Rytz (South Dakota / USA.N) – 20

Bill says: Poertner and Swenson return from season-ending injuries and can hopefully return to form quickly. And last but not least, US U20 alum Samantha Leshnak has been patiently waiting in the wing to start for the Tar Heels and 2017 will finally be her shot.

What Can the USWNT Learn About the USMNT's Goalkeeping Lull?

cover photo from USA Today

After hosting their second annual SheBelieves Cup, the US Women's National Team suffered a last place finish. The cup ended with a resounding 3-0 loss to France and while there was plenty of blame to share, many were left scratching their heads when looking at the goalkeeper position.

2017 could mark the start of the post-Hope Solo era. Solo amassed 202 caps and over a hundred shutouts dating back to 2000. But over the last decade, there has been little room in the USWNT for any other goalkeeper but Solo. The ever-reliable backup Nicole Barnhart earned 54 caps while Alyssa Naeher and Ashlyn Harris have now combined for a dozen appearances each. However, as we enter 2017, Alyssa Naeher is the only goalkeeper under thirty with any caps under her belt.

For both the men's and women's programs, the US has a habit of going all-in on a handful of goalkeepers, without worry that they'll need to strengthen the rest of the pool. While clubs are the bigger factor in developing a player, the national teams offer a gauge for just how well those players are being developed. If a national team isn't bringing in young players periodically, it isn't preparing for the next cycle as adequately as it should.

How the USMNT Got Here

In similar fashion, USYNT teams rarely bring in new competition for their starting goalkeepers. Goalkeepers will regularly start and finish a cycle, with little competition brought in to up the level of play. For every other goalkeeper in the US, they're left to play and practice as they wish. However, as the men's team is starting to realize now, focusing solely on a few goalkeepers for each U20 World Cup cycle isn't enough to create a steady stream of elite goalkeepers. Right now, the USMNT team should be turning to Brian Perk, Sean Johnson, or any other retired USYNT goalkeeper, but they aren't panning out. Colleges have picked the slack for years now, producing several top goalkeepers over the years, despite many not spending time with USYNT programs.

Another issue the USMNT faced was getting collegiate players to transition into MLS. Until five years ago, there wasn't much of a stepping stone between college and MLS. In 2015, the USL exploded, doubling the size of their league and offering more space to recent graduates. This created a nice progression for young goalkeepers to go to college, USL, then MLS, all the while getting playing time and appropriate competition. Players can skip certain levels if they're good enough but the bigger point is that the pyramid is fleshed out to give a variety of playing levels. Now the USMNT must figure out how to take players from MLS and place them into elite leagues. Europe isn't the solution for every player, nor will MLS ruin everyone's career, but in the last five years we've seen more players return to MLS instead of using it as a stepping stone elsewhere.

The women's game has a similar issue, although they aren't missing the elite league. The NWSL serves as the correct end piece but they don't have the appropriate stepping stone for seniors coming out of college.

NWSL Shortcomings

It's hard for young players to get playing time in the NWSL. The ten team league will always start a veteran over a young goalkeeper, as premier leagues should. On top of that, roster space is still very limited within the NWSL. Each NWSL signs only two goalkeepers while perhaps keeping an additional one in training, offering only housing and food to cover their time spent with the club. For the goalkeepers who don't make the cut as one of twenty goalkeepers in the NWSL, there isn't much left for them. There are over a hundred teams in amateur leagues (WPSL and UWS), but the summer leagues are best suited for collegiate athletes looking for a few games in the off-season. Even the quality of players in those leagues are often underwhelming, with the majority of the American-based players coming from Division II, Division III, or NAIA schools.

Some may look to NWSL expansion as a solution to getting more roster spots for goalkeepers. If the league were to double in size, goalkeepers would perhaps benefit then. As of right now, the league is slow to expand, only adding two teams in their five years. Right or wrong, steady expansion will do little to aide goalkeepers without clubs.

No Vacancy

Unfortunately the US isn't the place to develop goalkeepers. Graduated seniors don't need more training, they need playing time. Perhaps in five or ten years down when there are more teams for goalkeepers to fill, but in the meantime goalkeepers need clubs. Over the last couple years we've seen a number of collegiate seniors head to the land of opportunity: Europe.

