Philadelphia Union signs goalkeeper Oliver Semmle from Louisville City FC

The Philadelphia Union has signed goalkeeper Oliver Semmle from Louisville City FC to a two-year contract, the club announced Wednesday.

Semmle’s contract runs through 2025 with a club option for 2026.

The Union also traded for Semmle’s MLS rights with the Colorado Rapids, taking Semmle in exchange for a 2025 MLS SuperDraft second-round selection.

Welcome to Philly, @oliversemmle!

Philadelphia Union have signed goalkeeper Oliver Semmle from @loucityfc.

📝 https://t.co/Wvgr9gGzTW#DOOP | @primepoint pic.twitter.com/Dp55BC5XnM

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) January 31, 2024

Semmle, 25, spent his last season in the USL Championship with Louisville, where he was the club’s starting goalkeeper. Semmle made 34 appearances in the 2023 season, making 72 saves and registering 13 clean sheets, the most in the league.

Born in Au am Rhein, Germany, Semmle spent time with the Karlsruher SC academy from 2012-18 and played for the club’s second team in the fifth tier of the German soccer system. Semmle also spent time playing for Barton Community College, Monroe College, and then Marshall University for two seasons. While at Marshall, Semmle led the NCAA with 11 shutouts and 0.38 goals allowed per game in Mashall’s College Cup-winning season in 2020. During his final season, Semmle reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament with Marshall and was later selected 41st overall by the Colorado Rapids in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

“Oliver had a standout campaign last year, solidifying himself as the best keeper in USL,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner in a press release. “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.”