What separates goalkeepers in recruiting

Looking beyond saves and highlight reels

Standing out as a goalkeeper isn’t just about saving what you should save.

You know by now that the roster math works against you. Programs carry two to four keepers, and they don’t recruit one every year. That limits your margin for error before June 15.

But here’s the part that’s harder to talk about: once you do have a coach’s attention, the technical skill you’ve spent years building is just the start. Every goalkeeper they’re watching can make saves. The difference comes down to what happens when the ball isn’t coming at you.

That’s what this piece is about - three things that separate goalkeepers in the recruiting process.

Communication isn’t just talking

Most young goalkeepers fall into one of two camps: they don’t say anything at all, or they say too much.