Lindsey Harris (UNC '16) - FH, Iceland
Kelsey Brouwer (Middle Tennessee '16) - Apollon Limassol, Cyprus
Emily Dolan (FGCU '16) - Zaccaria, Italy
Morgan Stearns (UVA '16) - Sundsvalls, Sweden
Megan Kufeld (Washington '15) - Sundsvalls, Sweden
Madalyn Schiffel (San Francisco '15) - Avaldsnes, Norway *
Bryane Heaberlin (UNC '15) - Turbine Potsdam, Germany *
Alyssa Giannetti (Cal Poly '15) - Arna-Bjørnar, Norway
Kate Scheele (Colorado '15) - Kungsbacka, Sweden **

* - returned stateside
** - retired

Europe provides two important aspects in helping goalkeepers continue their development to become USWNT-ready. First is playing time. Goalkeeper development in Europe is still fairly thin for the women's side and every year the NCAA is producing hundreds of collegiate seniors, many of which are more than proficient enough to play somewhere in Europe. They would get the playing time that the NWSL can't promise them. Secondly, playing abroad strengthens a goalkeeper in a way playing domestically does not. Ask any professional overseas, playing abroad brings unique challenges on and off the field. It's easier to play in the US but if goalkeepers are looking to become elite, it won't be an easy road. Europe might not be the ideal place to develop goalkeepers, but it's better than what the US currently has to offer.

Realistic Solutions

If the USWNT wants to continue to develop elite goalkeepers, the focus shouldn't be on expanding the NWSL. Although there are many positives to expansion, it would create only a few more roster slots and ultimately do little to bolster the goalkeeping position. More professional teams in the US would be ideal, but it's far down the road from 2017. The USSF needs to find a solution to fill the gap between NCAA and NWSL. NCAA is producing at least a dozen goalkeepers every year that could make the jump to the professional ranks, but too many hang up the cleats after their collegiate career ends.

Currently Europe is in need of goalkeepers and we have too many to know what to deal with. If the USSF focused on placing ten collegiate seniors every year (2-4 in NWSL and 8-6 overseas) then keeping the depth chart full won't be an issue, not to mention crafting more elite goalkeepers. For players going overseas, they would only need to play overseas for two-three years before either coming back to the NWSL, or gaining a larger paycheck in a higher league in Europe.

The USSF can't let the NWSL solve all their developmental issues. It's a great league, but it has its limitations. The men's national team once held the world standard for goalkeeping but they're now left with zero elite goalkeepers. For the USWNT, there is much to learn about the men's situation, which could quickly become theirs if they're not paying attention.

US Women's National Team Goalkeeper Pool - March 2016

Slowly but surely we've made it to the top 100! A year ago we only had 50 names on the list. It's been a work in progress trying to find enough names to put out a confident list. Looking down the names, you'll notice a number of free agents and a fair amount of college goalkeepers. Unfortunately there aren't as near as many professional opportunities for graduating seniors compared to the men's game. We have thirty free agents on the list and most of them won't be signed. While there are still a few NWSL teams looking for a third string goalkeeper, their best shot is the WPSL or UWS, both starting up in May. If they aren't with a team by summer we'll nix them from the top 100 but until then we'll leave the recent graduates on the list. Five seniors have already been placed with NWSL teams from the college draft and a few more have caught on overseas.

A quick roundup of some notable names:

