Brad Stuver

Bradley Stuver (born April 16, 1991) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Austin FC.

Brad Stuver
Stuver with Columbus Crew in 2017
Personal information
Full name Bradley Stuver
Date of birth (1991-04-16) April 16, 1991
Place of birth Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Austin FC
Number 1
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2012 Cleveland State Vikings 71 (0)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010 Cleveland Internationals 9 (0)
2011 Akron Summit Assault 8 (0)
2013 MLS Pool
2013 → Chivas USA (loan) 0 (0)
2013 → New England Revolution (loan) 0 (0)
2013 → Columbus Crew (loan) 0 (0)
2013 → Real Salt Lake (loan) 0 (0)
2014–2017 Columbus Crew SC 2 (0)
2014 → Dayton Dutch Lions (loan) 1 (0)
2014 → Wilmington Hammerheads FC (loan) 10 (0)
2018–2020 New York City FC 7 (0)
2021– Austin FC 98 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:20, October 22, 2023 (UTC)

Youth and college

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Stuver attended Twinsburg High School in Twinsburg, Ohio. He played soccer all four years for the Tigers, appearing as a goalkeeper and midfielder. As a senior, he was named to the 2008 Plain Dealer All-State team[1] and was named First Team All-Ohio by the OSSCA.[2] He finished his prep career having kept 24 shutouts, and tallied 12 goals and three assists out of the midfield.[3]

Stuver played college soccer for the Vikings of Cleveland State University.[3] His freshman season overlapped with the senior season of Josh Williams, who Stuver would later be teammates with at Columbus Crew SC. He started the season as the backup keeper behind Nick Harpel, but became the number one goalkeeper by the end of the season. He made his collegiate debut on September 5, 2009, against Santa Clara, making four saves in a 3–2 defeat at the UC Irvine College Classic.[4] Stuver would finish the season with four clean sheets in 14 appearances, starting 10 matches. His .817 save percentage led the team, and the 10 saves he tallied in a 0–0 double overtime draw at Milwaukee were tied for the most in the league in a single game.[5] Stuver took over the starting job full-time as a sophomore, starting 19 of 20 games in 2010. He kept three shutouts, including holding No. 6 Butler to a 0–0 draw on November 5.[6] He was named as the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year and named to the All-HL First Team[7] Stuver also earned three Horizon League Player of the Week nods, most of any player in the conference.[8]

Stuver continued as the unquestioned starting goalkeeper his junior season, starting 18 games and keeping five clean sheets in 2011. He made 11 saves in a 2–1 victory over UIC, a performance good enough to earn him recognition as Horizon League Player of the Week.[9] After finishing the season with 66 saves, Stuver was named to the All-Horizon League Second Team.[10] As a senior in 2012, Stuver started all 20 games and was the only Vikings goalkeeper to play on the season. He kept nine shutouts in 20 games, while making 81 saves. He made six of those saves on October 3 versus Belmont, a performance that earned him recognition as the HL Defensive Player of the Week.[11] For a second consecutive season, Stuver was named to the All-HL Second Team.[12] He capped his career with a Horizon League Tournament title and a first career appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Vikings were defeated in the First round, falling 2–1 to Michigan State to end Stuver's collegiate career.[13] He finished his collegiate career with 71 appearances over four seasons.

Cleveland Internationals

After his sophomore season at Cleveland State, Stuver joined Cleveland Internationals in the USL PDL for the 2010 PDL season. The Internationals struggled to a last-place finish in the Great Lakes Division, finishing 2–2–12 with a -26 goal differential. At the end of the season, the Internationals folded after seven years of operation, but continued to exist as a youth club. Although Stuver split time with Anthony Ponikvar, he finished the season with nine appearances for Cleveland in the club's final season.[3]

Akron Summit Assault

For a second consecutive offseason, Stuver appeared for a USL PDL club, signing on to expansion club Akron Summit Assault for the 2011 PDL season. Stuver started exactly half of the club's games, alternating time with Carl Contrasciere and Richard Ott. The Summit Assault finished the season at 5–3–8, 11 points outside the playoff positions in the Great Lakes Division. At the end of the season, the club folded for "undisclosed reasons". Stuver finished the season having made eight appearances for Akron in the franchise's lone season.[14]

