ROMAN CELENTANO FC Cincinnati Goalkeeper #18 Key Player Profile and Performance Overview

Roman Celentano’s been making waves as the starting goalkeeper for FC Cincinnati, rocking the number 18. Under pressure? This guy stays cool as ice, and he’s turning into one of the most reliable American keepers in Major League Soccer. Coaches and fans have really started to notice how he steps up with clutch saves in the big moments.

He’s an Illinois native who caught everyone’s attention back in college, actually becoming the first goalkeeper in Big Ten history to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award more than once. That momentum didn’t stop there—he’s kept it rolling with FC Cincinnati, quietly building a reputation that’s hard to ignore. If you’re tracking MLS or just looking for the next breakout star, you’ve got to keep an eye on Celentano. Want more stats? Check out his player profile.

Who Is Roman Celentano?

Roman Marcello Celentano has quickly made a name for himself as a young American goalkeeper with FC Cincinnati. His journey’s all about hard work, early promise, and a fast climb through the ranks.

Early Life and Background

Celentano grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where he first fell in love with soccer. He played in local leagues before heading to the Indiana Hoosiers for college.

At Indiana University, he earned a rep for sharp reflexes and smart decision-making. He helped the Hoosiers reach some big matches and picked up conference honors along the way.

His college years were all about steady improvement and showing up when it counted. After winning the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year multiple times, Celentano left school early to chase his pro dreams. That move landed him a Generation Adidas contract and a ticket to the MLS SuperDraft.

Date of Birth and Age

Roman Celentano was born on September 14, 2000, so as of June 20, 2025, he’s 24 years old. He’s spent his early twenties grinding, sharpening his skills, and building a solid pro career as a goalkeeper.

Being born and raised in the U.S. puts him right in the mix for the next wave of MLS talent. His path from Naperville to the pros is a story of steady progress and adapting to tougher competition.

Here’s a quick look at the basics:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Roman Marcello Celentano
Date of Birth	September 14, 2000
Age	24 (as of June 20, 2025)
Hometown	Naperville, Illinois, United States

Personal Details and Height

Celentano’s got the physical tools you want in a modern keeper. He stands 6’3″ and weighs in around 201 pounds.

That size really helps him cover the goal, and his wingspan gives him a big advantage. These traits make him tough to beat, especially in set-piece situations.

He wears number 18 for FC Cincinnati. Folks know him for staying calm even in tense moments, and he keeps a pretty focused approach both on and off the pitch.

For more, check out the FC Cincinnati player page.

FC Cincinnati and Club Career

Roman Celentano has become a key figure for FC Cincinnati since joining up. His steady hands and reliable performances make him a rock for the Orange and Blue in MLS.

Joining FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati picked up Celentano in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, kicking off a new chapter for him. He got selected early, and his college resume from Indiana University helped him earn a spot on the first team pretty quickly.

In that first season, his work ethic and lightning reflexes in training caught the eye of coaches and teammates. FC Cincinnati saw the potential and signed him to a deal that locked him in as their main man between the posts.

The contract details? Pretty standard for a rookie keeper in MLS. Celentano’s commitment—on the field and off—has helped the club trust him at the back.

Notable Matches and Achievements

Celentano’s already had some big moments with FC Cincinnati. He’s pulled off highlight-reel saves, especially in rivalry games.

In 2023, he snagged the MLS Save of the Year for a jaw-dropping stop against the Columbus Crew. That play showed off his quick reactions and smart positioning.

He’s helped push Cincinnati into the MLS playoffs, racking up multiple clean sheets along the way. Those shutouts and big saves in crunch time have made him a cornerstone for a team that’s really turned things around.

Key Stats Table (2022-2024)

Season	Games Played	Clean Sheets	Saves	Goals Allowed
2022	15	4	56	18
2023	27	9	91	31
2024	21	8	68	22

Teammates and Key Figures

Celentano’s growth hasn’t happened in a vacuum. He gets plenty of support from seasoned teammates and the coaching staff.

Veteran defender Nick Hagglund helps organize the backline, and midfield maestro Luciano Acosta works with him to spark attacks from the back. Nick Markanich, another up-and-comer, often shares the field with him and chips in on both ends.

Coaches praise Celentano’s chemistry with the group, calling him vocal and reliable. They trust him to direct the defense, and that’s been a big part of Cincinnati’s recent rise.

Orange and Blue Identity

Wearing the Orange and Blue, Celentano plays a huge role in shaping FC Cincinnati’s culture. The club’s worked hard to build a strong identity in the city, mixing young guys like Celentano with experienced vets.

Fans see him as a building block for the future. His steady play in goal matches the team’s focus on discipline and organization.

