P. Schulte, Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #28: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch the Columbus Crew take the field and spot the calm figure wearing number 28 between the posts. Patrick Schulte, once a standout at Saint Louis University, now anchors the Crew with steady hands and sharp instincts. He’s a goalkeeper who somehow mixes youth, skill, and composure, keeping one of Major League Soccer’s most disciplined defenses together.

Schulte didn’t just stumble into his quick rise from college soccer to MLS champion. He moved through the Crew’s development system and stood out with Columbus Crew 2, proving he was ready for the next step. His first full MLS season showed everyone he could handle high-pressure moments—playoff runs, clutch saves, and leading from the back.

Let’s dig into how Schulte’s growth has shaped his career, from his early days in Missouri to that contract extension through 2027. Each section breaks down his path, his stats, and what makes him such an exciting prospect among MLS goalkeepers.

Profile of P. Schulte: Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #28

You see a goalkeeper who blends calm decision-making with quick reflexes. Patrick Schulte’s journey from college standout to MLS starter shows how steady improvement can shape a young player’s career.

Personal Background and Early Life

Patrick Timothy Schulte was born on March 13, 2001, in St. Charles, Missouri, USA. His road to the pros started with years of youth soccer and a solid college run.

He attended Saint Louis University and made 51 appearances for the Billikens between 2019 and 2021. That stretch built his foundation in shot-stopping and leadership. Schulte picked up A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and grabbed Most Outstanding Player at the 2021 A-10 Championship.

Before joining the Columbus Crew, he signed a Generation adidas contract to enter MLS early. In 2022, he played for Columbus Crew 2, helped win the MLS Next Pro Cup, and earned Goalkeeper of the Year. You can check out more about his early pro years on the Columbus Crew official site.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

At 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m), Schulte uses his height to command the box and deal with high crosses. His long frame and quick reactions really stand out in one-on-one situations.

He plays with a cool head, usually picking smart positioning over flashy dives. His passing from the back helps the Crew build possession. Coaches appreciate his communication and how he organizes defenders—traits you don’t always see in someone so young.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his 2023 MLS stats:

Category	Statistic
Matches Played	31
Saves	90
Shutouts	7
Playoff Starts	6
Playoff Shutouts	2

You see a goalkeeper who’s becoming a reliable presence, balancing athleticism with tactical sense.

Jersey Number and Squad Role

Schulte wears jersey number 28 for the Columbus Crew, and that number’s now tied to consistency and confidence in goal. He’s the club’s starting goalkeeper, trusted in both regular season and playoff matches.

At 22, he became the youngest goalkeeper in Crew history to win an MLS Cup in 2023. His job goes beyond stopping shots—he sets the defensive tone and often starts attacks with pinpoint passes.

Inside the squad, his calm leadership and steady play make him a central figure. You can find his full player profile on MLSsoccer.com.

Professional Career with Columbus Crew

Patrick Schulte’s rise with the Columbus Crew really reflects steady growth rather than sudden stardom. His path from college standout to MLS champion shows you how consistent play and adaptability can define a goalkeeper’s career.

MLS SuperDraft and Signing

Schulte joined the Columbus Crew after they picked him in the first round (12th overall) of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft out of Saint Louis University. He jumped from college to pro play quickly, showing he was ready for the challenge.

He played first for Crew 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team. In 2022, he picked up Goalkeeper of the Year and Best XI while leading Crew 2 to the first MLS NEXT Pro Cup at Lower.com Field. His play under pressure showed he could lead from the back.

Early Career Stats (2022, Crew 2)

Category	Matches	Minutes	Goals Allowed	Shutouts	Save %
Regular Season	15	1,350	15	7	73%

His strong start in the developmental league made his jump to the senior roster feel like the obvious next move. The Crew’s scouting and development pipeline got this one right.

MLS Debut and Early Performances

Schulte made his MLS debut on February 25, 2023, against Philadelphia. From that point, he became a dependable starter for the Crew. He played in 31 regular season matches, notching 90 saves and six shutouts, keeping Columbus competitive all year.

In the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, he started all six matches and posted two shutouts, including big stops in the Eastern Conference Final. For a rookie, his composure was impressive.

By the end of 2023, Schulte had established himself as one of the league’s most promising young goalkeepers. His quick reflexes, command of the box, and solid distribution made him a backbone in the Crew’s defense.

Major Contributions in Key Matches

Schulte’s influence has grown in high-pressure moments. In 2024, he started every MLS regular season appearance, racking up career highs in shutouts (10) and a 1.07 goals-against average. His consistency put him in the running for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

During the Concacaf Champions Cup, he made 36 saves as the Crew reached the final for the first time ever. His penalty saves against Tigres UANL in the quarterfinals earned him the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

He also represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first active MLS player to record a shutout at the Games. His performances locked in his place as a Crew cornerstone, backed by a new contract extension through 2027 with a club option for 2028, as detailed by the Columbus Crew.

