P. Schulte Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #28 Performance Highlights and Career Overview
Alright, Crew fans—if you’ve tuned into Major League Soccer this season, you’ve probably caught P. Schulte making big stops for Columbus. Patrick Schulte, rocking #28, starts in goal for the Crew and keeps showing off his consistency and knack for wild shot-stopping. His presence? It’s been a steadying force, helping Columbus snag some of their biggest wins and push for another strong year.
He’s only 24, but Schulte already owns the record as the youngest goalkeeper in Crew history to win an MLS Cup. He did that when Columbus beat LAFC in December 2023.
You’ll spot him in yellow and black, handling high-pressure moments with a calm that doesn’t really match his age. If you’re a Crew supporter—or just love U.S. soccer—Schulte’s a name to keep an eye on all season long.
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Here’s a look at his 2023 numbers:
| Matches Played | Saves | Shutouts | MLS Cup Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 90 | 7 | Yes |
Contents
Profile of P. Schulte: Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #28
Patrick Schulte has emerged as a rising star in American soccer, showing off composure and reliability in the Crew net. He steps up in tight matches, earning respect for both club and country.
Basic Information and Background
Born March 13, 2001, in Saint Charles, Missouri, Schulte started turning heads as a keeper in his early teens. He made a name for himself at youth and college levels, and by his early 20s, he locked down a spot with Columbus Crew, joining MLS in 2021.
At 24, he’s already checked off some big achievements: MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022, a spot in the MLS Next Pro Best XI, and a regular place in the starting lineup. By 2025, his market value hit around €3.5 million—a nod to his impact and potential.
Check out these career stats up to 2025:
| Year | Team | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Columbus Crew 2 | 18 | 7 | 42 |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | 31 | 7 | 90 |
Schulte also suits up for the United States as an Olympian and national team player, which just adds to his growing reputation.
Jersey Number and Position
You’ll find Patrick Schulte wearing jersey number 28 for the Crew. His spot as goalkeeper puts him right at the heart of the Crew’s defense, the last line when things get dicey.
Schulte’s style? Quick reflexes and cool decision-making. He’s not shy about barking orders to his defenders or making big saves when the heat is on.
Those traits have led to shutouts and steady performances, giving Columbus a real boost in both regular season and playoff games.
During the 2023 campaign, he started all six playoff matches, building even more trust with coaches and teammates. For up-to-date info, check his official Columbus Crew profile.
Career Trajectory with Columbus Crew
Patrick Schulte’s run at Columbus Crew comes down to consistency, strong match performances, and a quick adjustment to the MLS grind. He keeps his cool under pressure and delivers key saves that have really cemented his place in the league.
MLS Debut and Appearances
Schulte made his Crew debut after they picked him in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He didn’t waste time—jumped right in with 18 matches for Crew 2 in their first MLS Next Pro season, picking up seven clean sheets.
He kept building from there. By 2023, he was the Crew’s starting keeper in 31 regular season games. He racked up 90 saves and seven shutouts, showing up strong at Lower.com Field and on the road. That kind of form put him in the running for awards like MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year.
2023 Regular Season Stats
| Matches | Saves | Shutouts | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 90 | 7 | 2,790 |
Role in the 2023 MLS Cup
Schulte became a key figure in the Crew’s ride to the MLS Cup. He started all six playoff matches, giving the team a defensive backbone and keeping cool when the stakes got high.
His work in goal let Columbus stick to their possession-heavy style, knowing they could count on him when things got tough.
He made game-changing saves when it mattered most, helping the Crew reach the MLS Cup final. Sure, goal scorers get the headlines, but Schulte’s positioning and leadership at the back were just as important for that title run.
He handled the noise at packed stadiums, whether at home or on the road, always bringing that steady hand. That’s what sets him apart from other young keepers out there.
Contributions in Key Matches
In big games, Schulte’s nerves held steady. Against rivals and playoff hopefuls, he stood out for his reactions, shot-stopping, and constant chatter with his defenders.
He pulled off a string of saves against top-seeded teams, sometimes making the one stop that flipped the result.
In tense, late-game situations, Schulte kept his head, organizing the defense and making clutch interventions when it counted. He’s also gotten better at launching counterattacks with his distribution, helping relieve pressure in tight moments.