Celentano’s consistency gives his teammates and the supporters a sense of calm. The club values him not just for his saves, but as someone who represents their values on and off the pitch.

You can find more data and updates on Roman Celentano’s profile over at the official FC Cincinnati site.

MLS SuperDraft and Professional Journey

Celentano’s leap from college standout to pro goalkeeper came with a lot of buzz. His draft day, Generation Adidas status, and quick adjustment to MLS really set the tone for his early years with FC Cincinnati.

2022 MLS SuperDraft Experience

Heading into the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Celentano was one of the country’s top college keepers. Analysts loved his reflexes and leadership at Indiana.

FC Cincinnati grabbed him with the second overall pick, making him one of the highest-drafted goalkeepers that year. That pick showed Cincinnati wanted to fix their defensive issues, and they saw Celentano as the answer.

Before he arrived, Cincinnati had trouble finding a steady keeper, and their defensive numbers weren’t pretty. Celentano’s draft spot brought hope to a team that needed it.

The city and club put their faith in him, giving him a real shot to win the starting job right away. Expectations? Through the roof.

Generation Adidas Selection

Celentano came into MLS as a Generation Adidas player. This program signs top young talent to pro contracts before they finish college.

Generation Adidas deals pay more and don’t count against the team’s salary cap, which gives clubs more flexibility. For Celentano, it meant he’d get a shot to play right away.

FC Cincinnati’s decision to use such a high draft pick on a Generation Adidas keeper showed they wanted to build from the back. That move gave Celentano access to coaching and resources that most draft picks don’t get.

It was a clear sign the club believed he could grow into a top-tier keeper.

Transition to Professional Level

Jumping into MLS, Celentano got tested fast. He won the starting job for FC Cincinnati and started racking up minutes, saves, and clean sheets.

He set franchise marks in several goalkeeping stats during his first seasons. Double-digit clean sheets, leading the club in saves and minutes—it all pointed to his consistency and toughness.

As he settled in, Cincinnati’s defensive numbers started to look a lot better.

Statistic	2022-2024 Total
Clean Sheets	15
Saves	159
Minutes Played	4,770

Celentano’s cool head in big spots helped steady the back line. His work ethic and smarts on the field made the transition from college to MLS look easier than it really is.

He’s earned respect inside the club and from the fans. For more on his early years and club records, check out the FC Cincinnati overview.

Performance Highlights and Statistics

Roman Celentano has really become a dependable presence for FC Cincinnati. He’s known for solid shot-stopping, picking up clean sheets, and making those big-time saves when the pressure’s on.

Saves and Save Percentage

During the 2023 MLS season, Celentano started every match for Cincinnati and hit a career high in saves. He made 87 stops over 33 games, showing off his quick reflexes and good positioning.

His save percentage for 2023? An impressive 70.2%. That number put him among the league’s top keepers for shot-stopping.

Celentano faced a ton of shots but kept his focus, even in tough stretches. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Season	Matches	Saves	Save %
2023	33	87	70.2%
Career	60	~150	~70%

He came up big in key moments, denying clear chances and keeping Cincinnati in close games. His knack for reading attackers helps him make tough stops, whether from distance or in one-on-ones.

Clean Sheets and Shutouts

Celentano’s progress as a keeper really shows in his clean sheet record. In 2023, he finished with 12 clean sheets—his best yet in MLS.

Clean sheets aren’t just numbers; they’re proof of big saves and strong defense. Those 12 shutouts played a huge part in Cincinnati’s strong finish that year.

He showed up in high-stakes matches and regular games alike, holding opponents scoreless time and again. Celentano’s ability to direct defenders, control rebounds, and make split-second decisions during set pieces has made him a vital last line of defense for the Orange and Blue.

Key Saves and Awards

Let’s talk about Roman Celentano—he’s been a difference-maker for Cincinnati, especially in those clutch moments when everything’s on the line. In 2023, Celentano made the shortlist for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. That’s no small feat, folks.

People across the league noticed his saves. All season long, Celentano pulled off stops that made the highlight reels, with a couple earning serious ‘Save of the Year’ buzz. Remember that reflex save against a top rival late in the year? That one lit up social media and had everyone talking.

He landed on the MLS Team of the Matchday several times, too. Each week, he kept showing up as one of the top keepers, not just for routine stops but for those heart-stopping, game-saving moments under real pressure.

Goals Allowed and Penalty Kick Saves

Celentano didn’t just make flashy saves—he locked things down when the pressure cranked up. Over 33 matches in 2023, he allowed fewer goals per game than most keepers in the league. That’s a massive boost for Cincinnati’s defense.

