Top 100 Goalkeepers in Women's Soccer

cover photo belongs to Jim Brown/USA Today Sports

After a month of research and hundreds of videos, the first ever Top 100 list for the women's international game is finished. Let me preface this by saying this is the first list I've ever done like this and I'm sure there is more than one error. I've tried to be thorough but after 500+ goalkeepers, things are going to slip through the cracks. If you see an inaccuracy (typo, wrongly listed club or nation, etc), please let me know. Similarly, if there's a goalkeeper missing - or one too high/low - don't be shy on sharing your opinion. There aren't any resources to reference my list against so I really only have my own opinion on the matter. (Contact at the bottom of the page.)

The biggest hurdle in compiling the list was being dependent on the respective league's media presence. The more established leagues (notably the NWSL, Bundesliga, and Damallsvenskan) were very easy to find highlights and information for. Other goalkeepers, Hong Myong-Hu, for example, are almost exclusively limited to international appearances as far as getting to watch them play. If there is a good goalkeeper that doesn't start for their nation and plays in a league with zero press releases, then it's hard to rate them.

My main references were SoccerWay and FIFA records, then surfing around until I found video of the goalkeeper. National team appearances, youth national teams (U17-U20 teams), club performances for both their domestic league and, when possible, Champions League were all taken into account.

The top fifty include little blurbs and there are some stats at the bottom, sorting goalkeepers by nationality and the league they play in.

Top 100 International Goalkeepers

rank. goalkeeper, nationality (club / league) - age

1. Alyssa Naeher, USA (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 28
2. Gaëlle Thalmann, Switzerland (Fiorentina / Italy.1) - 29
3. Almuth Schult, Germany (Wolfsburg / Germany.1) - 25
4. Méline Gérard, France (Lyon / France.1) - 26
5. Erin McLeod, Canada (Rosengard / Sweden.1) - 33
6. Ashlyn Harris, USA (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 30
7. Kateryna Samson, Ukraine (Ryazan / Russia.1) - 27
8. Kristina Kober, Germany (SC Sand / Germany.1) - 26
9. Kathrin Längert, Germany (USV Jena / Germany.1) - 28
10. Hong Myong-hui, North Korea (April 25 Sports Club / North Korea.1) - 24

I've bounced around on the top American goalkeeper for some time and Naeher has entered the 2016 season with Chicago on top of her game. As Hope Solo starts phasing out with the USWNT, fans will be glad to have Naeher in net. Another understudy on the list is Lyon goalkeeper, Méline Gérard. Typically sitting behind Bouhaddi for France's national team, Gérard has guided Lyon to this year's Champions League final (May 26th vs. Wolfsburg). While a little brash at times, Thalmann did very well at the World Cup last summer. Germany are running with Almuth Schult after Nadine Angerer's retirement but they're not short on goalkeepers with Kober and Längert in the ranks. Canada will miss Erin McLeod at this year's Olympics and North Korea has Myong-hui to thank for winning the 2015 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup.

11. Karen Bardsley, England (Manchester City / England.1) - 31
12. Laëtitia Philippe, France (Montpellier / France.1) - 25
13. Katie Fraine, USA (Vittsjö GIK / Sweden.1) - 28
14. Hope Solo, USA (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 34
15. Dang Thi Kieu Trinh, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City / Vietnam.1) - 30
16. Brittany Cameron, USA (Vegalta Sendai / Japan.1) - 29
17. Adrianna Franch, USA (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 25
18. Sofie Van Houtven, Belgium (OH Leuven / Belgium.1) - 28
19. Stephanie Labbé, Canada (Washington Spirit / USA.1) - 29
20. Desiree Schumann, Germany (FFC Frankfurt / Germany.1) - 26

Probably the most surprising name on the list is Vietnam's Dang Thi Kieu Trinh. Don't make the mistake of rating her off of Vietnam's 35th FIFA ranking. (Watch the goalkeeper here.) Stephanie Labbé will be filling in for Erin McLeod this summer and will likely be in net for the next three-four years if McLeod can't return to 100%. 2015 IFFHS award winner Hope Solo remains in the top twenty while English international Karen Bardsley fills in at 11th. There aren't many videos on Japan's league to watch but they were fortunate to snag a goalkeeper of Brittany Cameron's quality.

