There was once a time when the goalkeeping position was a real strength for the USMNT. This was because they had the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, and Kasey Keller, who all played for top European clubs.
Howard spent the majority of his career with Everton and also represented Manchester United. Brad Friedel represented Liverpool, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and Tottenham Hotspur. Whilst Kasey Keller played in the Premier League for Leicester City, Spurs, Fulham, Southampton, and in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.
It was considered that USMNT goalkeepers got good as they grew up playing American sports, where you predominantly use your hands. However, Mauricio Pochettino is now lacking a quality keeper in his roster. This is a huge concern ahead of the World Cup this summer.
The journalist, Jeff Carlisle, wrote on ESPN what everybody is now thinking about the USMNT's goalkeeping options. "The fact that all of them are playing in MLS is perhaps the most obvious sign this group of goalkeepers is a step down from previous generations."
Why are there no longer any USMNT keepers at European clubs?
Matt Freese is the USMNT's current first-choice keeper, and he has played his entire career in the United States with the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC. There have never been any links that Freese could one day go to Europe.
Freese is a top keeper for NYCFC and is now 27, which is still relatively young for a keeper. However, whether he makes the move to Europe one day remains to be seen. Perhaps if he stars at the World Cup this summer, then an opportunity could come knocking. However, he is contracted to NYCFC until 2030, so it appears unlikely.
Matt Turner has only recently lost his place as the USMNT's number one to Freese. Turner is technically still with a European club in Olympique Lyonnais, but has been on loan at the New England Revolution, who have the option to buy him.
Turner played for the Revs before joining Arsenal in 202. However, he never established himself in the Premier League, and was also with Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace before joining Lyon.
Chris Brady has only been with the Chicago Fire, but the player is still only 22, and he was linked with Club Brugge in the past. Roman Celentano has only played professionally for FC Cincinnati, and Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew has also only represented American clubs.
There appears to be a reluctance for USMNT keepers to go to Europe right now. Perhaps with the lack of a standout number one, they do not feel they need to be playing at the highest level to earn their place for the Stars and Stripes right now.
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