MLS Fantasy Boss A Fantasy MLS Community
Undoubtedly, the scoring changes from last season affected each position group, but none more than the Goalkeepers. The loss of bonus point opportunities means that Goalkeepers hold value in MLS Fantasy through shutouts, saves and price rise. A good defense (or targeting a weak opposing offense) often makes the best strategy for scoring GK points. Paying close attention to kickoff timing is essential for keeperoo strategies (if you’re unfamiliar, see the Fantasy Boss’ explanation here). Here is how I see the top 10 Fantasy Keepers stacking up this season:
Andre Blake
Numbers 10 – 6
- Joe Willis
2024 was a year to forget for both Nashville and Joe Willis. The 36 year old started 29 games and let in 44 goals with 8 clean sheets. But with Walker Zimmerman looking healthy and several notable defensive transfers in (Jeisson Palacios and Andy Najar), the shot-stopper should have more clean sheet opportunities.
- Brad Stuver
While the 48 goals against last season aren’t a great tally for his 34 starts, Stuver had the third highest points in all GKs last season and boasted over a 75% save percentage. Add that to all the offseason upgrades Austin has been doing and the veteran should be in line for a successful 2025.
- Drake Callender
Training against Messi certainly proved to increase the stature of Drake Callender last season. With an injury plagued backline that saw centerbacks rotating out like fresh socks, Calendar was able to stay confident, make some showstopping saves and ended 2024 tied for 6th for GKs in overall points. While the data of 45 goals against in 32 starts and only 5 clean sheets doesn’t scream the most successful 2024 season, I’m backing Callender and Miami to have an improved defensive season.
- Andre Blake
Injury plagued the 3x former MLS keeper of the year last season, seeing Blake with only 13 starts. However, he only conceded an average of 1 goal per game and kept 5 clean sheets with a nearly 75% save percentage. With lots of departures in Philly, including long time coach Jim Curtain, it will be interesting to see if the former top choice can slide up the ranking again.
- Pedro Gallese
El Pulpo has a longstanding reputation as a brick wall in Orlando. His ability to dig his team out of a hole with a miraculous save has become the expected instead of the exceptional. A slightly below average 2024 saw Gallese dip slightly in total saves and save %, but Orlando has low key been tightening up its previously leaky backline. While probably not often my go-to for this season, I’m keeping my eye on Gallese.
Numbers 5 – 1
- Hugo Lloris
The former World Cup winning Frenchman was a welcome addition to the annoyingly offensively capable LAFC. 12 clean sheets in his first season is something to be noted, as well as finishing 3rd in MLS Keeper of the Year voting. Notching nearly 100 saves across 33 games started in 2024 makes Lloris a first choice for 2025.
- Roman Celentano
This young keeper has the skill, but can he actually get a decent defensive line to match? FC Cincinnati struggled with season ending injuries across their backline all season, but are coming into 2025 with a bit of optimism. Celentano is a shot stopper with confidence and sees veteran defenders like Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson and DeAndre Yedlin in front of him to support. I’m willing to wager on more than 7 clean sheets this season.
- Patrick Schulte
Another young face in a sea of veterans, Patrick Schulte had himself a season in 2024. 10 clean sheets across 27 starts with a save % near 75%. While Schulte himself is a talented player, his veteran and consistent defense make him even more appealing. In only his second season, Schulte finished 4th in MLS Keeper of the Year voting. This is a player I’m banking on this year.
- Stefan Frei
No one knows underrated quite like Stefan Frei. In fact, you could even say he invented being underrated. The guy had 13 shutouts and only 27 goals against, besting every other name on this list (including our #1). This is Frei’s second season in a row with over 12 clean sheets and less than 30 goals against. I was vocal on the MLSFI Podcast last season in doubting the Sounders’ ability to keep up the shut outs, but this might be the year I accept them as a defensive definitive.
- Kristijan Kahlina
Your MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024 and the highest GK in the fantasy game last season. 12 clean sheets in a defensively dicey Eastern Conference is impressive. 37 goals against in 24 games is not. Having both veteran Tim Ream and young prodigy Adilson Malanda in front of Kahlina definitely helps. The stats don’t make him number 1 in my book for 2024, but you can write your own story in 2025.
Honorable mentions:
- Brad Guzan: The big bald still has something left in the tank and was 5th in overall points last season. While Atlanta was never a team to bet for or against in 2024, I could see Guzan being a viable option this season.
- Dayne St. Clair: If Minnesota wasn’t such a dumpster fire last season, DSC would probably have made the list. 7 clean sheets in 26 starts and 31 goals allowed gave the Loon a 70% save percentage. Definitely decent.
- Roman Burki: I want to like Burki. I really do. But in his two seasons at STL he has only had 15 shutouts and 97 goals against in 55 starts. Somehow he managed to be MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, but those numbers still make me wonder… how?
Contributor: Ashley Savage, @savageheart on Discord