21. Loes Geurts, Netherlands (Goteborg / Sweden.1) - 30
22. Sarah Bouhaddi, France (Lyon / France.1) - 29
23. Karima Benameur, France (Juvisy / France.1) - 27
24. Anke Preuss, Germany (FFC Frankfurt / Germany.1) - 23
25. Wang Fei, China (Lyon / France.1) - 26
26. Neide Simões, Portugal (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr / Germany.2) - 27
27. Michele Dalton, USA (Chicago Red Stars / USA.1) - 28
28. Haley Kopmeyer, USA (Seattle Reign / USA.1) - 25
29. Lisa Schmitz, Germany (Turbine Potsdam / Germany.1) - 24
30. Julia Grichenko, Russia (Kubanochka / Russia.1) - 26

Several international starters fill out 21-30: Guerts (Netherlands), Bouhaddi (France), Wang Fei (China), and Simões (Portugal). Haley Kopmeyer waits in the wing under Hope Solo at Seattle but don't be surprised to see the switch over the next year or two. Turbine Potsdam have trusted youngster Lisa Schmitz to start in goal and she hasn't disappointed, conceding just a goal a game with the club this season.

31. Ainhoa Tirapu, Spain (Athletic Bilbao / Spain.1) - 31
32. Lisa Weiss, Germany (SGS Essen / Germany.1) - 28
33. Stephanie Ohrstrom, Sweden (Verona / Italy.1) - 29
34. Melissa Barbieri, Australia (Melbourne / Australia.1) - 36
35. Tinja-Riikka Korpela, Finland (Bayern München / Germany.1) - 30
36. Laura Benkarth, Germany (SC Freiburg / Germany.1) - 23
37. Lydia Williams, Australia (Houston Dash / USA.1) - 28
38. Alessia Gritti, Italy (Mozzanica / Italy.1) - 29
39. Bianca Henninger, Mexico (Houston Dash / USA.1) - 25
40. Iryna Sanina, Ukraine (Zhytlobud-1 / Ukraine.1) - 30

Germany's premier club, Bayern Munich, have limited opponents to seven goals in twenty games this season and Finnish international Tinja-Riikka Korpela has been a big reason why. Melissa Barbieri has been capped for the Australian national team 86 times and went to her fourth World Cup in 2015, where Lydia Williams started for the Aussies. Laura Benkarth was the 2012 U20 World Cup Golden Glove winner and has been Freiburg's starter since. Bianca Henninger has most recently switched to Mexico over the US and could be a possible thorn in the US's side for next qualifying cycles.

41. Stina Lykke Petersen, Denmark (Odense Boldklub / Denmark.1) - 30
42. Cecilie Kramer, Denmark (Vittsjo GIK / Sweden.1) - 29
43. Carly Telford, England (Notts County / England.1) - 28
44. Libby Stout, USA (Boston Breakers / USA.1) - 25
45. Stenia Michel, Switzerland (USV Jena / Germany.1) - 28
46. Kelsey Wys, USA (Washington Spirit / USA.1) - 25
47. Margarita Shirokova, Russia (Zorkiy / Russia.1) - 25
48. Mairav Shamir, Israel (MSV Duisburg / Germany.2) - 28
49. Michelle Betos, USA (Portland Thorns FC / USA.1) - 28
50. Sandra Sepulveda, Colombia (Formas Intimas / Colombia.1) - 28

A couple poor results kept Denmark and Stina Lykke Petersen from making a run to the World Cup, including a 1-0 loss to Mairav Shamir's Israel. Libby Stout returns to the US after starting for Liverpool and I'd be off-base to say she wasn't playing better in England than in the states. Perhaps she bumps back up the list but for now she's still in the top 50. Margarita Shirokova reached the knockout stage with Zorkiy in the UEFA Champions Legue, including starting in a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid.