That strong 2023 season, plus his playoff heroics and knack for clean sheets, make him one of the most trusted young starters in MLS.
International Experience and Achievements
Patrick Schulte’s rise with the Crew opened new doors with Team USA. His club-level performances grabbed national attention and earned him spots in major tournaments.
Selection for Team USA and the Paris Olympics
When Team USA dropped its roster for the Paris Olympics, Schulte’s name was right there—a huge moment for a young keeper who keeps coming up big. His play at home turned heads in U.S. Soccer, leading to some big tournament selections.
Here are some of his international tournament stats:
| Tournament | Year | Matches Played | Clean Sheets | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF U-20 Championship | 2022 | 5 | 2 | Starting GK |
| Olympic Qualifying Tournament | 2024 | 4 | 1 | Starting GK |
Schulte’s focus and adaptability in international matches helped Team USA book spots on the big stage and chase medals in Paris. He’s become a steadying presence, especially when knockout rounds get tense.
U.S. Soccer National Team Involvement
You’ll see Schulte’s name popping up more on U.S. national team rosters, a sign of his steady growth. His first senior call-up came as a direct result of his Crew form.
During several international windows, Schulte joined the U.S. Men’s National Team as both a backup and a starter, including matches in the CONCACAF Nations League. These appearances help cement his place as one of America’s top young keepers.
He works closely with U.S. coaches and goalkeeping staff, sharpening his shot-stopping, distribution, and decision-making. Over time, he’s become a reliable option for both friendlies and tournaments, and he’s pushing for even more starts with Team USA.
Tournament Performances and Honours
If you want to see what P. Schulte means to Columbus Crew, just look at his tournament showings and the honors he’s picked up. He brings consistency, composure, and a clutch factor to both international and domestic competitions.
Concacaf Champions Cup Highlights
When the Crew went up against the best in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Schulte played every minute. He made a ridiculous 36 saves in the 2024 tournament. Against Tigres UANL, he helped keep Columbus in the fight, even when things got tough.
Schulte’s play earned him the Best Goalkeeper Award for the tournament—a huge honor that put him ahead of the pack. He organized the defense and came up with big stops, giving the Crew a real shot each match.
Here’s a quick look at his 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup stats:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8 |
| Saves | 36 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 |
| Best Goalkeeper Award | 🏆 |
Every number tells a story about why he was named the best in North America for the tournament.
Concacaf Champions Cup honors
MLS NEXT Pro Accolades
Before Schulte became the Crew’s starter, he left his mark in MLS NEXT Pro. In 2022, he made the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, a nod to his standout season. His focus and shot-stopping ability turned games and helped his team make a deep postseason run.
His 2022 playoff stats in MLS NEXT Pro were pretty sharp:
- Matches Played: 7
- Saves: 23
- Shutouts: 3
Schulte finished as a finalist for MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year, earning respect from coaches all over the league. That consistency and leadership set him up for his breakout with the senior team in 2023.
Take a look at his MLS NEXT Pro profile.
Leagues Cup and Penalty Shootout Heroics
Let’s go back to the 2023 Leagues Cup. Columbus Crew shook up their lineup, and Schulte missed the first games while he played for the U.S. national team. When he finally returned, he showed up right on cue.
In a nail-biting penalty shootout, Schulte stepped up and made some massive saves. He locked in the win and sent the Crew on to the next round.
Fans started to notice his cool head in those shootouts. Under the brightest lights, Schulte kept his nerve and guessed right time after time. His quick hands and sharp instincts seemed to lift the whole team, especially with everything on the line.
Check out these highlights:
- Penalty Saves: 2
- Shootout Wins: 1
- Games Played: 2
Those Leagues Cup moments? They proved you could count on Schulte when the margin for error was razor thin. Want the full breakdown? Head over to Columbus Crew Leagues Cup coverage.
Key Matches and Notable Opponents
Schulte’s gone up against some of Major League Soccer’s toughest teams. He’s built his name with clutch performances, especially when things get tense. You can feel the shift in a match when he’s in the zone.
Victories Against Philadelphia Union
If you rewind to his showdowns with Philadelphia Union, you’ll see what I mean. Schulte’s calm under pressure jumps off the screen. These games have often come with playoff stakes or big implications for the Crew’s season.