• Boston gambled on sending Alyssa Naeher (ranked 2nd) to Chicago in exchange for bringing in Libby Stout (1st) from overseas. In the long run, a team should be happy with either goalkeeper and hopefully both teams can utilize the new draft picks they swapped.
• Hope Solo (4th) had a fantastic save against France in the SheBelieves Cup. She returns with Seattle after missing most of the year with the National Team. Backup Haley Kopmeyer (14th) did fantastic in net and if they need to turn to her again, Seattle will be more than happy to.
• Katie Fraine (5th) switches clubs within the Damallsvenskan, Sweden's premier league. She will be joined within the league by Adelaide Gay (11th, whose club was just promoted after last season's performance), Brett Maron (12th, starting her fourth year in the league), and Alyssa Whitehead (17th).
• Orlando City starts their inaugural season with Ashlyn Harris (3rd) and Aubrey Bledsoe (22nd). Similar to Seattle's situation, Bledsoe will likely get a number of games with the Harris going to the Olympics.
• The biggest battle for the number one spot is in Portland. After German legendary goalkeeper Nadine Angerer retired, it's now left to Michelle Betos (6th) and Adrianna Franch (10th) to win the starting spot out west. Franch was called into a USWNT camp late last year and if Portland is going to bring in a goalkeeper to compete, it makes sense that she has the inside track to start.
• Jeannette Williams (16th) is another American goalkeeper playing in a foreign premier league. Read more about her journey there in her interview from February.
• A few recent graduates are trying their hand overseas. Bryane Heaberlin (59th) is heading to Germany with Turbine Potsdam. Alyssa Giannetti (61st) and Madalyn Schiffel (72nd) are moving out to Norway to play for Arna-Bjørnar and Avaldsnes IL, respectively. University of Washington's Megan Kufeld (56th) will be in Sweden with Sundsvalls DFF.
• The NWSL draft had five goalkeepers selected. Britt Eckerstrom (51st), Abby Smith (70th), Caroline Casey (63rd), Lindsey Luke (45th) and Madalyn Schiffel (who opted for Norway instead). It'll be interesting coming back in 2-3 years to see which group of goalkeepers worked out better: overseas or NWSL draftees?

1. Libby Stout (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 25.8
2. Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 27.9
3. Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 30.4
4. Hope Solo (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 34.7
5. Katie Fraine (Vittsjö GIK / Sweden.1) - 28.3
6. Michelle Betos (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 28.1
7. Michele Dalton (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 27.8
8. Brittany Cameron (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) - 29.3
9. Ashley Thompson (Sandviken / Norway.1) - 30.2
10. Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 25.3

11. Adelaide Gay (Kvarnsveden / Sweden.1) - 26.3
12. Brett Maron (Kristianstad / Sweden.1) - 29.8
13. Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City / USA.1) - 34.4
14. Haley Kopmeyer (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 25.8
15. Allysa Clark (Masinac Nis / Serbia.1) - 29.5
16. Jeannette Williams (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar / Iceland.1) - 27.2
17. Alyssa Whitehead (Mallbacken / Sweden.1) - 26.3
18. Alexa Gaul (SC Sand / Germany.1) - 24.8
19. Kelsey Wys (Washington Spirit / USA.1) - 25.1
20. Arianna Criscione (Saint-Étienne / France.1) - 31.1

21. Kelli Cornell (Beach Futbol Club / USA.2P) - 25.5
22. Aubrey Bledsoe (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 24.3
23. Shelby Tomasello (Höttur / Iceland.2) - 25.4
24. Jillian Mastroianni (New York Athletic Club / USA.2P) - 25.5
25. Katherine Linn (Issy / France.1) - 24.2
25. Dijana Haracic (Krokom/Dvarsatts IF / Sweden.2) - 24.2
27. Che Brown (Free Agent / None) - 23.8
28. Rebecca Ritchie (Real Salt Lake Women / USA.2W) - 28.2
29. Jami Kranich (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 23.8
30. Emily Kruger (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 24.2

31. Lindsey Maricic (LA Premier FC / USA.2P) - 23.9
32. Megan Kinneman (Arna-Bjørnar / Norway.1) - 23.8
33. Robyn Horner (Free Agent / None) - 31.2
34. Kaycee Gunion (San Diego Sea Lions / USA.2P) - 26.2
35. Victoria Christ (Västerås BK30 / Sweden.2) - 24.2
36. Paige Burnett (Free Agent / None) - 23.4
37. Audrey Baldwin (Fortuna Hjørring / Denmark.1) - 24
38. Caroline Stanley (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) - 23
39. McKenzie Sauerwein (Thróttur Reykjavík / Iceland.1) - 23.8
40. Valerie Henderson (Ankarsrum / Sweden.5) - 29.9

41. Kelsey Quinn (Heidelberg / Australia.1) - 25.2
42. Brianna Alvarado (Cincinnati Lady Saints / USA.2P) - 25.6
43. Monica Gonyo (Free Agent / None) - 23.4
44. Katherine Courter (Free Agent / None) - 24.2
45. Lindsey Luke (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 23.4
46. Katelyn Rowland (FC Kansas City / USA.1) - 22
47. Lyndse Hokanson (Free Agent / None) - 23.9
48. Morgan Glick (IA Akranes / Iceland.1) - 22.8
49. Alex Kubrick (Free Agent / None) - 23.8
50. Megan Tock (Free Agent / None) - 23.8