51. Elvira Todua, Russia (Rossiyanka / Russia.1) - 30
52. Mimma Fazio, Italy (Bari / Italy.1) - 35
53. Elena Kochneva, Russia (Zvezda Perm / Russia.1) - 26
54. Paula Myllyoja, Finland (Honka / Finland.1) - 32
55. Brett Maron, USA (Kristianstad / Sweden.1) - 29
56. Anne-Kathrine Kremer, Germany (FFC Frankfurt / Germany.1) - 28
57. Meike Kämper, Germany (Duisburg / Germany.2) - 22
58. Katrine Abel, Denmark (Brondby / Denmark.1) - 25
59. Aubrey Bledsoe, USA (Orlando Pride / USA.1) - 24
60. Erin Nayler, New Zealand (Sky Blue FC / USA.1) - 24

61. Nicole Barnhart, USA (FC Kansas City / USA.1) - 34
62. Griseldis Meissner, Germany (FFV Leipzig / Germany.2) - 32
63. Kimika Forbes, Trinidad and Tobago (Unknown / Unknown) - 25
64. Hedvig Lindahl, Sweden (Chelsea / England.1) - 33
65. Emmeline Mainguy, France (Guingamp / France.1) - 27
66. Ashley Thompson, USA (Sandviken / Norway.1) - 30
67. Lena Nuding, Germany (FC Koln / Germany.1) - 23
68. Rachael Laws, England (Sunderland / England.1) - 25
69. Iryna Zvarych, Ukraine (Zvezda Perm / Russia.1) - 33
70. Fabienne Weber, Germany (Bayern Munchen / Germany.1) - 24

71. Céline Deville, France (Juvisy / France.1) - 34
72. Adelaide Gay, USA (Kvarnsveden / Sweden.1) - 26
73. Rebecca Spencer, England (Chelsea / England.1) - 25
74. Miho Fukumoto, Japan (Okayama Yunogo Belle / Japan.1) - 32
75. Ingrid Hjelsmeth, Norway (Stabaek / Norway.1) - 36
76. Amandine Guerin, France (Soyaux / France.1) - 23
77. Siiri Välimaa, Finland (Kolbotn / Norway.1) - 26
77. Sari van Veenendaal, Netherlands (Arsenal / England.1) - 26
79. Friederike Abt, Germany (Hoffenheim / Germany.1) - 21
80. Pauline Magnin, France (Saint-Etienne / France.1) - 24

81. Kim Jung-mi, South Korea (Incheon Hyundai Steel / South Korea.1) - 31
82. Jun Min-kyung, South Korea (Daekyo Kangaroos / South Korea.1) - 31
83. Chiara Marchitelli, Italy (Brescia / Italy.1) - 31
84. Carola Söberg, Sweden (KIF Orebro / Sweden.1) - 33
85. Jennifer Oehrli, Switzerland (BSC YB Frauen / Switzerland.1) - 27
85. Jeannette Williams, USA (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar / Iceland.1) - 27
87. Hanit Schwarz, Israel (F.C. Ramat HaSharon / Israel.1) - 28
88. Giulia Reginato, Italy (Vittorio Veneto / Italy.1) - 24
89. Pamela Tajonar, Mexico (Sevilla FC / Mexico.1) - 31
90. Sabrina D'Angelo, Canada (Western New York Flash / USA.1) - 23

91. Katarzyna Kiedrzynek, Poland (PSG / France.1) - 25
92. Minna Meriluoto, Finland (HJK Helsinki / Finland.1) - 30
92. Shannon Lynn, Scotland (Vittsjo GIK / Sweden.1) - 30
94. Emma Byrne, Ireland (Arsenal / England.1) - 36
95. Siobhan Chamberlain, England (Liverpool / England.1) - 32
96. Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany (PSG / France.1) - 25
97. Sofia Lundgren, Sweden (Rosengard / Sweden.1) - 33
98. Alexa Gaul, USA (SC Sand / Germany.1) - 25
99. Almina Hodzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFK 2000 / Bosnia and Herzegovina.1) - 27
100. Erina Yamane, Japan (JEF United Ichihara Chiba / Japan.1) - 25

Sorted by Nationality
nation - count (FIFA rank)