He faced his share of penalty kicks, too. Celentano came up big more than once, reading shooters and reacting with lightning-fast reflexes.

Those penalty saves? They don’t always show up in the stats, but they made a huge difference—preserving leads, grabbing points, and keeping Cincinnati in the hunt. If you want all the gritty numbers, check out his official FC Cincinnati profile or his Transfermarkt page.

International Career and USMNT Involvement

Celentano’s rise at FC Cincinnati opened doors to the national stage. He earned chances to train and compete with the best in the country—and, honestly, that’s a pretty big leap.

He turned club reliability into international opportunities. That doesn’t happen by accident.

U.S. National Team Call-Ups

Celentano got several call-ups to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). That first call-up? It really showed the coaches trusted his reflexes and his cool head under fire.

Training with the USMNT gave him a chance to work with players from top European leagues. He built chemistry with defenders and picked up insights from seasoned internationals. According to FC Cincinnati, those call-ups lined up with his club success—clean sheets, big saves, and a Goalkeeper of the Year nomination.

Key USMNT Call-Up Highlights:

Date	Event	Role
January 2023	January Camp	Training Squad
April 2023	Continental Clásico	Reserve/Bench

January Training Camp Experience

Celentano’s first big USMNT experience came at the annual January camp—a proving ground for domestic talent. FC Cincinnati teammate Brandon Vazquez joined him in California as part of a 24-man squad.

At camp, Celentano worked side-by-side with national team goalkeeper coaches. He faced a steady diet of drills and scrimmages, adapting to new coaching styles and game plans. That’s where he measured himself against top MLS and European-based keepers.

Sessions zeroed in on shot-stopping, distribution, and playing out from the back. Coaches liked his work ethic and how he handled pressure. By the end, Celentano walked away with a sharper sense of what it takes to play at the international level.

Continental Clásico Participation

Celentano made the U.S. roster for the Continental Clásico, a friendly ramping up the rivalry with Mexico. The 2023 match had him on the bench, but hey, just being there matters.

He didn’t get on the field, but the atmosphere was electric—huge expectations, plenty of nerves. Celentano supported the starter in warmups and halftime, staying locked in and ready.

He kept building relationships with coaches and teammates, soaking up the intensity of international soccer. Events like the Clásico give him a front-row seat to tactical shifts and the pulse of big-time matches.

College Soccer at Indiana University

Roman Celentano made waves at Indiana University right out of the gate. He stepped into the goalkeeper spot and immediately made a difference for the Hoosiers.

His big-game performances pushed Indiana to the top tier. Awards and All-American honors followed.

Indiana University Soccer Journey

Celentano joined Indiana’s men’s soccer squad in 2019 and, honestly, wasted no time grabbing the starting job. His shot-stopping and communication with the back line stood out.

He started almost every match he could. Over three seasons, he racked up 52 appearances—37 wins, 10 losses, 5 draws. That’s steady, reliable play, and the Hoosiers leaned on him for it.

Season	Games Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Goals Allowed
2019-2021	52	37	10	5	33

Coaches and teammates praised his calm decision-making. He helped Indiana make deep postseason runs and set a winning tone in the locker room.

NCAA National Championship Run

In 2020, Celentano helped power Indiana all the way to the NCAA National Championship final. He delivered some of his best stuff in the tournament, especially as the stakes climbed.

He made clutch saves in high-pressure spots and earned the Defensive Most Outstanding Player award for the tournament. Through the run, he kept his cool—even when things got tense.

Indiana came up short in the final, but Celentano’s leadership and shot-stopping were the story of their championship journey. He organized the defense and gave Indiana a shot in games that could’ve gone the other way.

Big Ten Awards and All-Big Ten

Celentano picked up a stack of Big Ten honors during his time at Indiana. He won Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year twice—pretty rare air.

He made the All-Big Ten First Team in both 2020 and 2021. His save percentage and big-game leadership drove those selections.

The conference recognized his talent, and his name sits alongside the best keepers in Big Ten history. Coaches and teammates knew he could swing a big match.

All-American and Best XI Honors

Celentano’s play landed him All-American status and a spot on the NCAA Best XI. That puts him in the nation’s top tier, no question.

He made the United Soccer Coaches All-America second team, thanks to his strong national rankings in goals-against average and shutouts.

He also earned a spot on the NCAA College Cup Best XI, capping off a decorated college career. Celentano really set the bar high for future Hoosier keepers.

Preseason and Early Career Development

Celentano’s journey with FC Cincinnati took off after a strong 2022 preseason. His college experience gave him the foundation to handle the pro jump.

