Union acquire G Oliver Semmle in trade with Rapids

Field Level Media|published: Wed 31st January, 11:38 2024

May 14, 2021; Cary, North Carolina, USA; Marshall goalkeeper Oliver Semmle (1) gets a block against North Carolina. credits: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Union signed goalkeeper Oliver Semmle to a two-year contract through 2025 following a trade with the Colorado Rapids.

The deal announced by both teams on Wednesday includes a club option for 2026.

The Rapids received a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for the college-protected rights to Semmle, whom they selected 41st overall in the 2023 draft.

Semmle spent last season with USL Championship side Louisville City FC and set a league record for clean sheets by a rookie with a league-high 13. He made 34 appearances and tallied 72 saves.

"Oliver had a standout campaign last year, solidifying himself as the best keeper in USL," Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said. "At 25 years old, he brings crucial experience while being young enough to have time to develop and grow into our system. With the increase in international play this year that will require players to be away with their national teams, we believe Oliver will be able to step in and fill an important role during that time."

A native of Germany, Semmle developed in the the Karlsruher SC system from 2012-18. He played his final two seasons of college soccer at Marshall, winning the 2020 NCAA championship and leading the NCAA with 11 shutouts.

—Field Level Media