Achievements and Records as a Goalkeeper

Patrick Schulte’s record makes it clear why he’s become so important for the Columbus Crew. His steady playoff performances, clean sheet record, and early awards show just how fast he’s adapted since leaving Saint Louis University.

MLS Cup Triumph and Playoff Performances

Schulte stepped into the 2023 postseason with maturity well beyond his years. He started all six playoff matches for the Crew, earning two shutouts and making 17 saves. His calm presence helped the team secure the 2023 MLS Cup title against LAFC.

At just 22 years and 271 days old, he became the youngest goalkeeper in Crew history to win an MLS Cup. That milestone showed both the coaching staff’s trust and his ability to handle huge moments.

Schulte’s playoff performances included big stops in extra time and on penalties—moments that defined the Crew’s championship run. His reliability in goal turned tight games into wins and solidified his place as the Crew’s long-term starter.

Year	Competition	Matches	Saves	Shutouts	Result
2023	MLS Playoffs	6	17	2	MLS Cup Champion

Clean Sheets and Shutouts

You can measure a goalkeeper’s value by clean sheets, and Schulte’s record keeps improving. In the 2023 regular season, he played 31 matches, collected seven shutouts, and made 90 saves. He also posted back-to-back clean sheets, including against Real Salt Lake and D.C. United.

His knack for organizing the back line and reading plays has made him one of the more reliable young keepers in MLS. For the Columbus Crew 2 in 2022, he recorded seven clean sheets in 18 matches, helping the squad win the MLS Next Pro Cup.

That early success set him up for his move to the senior team, where his consistency keeps standing out.

Season	Team	Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets
2022	Columbus Crew 2	18	42	7
2023	Columbus Crew	31	90	7

Awards and Individual Honors

Schulte’s career has already picked up plenty of recognition. In 2022, he earned MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year and a spot on the Best XI with Crew 2. Before that, he starred at Saint Louis University, picking up A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the A-10 Championship.

Since joining the Crew, Schulte’s maturity and command of the penalty area have stood out. His call-up to the United States national team just adds to his upward trajectory. Each award cements his reputation as one of the top young American goalkeepers in MLS.

You can find more about his professional record on the Columbus Crew official profile and his MLS statistics page.

Statistical Performance and Notable Matches

You can really see Schulte’s growth through steady numbers, key saves, and clutch moments in big games. His consistency with the Crew shows both his technical progress and his calm presence in goal—traits he started building at Saint Louis University.

Season-by-Season Stats

Schulte’s pro record shows a clear rise in experience and reliability. In 2023, he played 31 regular-season matches, posted 7 shutouts and 90 saves, then started all 6 playoff games with 2 clean sheets. In 2022, with Columbus Crew 2, he earned 7 clean sheets in 18 matches, winning MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year.

Season	Club	Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets	Honors
2022	Columbus Crew 2	18	42	7	MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year
2023	Columbus Crew	31	90	7	MLS Cup Champion
2025	Columbus Crew	27	—	—	Continuing as starter (FootyStats)

His steady presence behind the Crew defense stands out. He rarely misplaces a pass and often sparks counterattacks with quick, accurate distribution. That kind of control keeps him among the most dependable young goalkeepers in MLS.

Key Saves and Defensive Highlights

Schulte really shines when the pressure’s on. Against New England, he made a career-high eight saves, showing off quick reactions on tough low shots and crosses.

His sharp positioning against Nashville SC and LA Galaxy helped him earn two more shutouts in the middle of the season.

You can see how his reflexes and footwork set him apart from a lot of other keepers. He reads the play early and cuts down angles before attackers even make their move.

During playoff runs, Schulte’s made clutch stops that kept Columbus alive in extra time. MLSsoccer.com’s match recap even highlighted one of those memorable performances.

He doesn’t just stop shots—he organizes the back line too. Teammates often mention his clear communication and calm during set pieces.

Those qualities have helped Columbus build one of the league’s most reliable defenses.

Standout Games Against Rivals

Some matches really define Schulte’s reputation. He picked up his first MLS win against Atlanta United in a wild 6–1 match, looking way more experienced than his age would suggest.

A week later, he grabbed his first shutout versus Real Salt Lake and followed that with another clean sheet at D.C. United.

Remember those rivalry games with FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire? Schulte’s back-to-back shutouts in August 2023 against those teams were huge for Columbus’s playoff hopes.

Against New York City FC, he tied his career-high in saves and once again showed off his sharp anticipation.

He also stood tall facing St. Louis City, his home-state club. In that one, he led with calm leadership and really efficient shot-stopping.

Each of those games just added to his reputation as a dependable, composed goalkeeper for the Crew.

