Goalkeeper
Juergen Sommer
6' 6"
Biography of retired USMNT player Juergen Sommer who was part of two World Cup squads and coached in the NASL.
Caps: 10
A ten-year veteran of the USMNT, Juergen Sommer’s agility and sheer physical stature combine to create a fearsome sight between the posts for opposition attackers at every level.
After earning 19 shutouts at Indiana between 1987 and 1990 and earning 1990 NCAA Adidas Goalkeeper of the Year honors, Sommer became the first American goalkeeper to pull a tour of duty in the mighty English Premiership, joining up with London outfit Queens Park Rangers in 1995 after short lower league spells with Brighton, Luton Town and Torquay.
His experience abroad and unflagging net minding abilities caught the eye of the powers that be in the USMNT camp, and the 6ft 6in keeper was included in the 1994 and 1998 World Cup sides after he served as an alternate under coach Bob Gansler in 1990.
In 2013, Indy Eleven announced that Sommer would coach the club in their expansion season in the North American Soccer League. He stayed with them until the summer of 2015. He is currently the director of soccer operations for Carmel FC in Indiana.
Photo by Annette Shelby – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
1998
Earned a spot on the U.S. team that competed in the 1998 World Cup in France.
1995
Helped the USMNT to a semifinal appearance in the 1995 Copa America.
1994
Named to the USA 1994 World Cup squad that reached the second round of the tournament.
1990
Named an alternate for the 1990 U.S. World Cup team.
Professional Experience
2002
Split time in net (3-8-1, 2.39 GAA) with Adin Brown leading the Revolution to the final of the 2002 MLS Cup. Retired at the end of the season.
2001
Spent a short training stint with Bolton Wanderers of England playing in an FA Cup game in February before returning to the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
2000
Signed with the Revolution after recovering from a pair of major knee injuries.
1998
Began his MLS career with the Columbus Crew.
1995
Signed with Queens Park Rangers, becoming the first American keeper to play in the English Premiership.
1993
Named English goalkeeper of the year.
1993
Reached the FA Cup semifinal with Luton Town at Wembley against Premiership powerhouse Chelsea.
1991
Signed with English first division side Luton Town.