Club career

After his senior season of college, Stuver was invited to the 2013 MLS Combine. He was the only Horizon League player selected to the combine, and was one of seven collegiate goalkeepers to earn a spot.[15] On January 17, 2013, Stuver was drafted in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Montreal Impact.[16] He was the first goalkeeper chosen in the draft. However, he was not signed by the Impact, as the club instead chose to keep Maxime Crépeau, an academy graduate, as their third-string keeper.[17]

Stuver was signed by MLS as a pool goalkeeper for the 2013 season, allowing him to be called up by any team in the league "in the event of an emergency."[18] Although Stuver spent the majority of the season training with Columbus Crew, he made his first appearance on a MLS gameday roster with Chivas USA. Stuver sat behind Patrick McLain on May 12 as Chivas was defeated 3–0 by Portland Timbers.[19] On September 14, he was on the bench for New England Revolution, serving as the backup to Bobby Shuttleworth as the Revolution were defeated 3–2 by Chicago Fire.[20] A week later, Stuver served as the backup to Matt Lampson for Columbus for a 3–0 victory over Chicago.[21] He also trained with Real Salt Lake,[22] and appeared on the bench for their reserve side in the MLS Reserve League.[23]

Columbus Crew SC

Stuver was selected by Columbus Crew in the 2013 MLS Waiver Draft.[22] He was chosen with the fourth overall pick, and was one of just two players drafted, along with Paolo DelPiccolo.[24] Stuver had previously made three appearances with Columbus' reserve team in the MLS Reserve League in 2013, appearing against the reserve sides of Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and Chicago Fire over two months.

Stuver spent the entirety of the 2014 season on loan in USL Pro, with Dayton Dutch Lions and Wilmington Hammerheads FC. He did spend two months in Columbus while recovering from an arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, but did not dress for the Crew during that span.[25]

Stuver was promoted to the backup role for Columbus Crew SC to begin the 2015 season, jumping Matt Lampson on the depth chart. He made his debut for Crew SC in a friendly against Valencia CF on May 27, conceding a goal to Álvaro Negredo in the 33rd minute of a 1–0 defeat for Columbus.[26] Stuver also started both U.S. Open Cup matches, a 3–1 victory against Richmond Kickers in the Fourth Round[27] and a 2–0 defeat against MLS expansion side Orlando City SC in the Fifth Round.[28]

In 2016, Stuver again made his season debut in an international friendly. He started on May 11 against Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz,[29] making five saves as part of a 1–0 victory for Columbus. Stuver again started both cup matches, keeping a clean sheet against Tampa Bay Rowdies as part of a 4–0 victory in the Fourth Round,[30] and conceding twice to David Accam in a 2–1 defeat against Chicago Fire in the Fifth Round.[31] After starting keeper Steve Clark went down injured at the end of the season, Stuver made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on October 16. He saved an early penalty kick from Sacha Kljestan, but gave up a brace to Bradley Wright-Phillips in a 3–2 defeat.[32] Stuver also started the season finale away to New York City FC on October 23, but made just two saves in a 4–1 defeat for Crew SC.[33]

Although Columbus declined the contract options for Matt Pacifici and previous starting goalkeeper Steve Clark,[34] Stuver was passed for the starting job by Zack Steffen to begin the 2017 season. He missed time early in the season with a right elbow strain, although Steffen played every minute of the seven games Stuver was unavailable.[35] He made his season debut on June 14, in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup against FC Cincinnati. Stuver made two saves, but conceded a 64th-minute goal to Djiby Fall as Crew SC were defeated 1–0 in the first-ever Hell is Real Derby.[36] Stuver again went the full 90 minutes in a friendly for Columbus, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on July 17.[37] Stuver did not make an appearance the rest of the season, sitting behind Steffen throughout Columbus' run to the Eastern Conference Finals. He finished the season having made just the one official appearance, although he was on the bench for 31 of the club's 40 matches in all competitions.

On December 1, 2017, Crew SC declined Stuver's contract option, ending his four-year tenure with the club.[38] During his time in Columbus, Stuver made seven appearances for Crew SC in official competition. He appeared just twice in league play.