He’s flashed that agility, shutting down Philly’s attack when it matters most.
Notable moments:
- Multiple saves during first-half surges
- Key stops against Union’s top forwards
- Maintained clean sheets that proved vital in the standings
| Match Date | Saves | Goals Allowed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/2023 | 5 | 0 | Win |
| 08/13/2023 | 3 | 1 | Draw |
| 03/02/2024 | 4 | 0 | Win |
Schulte reads Philly’s set pieces so well. He adjusts on the fly, and those wins stick with Crew fans.
Clashes with Inter Miami and LAFC
Now, Inter Miami brings some serious star power. Schulte’s stayed alert and kept Miami’s big names off the scoreboard. Against LAFC, you’ve got to admire his positioning—he’s gone toe-to-toe with some of the league’s deadliest strikers.
Those highlight-reel stops? They keep coming, especially late in tight games. LAFC’s speed can rattle any keeper, but Schulte’s calm and command have shut down shots from all over the box.
Key highlights:
- Denied Miami a last-minute equalizer in 2024
- Stopped two penalty attempts by LAFC
- Organized the Crew’s back line under constant pressure
You can see his leadership and technique shine brightest in front of packed stadiums.
Showdowns with Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids play direct and fast, and Schulte’s steady hands have anchored the Crew defense in both league and Leagues Cup games. Colorado’s style puts a keeper under fire, especially when they break quickly.
Schulte’s patience stands out. He waits out attacks, then makes smart decisions with the ball at his feet.
Standout stats:
- Averaged 4+ saves per match against Colorado
- Routinely avoided turnovers with smart outlet passes
- Recorded multiple stops one-on-one against Rapids forwards
| Match Date | Saves | Goals Allowed | Cleansheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/22/2023 | 6 | 1 | No |
| 09/17/2023 | 5 | 0 | Yes |
| 07/06/2024 | 4 | 1 | No |
His play against Colorado just oozes calm under pressure. Coaches and teammates notice that.
Early Career, Development, and Path to MLS
Patrick Schulte’s path to the pros didn’t happen overnight. He worked his way up through youth leagues, shined in college ball, and climbed quickly into Major League Soccer. Every step, he got better and showed he belonged.
Youth and College Soccer
You start to see Schulte’s foundation back in Missouri, playing youth soccer. He went to Francis Howell North High School and played for the Saint Louis FC Academy.
That’s where he built his shot-stopping and leadership chops. As a young captain, he earned a reputation for steady hands and quick decisions.
He took those skills to Saint Louis University and locked down the starting job as a freshman. Pretty impressive, right? He racked up awards like A-10 All-Rookie Team and some goalkeeper honors.
By his last year, he led the Billikens deep into the NCAA tournament. His numbers told the story—he was ready for the next step.
| Season | Matches Played | Shutouts | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 | 5 | 48 |
| 2021 | 18 | 8 | 62 |
Generation adidas and MLS SuperDraft
Schulte’s pro break came when he signed with Generation adidas, a program that spots college underclassmen with big upside. That deal, plus his college record, set him up for the MLS SuperDraft.
Columbus Crew picked him 12th overall in 2022. That’s a big vote of confidence. His Generation adidas status gave the Crew some flexibility, letting them bring him in without the usual salary cap hit.
Bringing in Schulte showed the Crew’s faith in young, homegrown keepers. He got top coaching and a real shot at an MLS starting job—maybe faster than most rookies.
Rise through Crew 2 and Lower Divisions
Alright folks, let’s rewind to where it started—before the MLS lights got bright, Schulte kicked off his pro journey with Crew 2. That’s Columbus’s reserve squad in MLS NEXT Pro. Honestly, this stretch was huge for his development and confidence.
Schulte took the starting keeper spot and didn’t look back. He played in 18 matches, racked up 7 clean sheets, and made 42 saves in that very first season.
He didn’t just fill a role; he earned the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award. The league even named him to the Best XI. With Schulte locking things down in goal, Crew 2 powered their way to the league’s championship. That’s no small feat, especially for a young keeper making his mark. You can check the full rundown and more on his Columbus Crew profile.
Those performances? Yeah, they made a statement. Schulte forced his way into the senior squad conversation, setting up his breakthrough with the Columbus Crew first team.