1. USA - 18 (1)
2. Germany - 15 (2)
3. France - 8 (3)
4. England - 5 (4)
5. Finland - 4 (27)
5. Italy - 4 (14)
5. Russia - 4 (22)
5. Sweden - 4 (6)
9. Canada - 3 (10)
9. Denmark - 3 (18)
9. Switzerland - 3 (19)
9. Ukraine - 3 (23)
13. Australia- 2 (5)
13. Israel - 2 (55)
13. Japan - 2 (7)
13. Mexico - 2 (26)
13. Netherlands - 2 (13)
13. South Korea - 2 (17)
19. Belgium - 1 (28)
19. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 1 (62)
19. China - 1 (12)
19. Colombia - 1 (24)
19. Ireland - 1 (33)
19. New Zealand - 1 (16)
19. North Korea - 1 (9)
19. Norway - 1 (11)
19. Poland - 1 (29)
19. Portugal - 1 (41)
19. Scotland - 1 (21)
19. Spain - 1 (15)
19. Trinidad and Tobago - 1 (47)
19. Vietnam - 1 (35)

Sorted by League
(minimum of three)

1. USA.1 - 16
2. Germany.1 - 15
3. France.1 - 11
4. England.1 - 8
4. Sweden.1 - 8
6. Italy.1 - 6
6. Russia.1 - 6
7. Germany.2 - 4
8. Japan.1 - 3
8. Norway.1 - 3

Abraham Romero Interview: Promising Dual National Explains Choosing Mexico Over the US

Abraham Romero is a Mexican-American goalkeeper who currently plays for the Mexican club team, Pachuca. In late 2014, Romero made waves by selecting to play for Mexico over the US, despite being in the US's system for several years. The switch would play out well for Romero, who saw Mexico finish fourth at the 2015 U17 World Cup, while the US bottomed out in the group stage. Aside from a small interview with Jonathan Collazo, there has been very little news explaining the switch, leaving many to speculate on their own. Romero goes into detail about the process of picking Mexico over the US as well as his recent move from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Pachuca.

There hasn't been a ton of information explaining your decision to play for Mexico over the US. Watching you play at the U17 World Cup this last summer, several US fans couldn't help but think they really lost out in the switch. So walk us through the change from playing for the US then Mexico. Why'd you leave the US and what about Mexico's program attracted you to make the switch?

The decision to play for the Mexican National Team was one that I had to think about for quite a while. It was probably the hardest decision I had to make in my life yet. My family, which is the pillar of my life, wants me to be happy and do what I love which is to play soccer, regardless of whether it is in the United States, or Mexico. I have their full support.

The United States and its youth soccer system, as well as my coach, Ruben Messina, have allowed me to grow both personally and athletically contributing to reach the place where I am today. I have many friends in the USA. From AYSO to the club level to the USMNT. These friendships, some very strong, also made me question whether to stay in the United States. But as I continued to grow in the game, some of those friends were replaced by other players – neither better nor worse, simply other players – I began to see a decline in my game and my overall morale and I was not happy with where I was at.

I remained at the LA Galaxy for as long as I did because of the superb goalkeeper training that they offer. Ruben Messina, head of goalkeeping in the youth divisions, was able to bring out the best in me and always pushed me to improve every aspect of my game. Had it not been for him, my exit from LA Galaxy to travel abroad would have occurred a few years back when I made the switch from the US National Team to the Mexican National Team.

I made the switch because I realized that I had reached a plateau within my game as the USMNT had given me all it could and I wanted and needed more than what was being provided. I was just another player on the USMNT and my presence, or lack thereof, was not noted. If I missed a training session, there would be few people who would call to see how I was doing, a clear difference with what I see in Mexico. When I left the USMNT, I made the decision because I was completely confident about where I was going to and that it was a positive step in my soccer career and more importantly in my life. The Mexican National Team is more professional in every aspect and I was welcomed with open arms when I arrived for the first day of training for the U-15 team. The FMF showed me that they wanted me to play for the national team with their actions and the specialized treatment that they provide to each and every player. The method of training, the facilities, the interaction between player and coaches, and most importantly belonging to a group of young men that have the same desire to play professionally as I do. I was finally part of a family with players that have the potential of one day reaching the largest clubs in the world. When I first came, it was a dire change. Today, I have learned and accepted that we all strive for the same goal, play as team, and truly feel the jersey of Mexico as if I was born here, like the rest of the team. I have made my family proud and I have the backing of an entire country.