51. Britt Eckerstrom (Western New York Flash / USA.1) - 22.8
52. Holly Van Noord (Liberty / USA.N) - 21.6
53. Jane Campbell (Stanford / USA.N) - 21.1
54. Emma Crenshaw (FC Pride / USA.2P) - 23.4
55. Lauren Watson (Texas Tech / USA.N) - 22.3
56. Megan Kufeld (Sundsvalls DFF / Sweden.2) - 23
57. Rachel Boaz (BYU / USA.N) - 24.2
58. Jordan Day (Houston Dash / USA.1) - 22.9
59. Bryane Heaberlin (Turbine Potsdam / Germany.1) - 22.3
60. Laura Saussol (Pittsburgh Steel City / USA.2P) - 23.2

61. Alyssa Giannetti (Arna-Bjørnar / Norway.1) - 21.4
62. Julie Eckel (Free Agent / None) - 23.3
63. Caroline Casey (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) - 21.8
64. Kathryn Scheele (Free Agent / None) - 21.6
65. Patty Walrath (Houston Aces / USA.2P) - 23.7
66. Tarah Hobbs (Minnesota / USA.N) - 20.8
67. Chandler Morris (Free Agent / None) - 23.2
68. Shauni Kerkhoff (Temple / USA.N) - 22.2
68. Brittany Brown (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
70. Abby Smith (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 22.4

71. Taylor Francis (Pittsburgh / USA.N) - 21
72. Madalyn Schiffel (Avaldsnes IL / Norway.1) - 21.5
73. Brianna Smallidge (Free Agent / None) - 22.3
74. Sammy Jo Prudhomme (USC / USA.N) - 22.1
75. Natalie Smith (Cincinnati / USA.N) - 22.3
76. Jennifer Pelley (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
77. Emma Newins (Free Agent / None) - 23.2
77. Sierra Bonham (Free Agent / None) - 23.2
79. Andi Tostanoski (Free Agent / None) - 21.6
80. Kelsey Brouwer (Free Agent / None) - 21.8

81. Emily Rusk (Free Agent / None) - 22.1
82. Hannah Seabert (Pepperdine / USA.N) - 21.2
83. Katie Nickles (Rhode Island / USA.N) - 21.1
84. Ashton McKeown (Long Beach State / USA.N) - 21.3
85. Kaeli Anne Schmidt (Barcelona / Spain.1) - 20.8
86. Hannah Steadman (Free Agent / None) - 23.4
87. Sam Pavlika (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
88. Emma Kruse (Free Agent / None) - 22.8
89. Ellen Conway (Free Agent / None) - 21.9

90. Alexis Connors (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Stephanie Senn (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Amanda Engel (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Claire Feiertag (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Sam Tiongson (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Rachel Ames (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
90. Sydney Drinkwater (Florida Atlantic / USA.N) - 22.2
90. Kalijah Terilli (Penn / USA.N) - 22.2
90. Gabrielle Garuder (Michigan State / USA.N) - 22.2
99. Mimi Borkan (New Hampshire / USA.N) - 21.4
100. Hannah Clark (Free Agent / None) - 22.4

Click here for the history of the USWNT Goalkeeper Pool

US Women's National Team Goalkeeper Pool - November 2015

cover photo from Libby Stout's Blog

We haven't had a proper pool update since July. In September we looked at the top goalkeepers in the college game - which we'll revisit at the end of the year - but we're overdue for an update. I've been reluctant to expand to a full 100 as the bottom twenty would mainly be filled with seniors. Seeing as most senior don't go on to play professionally afterwords, the names stop at 80. I don't expect to get to 100 any time soon but we will get there eventually. Maybe even 200, who knows.

The biggest news since the World Cup was the NWSL final, featuring Nicole Barnhart and FC Kansas City topping Hope Solo's Seattle Reign for the second straight year in a row. Barnhart is one of the few goalkeepers to continue playing into her 30s. (There are only five goalkeepers in their thirties on this list.) It was great to see her continue her career at such a high level and even beating the reigning World Cup champion goalkeeper, especially how Barnhart herself was left off the roster.

