Life in Louisville could not have started any better for Oliver Semmle. The German-born keeper has posted three clean sheets in as many games. Semmle signed for Louisville City FC in February.
3 starts, 3 clean sheets for @oliversemmle
S/O to the back line for allowing 0 shots on target this afternoon to help out Ollie!
#LOUvDET | @MortensonDP pic.twitter.com/Vx7O5xwYbe
— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) April 9, 2023
Off and Running with Louisville City FC
Semmle made his debut on Saturday, March 25th as Louisville City traveled to California to take on Monterrey Bay. A 48-minute goal by Brian Ownby would be enough as LouCity held on for a 1-0 victory. Semmle made one save on the loan shot he faced in the contest.
Despite facing just one shot, Semmle had his hands full for much of the match. Ownby was later sent off in the 67-minute with a red card. Semmle commanded the backline excellently and helped keep the team organized as they held on for the 1-0 victory. Showing his abilities not only as a shot-stopper but as a leader.
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Semmle found himself on the bench for the club’s next two matches. LouCity would go on to lose to El Paso Locomotive FC, 3-0, and to Sacramento Republic FC, 5-0, successively. Things were starting to take a turn for the worse for LouCity, who entered the season optimistic to win a third USL championship.
LouCity’s next match was a second-round U.S. Open Cup tie against Lexington of the USL League One. Semmle found himself back between the sticks for the matchup. He made two saves for a second clean sheet in as many games. LouCity also got back to their winning ways; knocking off Lexington 1-0. Semmle would go on to start the team’s next match against Detroit City FC. LouCity would go on to win 3-0 as Semmle posted yet another clean sheet.
Eyeing Permanent Starting Job
Kyle Morton was initially listed as the team’s starting keeper to begin the season. Morton has struggled mightily, conceding nine goals in just three matches. It appears that LouCity is ready to hand the #1 shirt to Semmle following his fine start to the 2023 USL Championship campaign.
Some may be surprised with how quickly Semmle has settled into the professional game, however, LouCity FC coach, Danny Cruz, is not one of those people. After signing Semmle in February, Cruz was vocal about his excitement, “We are thrilled to be able to add Oliver to our group.” He quickly made note of how quickly Semmle was able to adapt to the level of the USL, “He is calm under pressure and reads the game very well. We have already seen in his preseason minutes the quality that he brings in our buildout. I am looking forward to continuing to watch his development this year as he challenges the goalkeeping group to be at its best every single day.”
Nothing New for Semmle
Semmle is no stranger to making an instant impact. After several years playing at community college and junior college, Semmle transferred to Marshall University. He would join the Thundering Herd as a junior ahead of the 2020-21 NCAA Division 1 season. Semmle would go on to post 0.38 goals against average and add 11 clean sheets. His 11 clean sheets were the most in Division 1 Semmle was named First Team All-Conference USA as well as the Conference USA Goalkeeper of the Year as Marshall went on to win the Division 1 College Cup National Championship.
Marshall’s head coach was certain that Semmle would be successful at the professional level, “I think he’s the best goalie in the country hands down,” Marshall’s coach, Chris Grassie, said of Semmle last season. “For me, there is no one who can play like him with his feet and the shot-stopping and crosses that he does — such a great presence.”
LouCity FC returns to action Saturday, April 15th in a 2022 USL Championship title game rematch with San Antonio FC. LouCity looks to avenge the devastating 3-1 loss from last November. Having Semmle in the net will certainly give them a huge boost as the German looks to continue his sizzling string of form.
Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports, of Oliver Semmle’s Headshot on May 14, 2021.
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