Looking back on the U17 World Cup, you had an outstanding tournament, including a 0-0 performance where you and Australia's goalkeepers really made some fantastic saves. [Watch the highlights here.] Mexico finished fourth after a 4-2 loss to Nigeria in the semi-finals. Where did you feel like Mexico succeeded in implementing their game plan and where did the team come up short?

I believe that from the start we had the desire and belief that we could go all the way to the final. But it’s not always playing great that you gets you to the later stages of a tournament as large as the World Cup. Against Argentina, our opening game, we clearly dominated the entire game and the 2-0 was generous on our part. The next two games were not as strong, but we succeeded in advancing to the next stage of the tournament. Against Chile and Ecuador we demonstrated that we were prepared to face what was ahead, but with Nigeria in the semi-final, we came up short. We reached that game playing well, implementing our game plan and having the other teams react to our plan. Against Nigeria, their first two goals were absolutely amazing and were from a different game. Two goals that you simply can’t react to because they are brilliant. We clearly missed many chances that we had within the box and we ended up paying for it later on in the game as Nigeria physically lasted the entire 90 minutes. I left the tournament content with the manner in which we played because we played our game, even though we didn’t reach our goal of bringing the Cup home.

The Galaxy have a number of good goalkeepers in the pipeline. They're clearly focused on developing goalkeepers at a young age. So how have you benefited from playing within the Galaxy's program? What are they doing right in LA?

A few years back, Sergio Batista, ex-Argentina National Team coach, said that a player like Messi could only have come out of Argentina and that Barcelona’s La Masia allowed him to achieve his full potential as a player. I could say a similar statement about the Los Angeles Galaxy. Southern California has the privilege of allowing its soccer players to train all year long because of its climate which in turn produces high-performing athletes. Couple this with LA Galaxy’s goalkeeper coach, Ruben Messina, and you have the complete package of why they are producing so many top goalkeepers. It’s not a coincidence that they have the best keepers in the nation. It’s the result of having a great infrastructure, a truly professional management team headed by Mr. Klein, superb coaching, and a mission to always succeed. LA Galaxy play to win at all times, day in and day out. No exceptions.  

You've spent a lot of time with the Galaxy in their program but just recently signed with Pachuca. Tell us a little bit about how the signing came up. Were you looking actively to play in Mexico or did it more fall in your lap?

I was looking to go abroad because I had not only stunted my growth as a goalkeeper remaining in the United States, but I was beginning to decline in my abilities and confidence. I needed a new boost in my life and was looking for a good fit. I had gone to Europe and was happy with the soccer aspect, but didn’t feel that it was the best fit in terms of growing personally. If I were looking at the short term I would have stayed in Europe, but I am looking long term and making my career a long and prosperous one. Pachuca provides me with all the tools that I need to continue to grow both personally and athletically. I had spoken with some of my teammates from the national team that play for Pachuca and they all had great comments about the club. When I visited Pachuca, I saw it as an atmosphere that I could call HOME and that I would be able to recuperate my confidence that is so extremely important for a goalkeeper. I thank Pachuca for all they provide me every single day.

What's the plan in five years? Are you looking to stay in Mexico or are you eyeing another stop?

At the moment I couldn’t be happier with where I am at. The day after signing with Pachuca, I received the call up to the U-20 national team and as usual, everyone was welcoming, congratulating me, and supporting me in all that I do. Traveling to the national team is much closer than before and I live with many of my teammates from the national team at Pachuca. In the next five years, I look to continue to build confidence, grow in those aspects that the trainers here at Pachuca mark me, and make the transition from the Pachuca U-20 to the first team and win a spot within the starters. I am only eighteen years old. I take each day one at time and I couldn’t be in a better place than Pachuca at this stage of my life.