International Experience and Olympic Participation

Patrick Schulte’s steady rise connects college soccer, pro play, and international competition in a way that feels almost storybook. His time with the United States national team and his MLS NEXT Pro and Olympic performances show how preparation really can meet opportunity.

United States National Team Appearances

Schulte’s path to the senior U.S. Men’s National Team comes from years of steady improvement. He represented the United States at the U-18, U-20, and U-23 levels, then made his senior debut on January 20, 2024, against Slovenia at Toyota Field in San Antonio.

He later joined the 23-man roster for the Concacaf Nations League Semifinals against Panama, a sign the coaching staff trusts his composure and shot-stopping.

Schulte climbed from youth squads to the senior team by adapting quickly. Playing at Saint Louis University and growing fast with the Columbus Crew helped him adjust to the pace of international play.

National Team Highlights

Level	Year(s) Active	Notable Match	Outcome
U-18	2018–2019	Training camps	Developmental
U-20	2019–2021	Friendly vs. Mexico	Clean sheet
U-23	2022–2024	Olympic qualifiers	Advanced
Senior	2024	vs. Slovenia	1–1 Draw

2024 Paris Olympics Journey

Schulte’s selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics was a huge step. As one of two goalkeepers on the 18-man roster, he joined a U.S. team returning to the Games for the first time since 2008.

He started all four matches, facing tough opponents like host nation France and New Zealand.

His calm presence and quick reactions helped the United States push through the group stage. People praised his leadership in goal.

Schulte called representing his country a lifelong dream. He credited Columbus Crew for preparing him for such a big stage.

That Olympic run boosted his international résumé and set him up for more national team chances down the road.

Olympic Group Stage Results

Opponent	Venue	Result
France	Marseille	1–1 Draw
New Zealand	Marseille	2–0 Win
Guinea	Saint-Étienne	1–0 Win

MLS NEXT Pro and Crew 2 Success

Before his Olympic and national team appearances, Schulte built his foundation with Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. The Crew picked him 12th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft from Saint Louis University, and he wasted no time making an impact.

He started 15 matches for Crew 2, gave up just 15 goals, and posted a 1.0 goals-against average.

Seven clean sheets put him second in the league, and his 10 wins tied for most among MLS NEXT Pro keepers.

Schulte’s efforts powered Crew 2 to the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup, a 4–1 win over St. Louis CITY2.

He earned the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year title and a spot on the Best XI—pretty impressive, and it set the stage for what he’s done with the Columbus Crew and the U.S. national team.

Contracts, Development, and Future Prospects

Patrick Schulte’s journey with the Columbus Crew shows steady progress, consistent play, and growing trust from club leadership. His contract history, coaching environment, and international potential all point to how a young goalkeeper can build a long career in MLS and aim for bigger things with the national team.

Contract Extensions and Club Commitment

The Crew clearly value stability in goal. They signed Schulte to a multiyear contract extension through 2027 with a club option for 2028, which says a lot about their belief in his long-term impact.

At just 23, Schulte already has an MLS Cup and Leagues Cup title. His 2024 season—10 shutouts and a 1.07 goals-against average—helped make him a finalist for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

The Crew’s front office sees him as a cornerstone for the future.

His deal gives the roster some stability and lets the coaching staff plan around a proven starter.

This contract fits Columbus’s broader approach under General Manager Issa Tall, focusing on player development and keeping talent within MLS’s salary structure.

Career Contract Summary

Year Signed	Contract Length	Club Option	Estimated Duration
2025	3 years	1 year (2028)	Through 2028

Development Under Coaching Staff

Schulte’s improvement traces back to a strong developmental system and steady coaching. Since joining from Saint Louis University as a Generation adidas pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, he’s benefited from the Crew’s goalkeeper training and a supportive defensive group.

The staff focused on distribution, positioning, and decision-making to help him move from MLS NEXT Pro to a full-time MLS starter.

His early minutes with Crew 2, where he won MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year, gave him a real head start before stepping up to Major League Soccer.

Working with Columbus’s technical staff, Schulte sharpened his command of the penalty area and composure under pressure.

You can see that in his confident play during big matches, like the 2023 MLS Cup Final and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup run.

Potential for Future International Call-Ups

Schulte’s international profile keeps climbing. He played for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, starting all four matches.

He even notched a shutout—the first time an active MLS player has done that in Olympic play.

He made his senior debut in early 2024. By 2025, he’d already picked up three caps, one of them in a win over Venezuela.

His steady performances with his club make him a real contender for future U.S. Men’s National Team call-ups. The depth behind the veterans isn’t exactly stacked, so his chances look solid.

If he keeps up his form with the Crew, Schulte might just snag a regular national team spot as the next World Cup cycle approaches.

He’s got size, quick reflexes, and a calm presence—honestly, it’s hard not to think his best years are still ahead.