NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake has been called up to the United States Men's National Team roster for their upcoming camp and matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. Yahoo Sports' Steven Goff was first to report.
Schwake, 25, won the full-time starting job for Nashville at the start of the year, and has been one of the best 'keepers in Major League Soccer. Through 25 matches, Schwake has conceded just 21 goals, the best defensive record in MLS. In all competitions, he's kept 16 clean sheets so far, breaking Nashville's single-season record of 15 set by Matt Pickens back when the club still played in the USL Championship.
According to American Soccer Analysis, Schwake has saved 9.37 goals over expected, behind only New England Revolution's Matt Turner, the USMNT starter in 2022 and in the squad in 2026. Schwake has an impressive record of 0.35 goals saved above expected per 96 minutes played. Per ASA's database, which goes back through the 2013 season, this is the second-best goalkeeper performance on record, behind only Turner's 0.44 this season.
Schwake has never represented the United States at any level. The Illinois native left the States after one season with DePaul at the collegiate level, where he signed with Livingston FC in the second tier of Scottish football. He didn't make an appearance for the first team, going on loan with three teams in the lower tiers of the Scottish pyramid before signing with CD Castellón in the Spanish second division.
Schwake signed with Nashville SC ahead of the 2025 MLS season, and spent the season primarily as the backup to Joe Willis. Schwake played every minute of Nashville's run to the US Open Cup final, saving a penalty kick in the championship match in Austin, and was named Man of the Match for his performance. After a stellar start to life as the first-choice in Music City, Schwake was named to the MLS All-Star team this summer.
With the USMNT, Schwake will have a chance to stake his claim as the first-choice option in a goalkeeper group that is up in flux. NYCFC 'keeper Matt Freese won the starting job ahead of the World Cup, but made a crucial error against Belgium that contributed to their embarrassing 4-1 loss in the Round of 16. Matt Turner continues his exceptional form in MLS, but will be 36 during the 2030 World Cup. Chicago Fire's Chris Brady, the third-choice option at the World Cup, and Lyngby goalkeeper Diego Kochen, on loan from Spanish giants Barcelona, are also in the mix.
The United States will take on Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada in an expanded four-match international window. Schwake is expected to miss Nashville SC's match against Toronto at Geodis Park on September 26, with the US playing Peru in Orlando earlier that afternoon.