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

Top 100 American Goalkeepers - February 2016

The top 100 is back after a four month absence. To be honest, this is my least favorite time to put out the rankings because the offseason means a lot for players playing in the US. We saw a number of goalkeepers come in much better shape (and some worse) from where they left off the season before. The upcoming spring is a great time to view the product of a goalkeeper's winter. Looking back at last spring, you'll see a number of goalkeepers moving up and down. But we still have a few goalkeepers to introduce into the top 100.

Richard Sanchez (24)
Brendan Moore (51)
Jesse Gonzalez (76)
Scott Krotee (81)

I put both Sanchez and Gonzalez in the list, despite the dual nationals being more likely to play for Mexico over the US. Since we never really know how it's going to play out, we'll leave them in there for now. Brendan Moore is finally back on the field and Scott Krotee is keeping sharp by playing some indoor. Alex Bono (96) returns for the first time since August 2014. Trey Mitchell (90) and Dom DiMaggio (100) slide back into the group after just a few months of being left out.

1. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa / England.1) - 31.4
2. Tim Howard (Everton FC / England.1) - 36.9
3. Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders / USA.1) - 29.8
4. Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls / USA.1) - 31.8
5. Bill Hamid (DC United / USA.1) - 25.3
6. Tyler Deric (Houston Dynamo / USA.1) - 27.5
7. William Yarbrough (Leon / Mexico.1) - 26.9
8. Andrew Dykstra (DC United / USA.1) - 30.1
9. Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City / USA.1) - 28.9
10. Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake / USA.1) - 36.7

11. Steve Clark (Columbus Crew / USA.1) - 29.8
12. Jimmy Maurer (New York Cosmos / USA.2) - 28.3
13. Evan Bush (Montreal Impact / USA.1) - 29.9
14. Chris Seitz (FC Dallas / USA.1) - 28.9
15. Joe Willis (Houston Dynamo / USA.1) - 27.5
16. Brian Rowe (Los Angeles Galaxy / USA.1) - 27.3
17. Bobby Shuttleworth (New England Revolution / USA.1) - 28.8
18. Patrick McLain (Chicago Fire / USA.1) - 27.5
19. David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes / USA.1) - 26.3
20. Alex Horwath (SK Brann / Norway.2) - 28.9

21. Ryan Meara (New York Red Bulls / USA.1) - 25.3
22. Clint Irwin (Toronto FC / USA.1) - 26.8
23. Tally Hall (Free Agent / None) - 30.8
24. Richard Sanchez (Tigres UANL / Mexico.1) - 21.8
25. Scott Goodwin (Louisville City FC / USA.3) - 25.3
26. Jeff Attinella (Real Salt Lake / USA.1) - 27.4
27. Matt Pyzdrowski (Helsingborg IF / Sweden.1) - 29.5
28. Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire / USA.1) - 26.8
29. Andrew Fontein (Minnesota United FC / USA.2) - 25.9
30. Matt Pickens (Tampa Bay Rowdies / USA.2) - 33.8

31. Andrew Weber (Free Agent / None) - 32.5
32. Austin Guerrero (Puebla FC / Mexico.1) - 26.9
33. Quentin Westberg (Sarpsborg 08 / Norway.1) - 29.8
34. Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City / USA.1) - 22.8
35. Zac MacMath (Colorado Rapids / USA.1) - 24.5
36. Matt Lampson (Free Agent / None) - 26.4
37. Joseph Bendik (Orlando City SC / USA.1) - 26.8
38. Dan Kennedy (Los Angeles Galaxy / USA.1) - 33.6
39. Brad Stuver (Columbus Crew / USA.1) - 24.8
40. Devala Gorrick (Colorado Springs Switchbacks / USA.3) - 28.6

41. Brian Sylvestre (Carolina RailHawks / USA.3) - 23.2
42. Josh Saunders (New York City FC / USA.1) - 34.9
43. Kyle Reynish (Free Agent / None) - 32.3
44. Evan Newton (Sacramento Republic / USA.3) - 27.8
45. Bryan Meredith (San Jose Earthquakes / USA.1) - 26.5
46. Mitch Hildebrandt (FC Cincinnati / USA.3) - 27.3
47. Matt Van Oekel (FC Edmonton / USA.2) - 29.4
48. John Berner (Colorado Rapids / USA.1) - 25
49. David Meves (Free Agent / None) - 26.6
50. Jon Busch (Indy Eleven / USA.2) - 39.5