On a less positive note, the W League ceased operations for 2016. It's unclear what is going to happen to the clubs and players at this time. The obvious answer is that they will become absorbed by the WPSL but that's not always the case with clubs surviving a league collapse. The list includes seven ex-W League goalkeepers because I expect them to keep playing and didn't think listing them as "free agent" was completely accurate.

Last thing, I've bumped the ratings to parallel the men's ratings. (In July Harris, for example, was a 58.) You may notice the highest goalkeeper here, which is also the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion, is only a 72 here. In contrast, FIFA has Solo at an 87 and Harris at an 80. Clearly the gap between Solo's and Harris's FIFA rating displays FIFA's ignorance on the women's game so in that sense I'm happy to disagree with them. Additionally, I do not believe that the women's world development has reached its peak in thirty years of playing the game. There is a higher ceiling yet to be reached by players. It will take time but to think that American women goalkeepers, which is essentially the best crop in the world, has produced the most supreme athletes while the men's game continues to struggle does not make sense. The men's game is routinely critiqued for the lack of efficient coach-player development but somehow the women's game is immune to this? Or, if the men's players were to switch coaches they would all be 80s? Obviously not. The lack of competition not does mean superiority. I really enjoy watching Harris play goalkeeper but even she could be much better, despite being the world's best. Admittedly, this list has its problems in its early stages but this is a good start. Come back next month when we'll revisit the top goalkeepers in the college game.

1. Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride / USA.1) 72.3 (30.1)
2. Libby Stout (Liverpool / England.1) 72.2 (25.4)
3. Alyssa Naeher (Boston Breakers / USA.1) 72.1 (27.6)
4. Hope Solo (Seattle Reign / USA.1) 71.9 (34.3)
5. Katie Fraine (Linkoping / Sweden.1) 71.7 (27.9)
6. Michelle Betos (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) 71.5 (27.8)
7. Michele Dalton (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) 71.3 (27.5)
8. Chantel Jones (Western New York Flash / USA.1) 70.9 (27.3)
9. Brittany Cameron (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) 70.8 (28.9)
10. Ashley Thompson (Sandviken / Norway.1) 70.6 (29.8)

11. Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City / USA.1) 70.2 (34.1)
12. Brett Maron (Kristianstad / Sweden.1) 70 (29.4)
13. Adelaide Gay (Kvarnsveden / Sweden.2) 69.8 (26)
13. Adrianna Franch (Avaldsnes IL / Norway.1) 69.8 (25)
15. Allysa Clark (Masinac Nis / Serbia.1) 69.4 (29.2)
16. Haley Kopmeyer (Seattle Reign / USA.1) 69.2 (25.4)
17. Jeannette Williams (Vikingur Olafsvik / Iceland.2) 69.1 (26.8)
18. Alyssa Whitehead (Mallbacken / Sweden.1) 69 (25.9)
19. Alexa Gaul (SC Sand / Germany.1) 68.8 (24.5)
19. Arianna Criscione (Saint-Étienne / France.1) 68.8 (30.8)

21. Bianca Henninger (Houston Dash / USA.1) 68.6 (25.1)
22. Kelsey Wys (Washington Spirit / USA.1) 68.6 (24.8)
23. Kelli Cornell (Beach Futbol Club / USA.2P) 68.3 (25.2)
24. Shelby Tomasello (Höttur / Iceland.2) 68.3 (25.1)
25. Aubrey Bledsoe (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) 68.2 (24)
26. Samantha Depken (New York Magic / USA.2W) 67.8 (26.7)
27. Jillian Mastroianni (New York Athletic Club / USA.2P) 67.7 (25.2)
28. Dijana Haracic (Krokom/Dvarsatts IF / Sweden.2) 67.4 (23.8)
28. Katherine Linn (Issy / France.1) 67.4 (23.8)
30. Yiana Dimmitt (Spurs East Bay / USA.2P) 67.2 (25.8)