2022 Preseason Roster

After Cincinnati picked him second overall in the MLS SuperDraft, Celentano quickly found his name on the 2022 preseason roster. The club was rebuilding, and the coaches wanted his quick reflexes and big-game mentality.

He earned trust from the start, with training focused on footwork, shot-stopping, and communication. Cincinnati wanted him in the first-team mix right away.

Here’s a quick look at his early preseason appearances:

Date	Opponent	Minutes Played	Saves	Goals Allowed
Jan 25, 2022	TBA	45	2	0
Feb 2, 2022	TBA	60	3	1
Feb 6, 2022	TBA	30	1	0

Walter Campbell Sports Park Experience

Celentano trained at Walter Campbell Sports Park, which gave him top-level fields, weight rooms, and film study areas. The setup was all about pro-level prep.

Sessions there focused on small-sided games and shot-stopping drills against Cincinnati’s best attackers. Coaches wanted him to improve his distribution, pushing for quicker throws and sharper passes.

Feedback came daily from staff and veterans. That kept Celentano locked in on what he needed to sharpen. He responded by growing his confidence and improving his positioning.

Preseason Matches and Highlights

Celentano wasted no time making his mark in preseason matches. He pulled off clutch saves right away, turning heads and locking in his spot in the keeper rotation.

Highlights included a double save in the opener and a gutsy punch to clear a dangerous cross late in another game. His voice got louder, too—organizing the defense and showing leadership you don’t always see from rookies.

Coaches used his game footage in team film sessions, pointing out his quick reads and reactions. For more about his path, check out Roman Celentano’s FC Cincinnati profile.

Recognition and Honors

Roman Celentano hasn’t wasted any time building his reputation as one of MLS’s top young keepers. His steady play and quick rise have turned heads—earning league honors, spots on teams of the week, and recognition for his under-23 achievements.

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Nominations

Celentano made a splash in MLS with his sharp reflexes and reliable hands for FC Cincinnati. In his second season, he found himself among the top contenders for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Observers pointed out his knack for big saves in tight matches. The 2023 season was especially strong—he notched eight clean sheets in his first 16 matches, and his name kept popping up in award talks. The final prize went elsewhere, but Celentano’s spot on those shortlists says plenty about his rising stock.

Notable Statistics Table:

Season	Clean Sheets	Saves	Matches Played
2023	12+	90+	34+

Team of the Matchday Appearances

Celentano’s week-to-week consistency led to several MLS Team of the Matchday selections. Each nod marked a standout performance, whether it was a string of saves or helping Cincinnati lock down a win.

In 2023, those honors kept coming, especially after highlight-reel stops against teams like NYCFC. He earned Team of the Matchday spots after big games, not just for stats, but for his leadership and his ability to keep the back line steady.

These selections mean more than just a pat on the back. They reflect respect from peers and the public, especially during crunch-time weeks like MLS Week 10.

Young Player Performer Accolades

Let’s talk about Roman Celentano—this young pro has turned heads with his age-group achievements. Before he even hit MLS, Top Drawer Soccer picked him twice for the Best XI First Team during his college days. That’s a serious nod, especially for a college goalkeeper.

When Celentano jumped to MLS, he didn’t hit the brakes. He landed on a bunch of young player rankings and watchlists, and that just kept building his rep as one of the top under-23 goalkeepers out there.

You can see how dedicated he’s been to sharpening his skills. Right from the start, he’s stepped up and separated himself from a lot of other young keepers. Every time he picks up another award, it’s a reminder—this guy’s got both potential and proof.

Notable Matches and Rivals

Celentano’s had some of his biggest moments—and toughest tests—against the league’s best in both conferences. His play in those key matchups? It’s been a big part of FC Cincinnati’s climb and their growing reputation.

Vs. Philadelphia Union

Facing the Philadelphia Union, Celentano’s had to deal with one of the sharpest attacks in MLS. These games are tense, every save counts.

In one regular season showdown, he racked up six saves, including a clutch diving stop late to lock in a draw. Philly loves to hit teams on the break, but Celentano’s quick reactions and smart positioning have shut down a lot of their best chances.

Key Stats vs. Philadelphia Union:

Date	Saves	Goals Allowed	Result
2023-08-30	6	1	1-1 Draw
2024-05-12	4	0	2-0 Win

These are always physical contests, and Celentano’s cool head helps Cincinnati stay steady when the pressure ramps up.

Vs. St. Louis City SC

When Celentano lines up against St. Louis City SC, he’s shown he can adapt fast. St. Louis might be new, but they came out swinging—and Celentano answered.

In their first meeting, he posted a clean sheet with three stops, even as St. Louis pressed hard. He kept his defenders organized and cut out crosses, taking command on set pieces.