51. Brendan Moore (Fleetwood Town / England.3) - 23.8
52. Akira Fitzgerald (Carolina RailHawks / USA.2) - 28.6
53. Jon Dawson (Free Agent / None) - 24.9
54. John McCarthy (Philadelphia Union / USA.1) - 23.6
55. Alec Kann (Sporting Kansas City / USA.1) - 25.5
56. Nathan Stockie (Jippo / Finland.3) - 26.9
57. Chris Konopka (Free Agent / None) - 30.8
58. Kyle Zobeck (New York Cosmos / USA.2) - 26
59. David Yelldell (Bayer Leverkusen / Germany.1) - 35.1
60. Brad Knighton (New England Revolution / USA.1) - 31

61. Darius Motazed (TuS Koblenz / Germany.4) - 26.6
62. Scott Angevine (Kokkolan Palloveikot / Finland.3) - 26.8
63. Will Dieterich (Haukar Hafnarfjördur / Iceland.2) - 28.9
64. Carl Woszczynski (Arizona United / USA.3) - 27.8
65. Josh Wicks (AFC United / Sweden.2) - 32.3
66. Adam Grinwis (Rochester Rhinos / USA.3) - 23.8
67. Diego Restrepo (Fort Lauderdale Strikers / USA.2) - 28
68. Eric Kronberg (Montreal Impact / USA.1) - 32.6
69. Brandon Miller (OC Blues FC / USA.3) - 26.2
70. Ethan Horvath (Molde FK / Norway.1) - 20.7

71. Josh Ford (Free Agent / None) - 28.3
72. Trevor Spangenberg (Free Agent / None) - 24.8
73. Caleb Patterson-Sewell (Rayo OKC / USA.2) - 28.8
74. Daryl Sattler (Free Agent / None) - 35.4
75. Daniel Withrow (Free Agent / None) - 25.8
76. Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas / USA.1) - 20.8
77. Patrick Lane (Karlstad BK / Sweden.4) - 27.5
78. Tom Al Madon (Hapoel Tel Aviv FC / Israel.1) - 31.3
79. Lionel Brown (Free Agent / None) - 28.4
80. Zac Lubin (Swope Park Rangers / USA.3) - 26.5

81. Scott Krotee (Free Agent / None) - 26
82. Andre Rawls (New York City FC / USA.1) - 26.1
83. Kris Devaux (Baerum SK / Norway.2) - 24.8
84. Sebastian Evers (Jacksonville Armada / USA.2) - 25.1
85. Charlie Lyon (Seattle Sounders / USA.1) - 23.8
86. Kenneth Kronholm (Holstein Kiel / Germany.3) - 30.3
87. Nick Shackelford (Los Angeles Galaxy II / USA.3) - 25.3
88. Cody Mizell (Charlotte Independence / USA.3) - 24.4
89. Justin Luthy (Portland Timbers II / USA.3) - 24.8
90. Trey Mitchell (Free Agent / None) - 24.8

91. Ryan Taylor (Richmond Kickers / USA.3) - 25.7
92. Warren Gross (Western Mass Pro Soccer / USA.4) - 27.1
93. Matt Perrella (Carolina RailHawks / USA.2) - 25.1
94. Tony Halterman (Free Agent / None) - 25.1
95. Alex Riggs (St. Louis FC / USA.3) - 27.9
96. Alex Bono (Toronto FC / USA.1) - 21.8
97. Rafael Diaz (New York Red Bulls II / USA.3) - 24.5
98. Kevin Corby (Charleston Battery / USA.3) - 24.9
99. Robby Gogatz (Southern California Seahorses / USA.4) - 24.9
100. Dom DiMaggio (Seacoast United Phantoms / USA.4) - 24

Top U24 USMNT Prospects

USMNT Prospects returns as well. Remember the rankings takes current and potential into account, so it inevitably will lean towards the older goalkeepers. Goalkeepers must be under 24 to be on the list.

