Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed goalkeeper Oliver Semmle from Louisville City FC to a two-year contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
As part of the acquisition, the Union also completed a trade with the Colorado Rapids, as they drafted him 41st overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The Union acquire college protected rights for Semmle in return for a 2025 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick. The 25-year-old German native will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his P1 Visa.
“Oliver had a standout campaign last year, solidifying himself as the best keeper in USL,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “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.”
Semmle, 25, joins Philadelphia from USL Championship side Louisville City FC. In his 2023 campaign he made 34 appearances in net, accumulating 72 saves and registering a league-high 13 clean sheets. He also set a new league record for the most clean sheets earned as a rookie.
Before joining Louisville City FC, Semmle was part of the Karlsruher SC academy from 2012 to 2018, playing for the club's second team in the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, the fifth tier of the German football league system. In 2018, he made a single senior appearance in the Baden Cup. He began his collegiate career at Barton Community College before transferring to Monroe College. In 2020, Semmle moved to Marshall University for his junior season where he played a pivotal role in the Thundering Herd's championship-winning campaign, leading the NCAA with 11 shutouts and maintaining a 0.380 GAA. In his senior year, Semmle guided Marshall to the third round of the NCAA tournament before being selected 41st overall pick by the Colorado Rapids in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign goalkeeper Oliver Semmle to a two-year contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026, and acquire college protected rights for Semmle in return for a 2025 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick on January 31, 2024. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his P1 Visa.
Name: Oliver Semmle
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 201 lbs
Born: March 28, 1998
Birthplace: Au am Rhein, Germany
Hometown: Au am Rhein, Germany
Citizenship: Germany
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign goalkeeper Oliver Semmle on January 31, 2024.
Previous Experience: Karlsruher SC II (2016-2018), Karlsruher SC (2018), Louisville City (2023)