Second time around, St. Louis scored early, but Celentano answered with back-to-back saves to keep things close. These games have started a little rivalry between the two clubs, and Celentano’s been right in the thick of it.

Vs. Toronto FC

Toronto FC brings a dangerous attack, and Celentano’s matchups with them show how much he’s grown.

In a big road match, he made a late penalty save that helped Cincinnati hang on for the win. Toronto moves the ball quickly, so Celentano had to keep his back line on point and stay vocal all night.

He’s gotten good at reading Toronto’s set pieces and tracking their creative playmakers. That focus has kept games tight and given Cincinnati the edge more than once.

Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Performances

When the playoffs arrive, Celentano’s game just seems to level up. In the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, he’s delivered under the brightest lights, with several games where his saves pushed Cincinnati forward.

Here’s a quick look at some playoff numbers:

Match	Saves	Goals Allowed	Outcome
2023 Quarterfinal	5	0	1-0 Win
2023 Semifinal	4	1	2-1 Win
2024 First Round	3	0	2-0 Win

Celentano’s command of his box and shot-stopping in these high-pressure moments have been huge. He stays locked in for the full 90, even when things get wild late in matches. That’s been a difference-maker for Cincinnati in the postseason.

Representation and Management

Celentano’s growth, both on and off the field, owes a lot to his support team. Strong management has played a big role in shaping his career and opening doors.

Wasserman Agency

He’s got Wasserman in his corner—a heavyweight agency in the soccer world. They represent some of the best and handle big-time deals in MLS and beyond.

Thanks to Wasserman, Celentano locked in a long-term contract with FC Cincinnati, keeping him at the club through 2027. The agency handles everything from negotiations to endorsements, making sure Celentano’s interests stay front and center.

Key details:

Agency	Wasserman
Client Since	2022
Services	Contract negotiation, career management, endorsement deals

With Wasserman behind him, Celentano’s profile and earning power are only going up. Their experience gives him the space to focus on his game, knowing his future is in good hands.

Memorable Moments and Storylines

Celentano’s journey with FC Cincinnati has featured some unforgettable matches and turning points. Let’s hit a few of the best storylines—comebacks, milestones, and those head-to-head battles everyone remembers.

Atlanta’s Comeback Feature

One of the wildest nights? That thriller against Atlanta United. Cincinnati jumped out early, but Atlanta stormed back, putting Celentano under fire in the second half.

He faced shot after shot, making key saves to keep Cincinnati in it. Atlanta kept breaking through, but Celentano stayed calm, read crosses well, and kept his defense organized.

Even after giving up a couple, he showed off his shot-stopping and led by example. Fans still talk about that match—Celentano’s resilience and leadership stood out when the team needed it most.

San Diego’s History Connection

When San Diego joined MLS, Celentano found himself in the middle of a historic moment. The match had extra energy—San Diego was brand new, and everyone was watching.

Celentano took charge, kept his defense talking, and handled the unpredictable vibe that comes with an expansion team’s debut. He made some big saves, adding to his growing reputation.

For Cincinnati fans, seeing Celentano in that game tied the club to a piece of league history. He played a steady hand on a night that meant a lot to the league.

Pulido Showdowns

Alan Pulido—now there’s a striker who can give any keeper fits. Celentano’s had to deal with Pulido’s sharp runs and clinical finishing in several high-stakes matchups.

Celentano’s anticipation and quick reactions have helped him frustrate Pulido, whether it’s a curling shot or a one-on-one break. He’s made a habit of reading the play and shutting down some of the league’s best.

Key Duel Stats

Statistic	Pulido vs Celentano Matches
Saves vs Pulido	7
Goals Allowed	2
Clearances	11

Those battles have earned Celentano respect from top forwards and coaches around the league. You can bet they circle his name on the lineup sheet.

Matchday 6 Highlights

Matchday 6? Wow, what a night for Celentano. He really put his current form on display. Cincinnati faced pressure for long stretches, but Celentano took charge in his box, throwing himself around and making some wild, acrobatic saves that kept the score even.

There was this one moment—he shut down a clear scoring chance with a full-stretch dive to his right. Absolutely electric. Teammates and coaches couldn’t help but show their appreciation. You could hear him barking out orders, too. He kept his defenders organized, especially when things started to get frantic during quick transitions.

Performance Metrics, Matchday 6

Metric	Value
Saves	6
Clean Sheets	1
Passing Accuracy	85%

Celentano’s sure hands and bold decision-making on Matchday 6 really set the tempo. He looks more than ready to anchor Cincinnati in those big, season-defining moments.