1. Richard Sanchez (Tigres UANL / Mexico.1) - 21.8
2. Ethan Horvath (Molde FK / Norway.1) - 20.7
3. Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City / USA.1) - 22.8
4. Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas / USA.1) - 20.8
5. Brian Sylvestre (Carolina RailHawks / USA.3) - 23.2
6. John McCarthy (Philadelphia Union / USA.1) - 23.6
7. Brendan Moore (Fleetwood Town / England.3) - 23.8
8. Alex Bono (Toronto FC / USA.1) - 21.8
9. Adam Grinwis (Rochester Rhinos / USA.3) - 23.8
10. Zack Steffen (SC Freiburg / Germany.1) - 20.8
11. Charlie Lyon (Seattle Sounders / USA.1) - 23.8
12. Cody Cropper (MK Dons / England.2) - 23

The race for the Mexican-American goalkeepers is definitely one for the future. Sanchez would have to file a one-time switch but it's not unheard of. Almost all of the American-based goalkeepers have some stiff competition for playing time so this spring is certainly important for them to get a foothold. The prospects list will be graduating out Moore, Grinwis, and Lyon by the time the next release rolls around.

13. Zach Bennett (Free Agent / None) - 22.2
14. Devin Perales (Rio Grande Valley FC / USA.3) - 22.8
15. Austin Rogers (Besa Kavajë / Albania.2) - 20.5
16. Eric Klenofsky (Monmouth / USA.N) - 21.4
17. Tyler Miller (Seattle Sounders II / USA.3) - 22.9
18. Paul Blanchette (Free Agent / None) - 21.8
19. Jake Feener (Tulsa Roughnecks / USA.3) - 23.8
20. Spencer Richey (Vancouver Whitecaps II / USA.3) - 23.8
21. Matt Bersano (Free Agent / None) - 23.4
22. Keith Cardona (Indy Eleven / USA.2) - 23.3
23. Jeff Caldwell (Virginia / USA.N) - 20
24. Andrew Tarbell (San Jose Earthquakes / USA.1) - 22.3

Feener and Richey get one last run on the prospect list while Bennett (trailing with Chicago), Blanchette (Arizona) and Bersano (Seattle) are all trying to find a club at the moment. Devin Perales stayed in state after Austin Aztex folded and Keith Cardona will be joined by Jon Busch this season.

The Best of the Rest

25. Abraham Romero (Los Angeles Galaxy / USA.1) - 18
26. Alexandros Tabakis (Charleston Battery / USA.3) - 23.2
27. Alec Ferrell (Wake Forest / USA.N) - 21.9
28. William Pulisic (Duke / USA.N) - 17.8
29. Andrew Wolverton (Free Agent / None) - 22.7
30. Benjamin Machini (RCD Mallorca B / Spain.4) - 19.4
31. Jeff Gal (Lidköpings FK / Sweden.4) - 22.8
31. Travis Worra (DC United / USA.1) - 22.8
33. Ashkan Khosravi (Free Agent / None) - 22.1
34. Keegan Rogers (Free Agent / None) - 22.8
35. Matt Cardone (Free Agent / None) - 22.7
36. Kevin Silva (UCLA / USA.N) - 18.1
37. Danny Rogers (Falkirk FC / Scotland.2) - 21.9
38. Nathan Steinwascher (Free Agent / None) - 23.1
39. JT Marcinkowski (Georgetown / USA.N) - 18.8
40. Wade Hamilton (Portland Timbers / USA.1) - 21.4
41. Calle Brown (Houston Dynamo / USA.1) - 23.6
42. Justin Vom Steeg (UC Santa Barbara / USA.N) - 18.8
43. Kyle Renfro (Harrisburg City Islanders / USA.3) - 23.8
44. Kamil Kaminski (Icon FC / USA.4) - 22.3
45. Zack Downes (Free Agent / None) - 22.8
46. Mason Stajduhar (Orlando City SC / USA.1) - 18.2
47. Michael Breslin (Free Agent / None) - 22.1
48. Anthony Ferrara (Free Agent / None) - 20.8
49. Grayson Rector (Belmont / USA.N) - 21.5
50. Erich Marscheider (Free Agent / None) - 23.1