Loan to Dayton Dutch Lions

On March 12, 2014, Stuver was sent on loan to Columbus' USL Pro affiliate club, Dayton Dutch Lions,[39] one of five players sent to Dayton by the Crew. He made his league debut for the Dutch Lions on May 25 against Sacramento Republic FC, conceding goals to Dakota Collins and Octavio Guzmán in a 2–1 defeat.[40] Stuver also appeared in two U.S. Open Cup matches for Dayton, a 2–0 victory in the Second Round over Schwaben AC[41] and a 5–2 defeat in the third round against NASL expansion side Indy Eleven.[42] He was recalled by Columbus in June to undergo an arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle.[43]

Loan to Wilmington Hammerheads

After undergoing ankle surgery in June, Columbus announced on August 4, 2014, that Stuver would again be sent on loan, this time to Wilmington Hammerheads FC of USL Pro.[44] He made his debut for Wilmington on August 9 against his former club, Dayton Dutch Lions, conceding goals to Joe Broekhuizen and Karamba Janneh in a 2–1 defeat.[45] Stuver picked up his first win with the Hammerheads in his fourth start, coming August 23 away to Orange County Blues. He conceded to Jiovanni Santana but saw Ashani Fairclough score in the 90th minute to deliver a 2–1 victory for Wilmington.[46] Stuver started 10 regular-season games with the Hammerheads, keeping three shutouts. He helped Wilmington make it to the first round of the USL Pro playoffs as the seventh seed, where they were defeated by eventual league champions Sacramento Republic FC, 4–1.[47]

New York City FC

On December 14, 2017, Stuver was traded by Columbus to New York City FC in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.[48]

Austin FC

On December 28, 2020, Stuver was acquired by Austin FC as a free agent.[49] He made a career high 9 saves in Austin’s match against Sporting Kansas City on June 12, 2021. He was named Defensive player of the year by the club [50] and is a fan favorite.

2022 was a busy year off the field for Stuver, who was recognized for his community support and activism by being nominated for the 2022 ESPY Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.[51] In addition to the honor by ESPN, Stuver was recognized by 4ATX Foundation as a Legend of the Year for his work with the Laundry Project.[52] In Austin's first-ever playoff game, Stuver saved two out of the three unsuccessful Real Salt Lake penalties in a 3–1 shootout win (2–2 at 120 minutes).

Coaching career

While still playing professionally, Stuver started coaching the goalkeepers for the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops men's soccer program in 2015.[53]

Career statistics
As of October 21, 2023[54][55]
Club Season Division League League Cup U.S. Open Cup CCL Other[lower-alpha 1] Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Cleveland Internationals 2010 PDL 90————90
Club Total 90000000—90
Akron Summit Assault 2011 PDL 80————80
Club Total 80000000—80
Columbus Crew 2013 MLS 00————00
2014 0000———00
2015 000020——20
2016 20—20——40
2017 000010——10
Club Total 20005000—70
Dayton Dutch Lions (loan) 2014 USL Pro 10—20——30
Club Total 10002000—30
Wilmington Hammerheads (loan) 2014 USL Pro 1001[lower-alpha 2]000——110
Club Total 100100000—110
New York City FC 2018 MLS 200010——30
2019 50—30——80
2020 00———0 000
Club Total 70008000—110
Austin FC 2021 MLS 330————330
2022 3103[lower-alpha 3]0———340
2023 34000202020400
Club Total 980302020201070
Career total 13404013020201550
  1. Includes Leagues Cup
  2. Appearance(s) in USL Pro playoffs
  3. Appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs

References
  1. "Men's Soccer Adds Three High School All-Americans As Part of Signing Class". CSUVikings.com. February 12, 2009. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  2. "2008 All-Ohio Boys Soccer". OHSAA.org. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  3. "1 - Brad Stuver". CSUVikings.com. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  4. "Two Second Half Goals Not Enough As The Vikings Fall To Santa Clara, 3-2". CSUVikings.com. September 5, 2009. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  5. "Men's Soccer Ties Second Match in a Row". CSUVikings.com. October 3, 2009. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  6. "Cleveland State's Defense Holds Strong as the Vikings Tie No. 6 Butler". CSUVikings.com. November 5, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  7. "Five Vikings Selected to All-Horizon League Teams". CSUVikings.com. November 9, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  8. "Stuver Selected as the Horizon League's Men's Soccer Player of the Week". CSUVikings.com. November 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  9. "Brad Stuver Named Horizon League 'Player of the Week'". CSUVikings.com. October 17, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  10. "Six Vikings Earn All-Horizon League Honors". CSUVikings.com. November 7, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  11. "Brad Stuver Named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week". CSUVikings.com. October 9, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  12. "Vikings Honored With End of Season Awards". CSUVikings.com. November 5, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  13. "Men's Soccer Falls to Michigan State 2-1 in NCAA Tournament". CSUVikings.com. November 15, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  14. "Bradley Stuver - SoccerStats.us". SoccerStats.us.
  15. "Brad Stuver Invited to MLS Combine". CSUVikings.com. December 11, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  16. "The Montreal Impact select Brad Stuver 32nd overall". MountRoyalSoccer.com. January 17, 2013.
  17. "Montreal Impact Premature Pre-Season Depth: Goalkeepers". MountRoyalSoccer.com. January 29, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  18. "Former Santa Clara GK Larry Jackson joins Rapids training". ColoradoRapids.com. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  19. "PORTLAND TIMBERS VS. CHIVAS USA 3 - 0". Soccerway.com. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
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  24. "Two players taken in MLS Waiver Draft". FoxNews.com. March 25, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
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  26. "Columbus Crew SC 0, Valencia 1: Reserve goalkeeper Brad Stuver shines in friendly loss". MLSSoccer.com.
  27. "Adam Bedell Carries Columbus Crew SC into Open Cup Fifth Round". MassiveReport.com. June 17, 2015.
  28. "PHILADELPHIA, ORLANDO, CHICAGO AND HOUSTON ADVANCE ON OPENING NIGHT OF 2015 U.S. OPEN CUP ROUND OF 16". USSoccer.com.
  29. "Ola Kamara's game-winning volley seals victory over Veracruz". ColumbusCrewSC.com.
  30. "Four goals lead Crew SC into U.S. Open Cup Round of 16". ColumbusCrewSC.com.
  31. "Ethan Finlay converts fom the penalty spot, but Fire advance in Open Cup". ColumbusCrewSC.com.
  32. "Crew SC's comeback falls short at Red Bull Arena". ColumbusCrewSC.com.
  33. "New York City FC 4-1 Columbus Crew SC". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  34. "Crew SC exercises 5 options, brings current roster to 20". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  35. "Crew Cuts: Berhalter: Swanson diagnosed with 'severe' ankle sprain". Dispatch.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  36. "FC Cincinnati 1-0 Columbus Crew SC". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  37. "RECAP: Crew SC measures up in friendly, defeats Eintracht Frankfurt". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  38. "Options exercised on 9 players ahead of 2018 season". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  39. "Columbus Crew Sends Five Players to Dayton Dutch Lions". MassiveReport.com. March 12, 2014.
  40. "MATCH RECAP: SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC 2, DAYTON DUTCH LIONS FC 1". SacRepublicFC.com. May 25, 2014. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  41. "2014 US Open Cup round 2: Dayton Dutch Lions, Jesjua Angoy-Cruyff spoil Schwaben AC's return to tournament, 2-0". TheCup.us. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  42. "2014 US Open Cup round 3: Indy Eleven treat big home crowd to win over Dayton Dutch Lions in Open Cup debut". TheCup.us. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  43. "Loaned GK Stuver ready to find minutes with Hammers". StarNewsOnline.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  44. "Crew loans goalkeeper Brad Stuver to USL-PRO's Wilmington Hammerheads FC". ColumbusCrewSC.com.
  45. "WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS VS. DAYTON DUTCH LIONS 1 - 2". Soccerway.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  46. "ORANGE COUNTY VS. WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS 1 - 2". us.Soccerway.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  47. "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
  48. "NEWS Crew SC acquires 2019 SuperDraft pick via trade with New York City FC". columbuscrewsc.com. MLS. December 14, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  49. "Austin FC sign goalkeeper Brad Stuver, bringing roster total to 15 players". www.MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. December 28, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  50. @AustinFC (November 18, 2021). "Now everyone knows his name.Give it up for our Defensive Player of the Year, @brad_stuver! 👏#AustinFC x…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  51. "Austin FC's Brad Stuver nominated for 2022 ESPN Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award". www.MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. June 28, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  52. "Brad Stuver, Susan McDowell, Alex Leyva Announced As 4ATX Foundation 2022 Award Recipients". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  53. "Brad Stuver - Ohio Wesleyan". BattlingBishops.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  54. Brad Stuver at Soccerway
  55. Brad Stuver at Major League Soccer
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