COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Crew’s starting goalkeeper, who has already won multiple trophies and played at an Olympics, is staying in central Ohio.
23-year-old Patrick Schulte has signed a contract extension with the club through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. The Missouri native is set to start in net for the Black & Gold for a third successive season.
“I am excited and blessed to have this opportunity to continue my journey here with the Crew,” said Schulte. “Being in Columbus has given me the opportunity to grow and develop since day one, and I know that continuing here will push me to be better every day.”
Since beginning his professional career in 2022, all Schulte has done is win. His rookie professional season was with Crew 2, the club’s developmental team in MLS NEXT Pro. He helped lead Crew 2 to the inaugural league title in 2022 and earned a contract with the first team.
He became the starter in 2023 and helped the Crew win MLS Cup with two shutouts in the MLS Cup Playoffs. As a 22-year-old at the time, Schulte became the youngest goalie to start and win an MLS Cup title.
Schulte returned in 2024 and started each regular season game, recording ten clean sheets and being considered among the best goalkeepers in the league. He also was key to the Crew’s run to the Leagues Cup title and the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Schulte earned CONCACAF’s goalkeeper of the Champions Cup award in 2024.
His play earned him the starting job for the United States team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the Americans reached the quarterfinals. Schulte is the only MLS player to record an Olympic shutout while actively playing in the league.
Schulte is now part of the senior U.S. team, earning three caps and recording a victory in a January friendly against Venezuela. He will be among the goalkeepers in contention to make the USA squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But first, he will start his third season with the Crew on Saturday when they host the Chicago Fire at Lower.com Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