31. Rebecca Ritchie (Real Salt Lake Women / USA.2P) 67.2 (27.8)
32. Che Brown (Boston Breakers / USA.1) 66.9 (23.5)
32. Robyn Horner (Charlotte Lady Eagles / USA.2W) 66.9 (30.8)
34. Emily Krueger (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) 66.7 (23.8)
34. Jami Kranich (Boston Breakers / USA.1) 66.7 (23.5)
36. Lindsey Maricic (LA Premier FC / USA.2P) 66.7 (23.6)
37. Kaycee Gunion (San Diego Sea Lions / USA.2P) 66.5 (25.8)
38. Megan Kinneman (Arna-Bjørnar / Norway.1) 66.5 (23.4)
39. Victoria Christ (Västerås BK30 / Sweden.2) 66.2 (23.8)
40. Paige Burnett (Boston Breakers / USA.1) 65.9 (23.1)

41. Audrey Baldwin (Fortuna Hjørring / Denmark.1) 65.9 (23.7)
42. McKenzie Sauerwein (Thróttur Reykjavík / Iceland.1) 65.7 (23.5)
43. Caroline Stanley (Seattle Reign / USA.1) 65.6 (22.7)
44. Emily Lillard (Washington Spirit / USA.1) 65.6 (22.3)
45. Yvette Bedoy (Texas Spurs FC / USA.2P) 65.6 (24.8)
46. Brianna Alvarado (Cincinnati Lady Saints / USA.2P) 65.4 (25.3)
47. Ryann Torrero (Santa Clarita Blue Heat / USA.2W) 65.3 (25.8)
48. Monica Gonyo (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) 65.1 (23.1)
49. Katherine Courter (North Jersey Valkyries / USA.2W) 65 (23.8)
50. Caitlin Hoffer (New York Magic / USA.2W) 65 (24.8)

51. Kristina Utley (San Francisco Nighthawks / USA.2P) 64.9 (22.3)
52. Nicole D'Agostino (ETG Ambilyy / France.3) 64.4 (23.4)
53. Lyndse Hokanson (Washington Spirit / USA.1) 64 (23.6)
54. Katelyn Rowland (FC Kansas City / USA.1) 63.9 (21.7)
55. Britt Eckerstrom (Penn State / USA.N) 63.6 (22.5)
56. Ally White (ETG Ambilyy / France.3) 63.6 (22.8)
57. Morgan Glick (IA Akranes / Iceland.1) 63.5 (22.4)
58. Alex Kubrick (Charlotte Lady Eagles / USA.2W) 63.4 (23.5)
59. Sammy Jo Prudhomme (USC / USA.N) 63.4 (21.8)
60. Megan Tock (Western New York Flash / USA.1) 63.3 (23.5)

61. Rebecca Lewis (New England Mutiny / USA.2P) 63.2 (23.8)
62. Jane Campbell (Stanford / USA.N) 63.1 (20.8)
63. Holly Van Noord (Liberty / USA.N) 63.1 (21.3)
64. Bryane Heaberlin (North Carolina / USA.N) 63 (22)
65. Abby Smith (Texas / USA.N) 62.9 (22.1)
66. Emma Crenshaw (FC Pride / USA.2P) 62.8 (23.1)
66. Hannah Steadman (West Virginia / USA.N) 62.8 (23.1)
68. Lindsey Harris (North Carolina / USA.N) 62.8 (22)
69. Michelle Craft (San Diego / USA.N) 62.8 (21.4)
70. Hannah Seabert (Pepperdine / USA.N) 62.7 (20.8)

71. Erin Quinn (Washington Spirit Reserves / USA.2W) 62.7 (22.7)
72. Eve Badana (Drexel / USA.N) 62.7 (22.8)
73. Rachel Boaz (BYU / USA.N) 62.7 (23.8)
74. Lauren Watson (Texas Tech / USA.N) 62.6 (21.9)
75. Jordan Day (Houston Dash / USA.1) 62.5 (22.6)
76. Jovani McCaskill (Cal State Northridge / USA.N) 62.5 (22.2)
76. Abigail Steele (Seattle Reign / USA.1) 62.5 (22.2)
78. Madalyn Schiffel (San Francisco / USA.N) 62.5 (21.8)
79. Kathryn Scheele (Colorado / USA.N) 62.4 (21.3)
79. Andi Tostanoski (Santa Clara / USA.N) 62.4 (21.3)