Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte Steps Up for USMNT: Replaces Celentano Due to Injury Risk
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has brought in Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte to replace FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano for two crucial friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal. Schulte, with three international caps under his belt, is set to play a key role in the upcoming World Cup tune-ups.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has called up Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, replacing FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano due to injury risk concerns. The 25-year-old, who has three international caps, joins camp in Atlanta ahead of two key World Cup tune-ups against Belgium and Portugal.The 25-year-old Schulte has three USMNT caps, having made his debut against Slovenia in January 2024. The Columbus Crew goalkeeper won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024, while also being named the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup Best Goalkeeper. He also started every match for the U.S. at the 2024 Olympics and was most recently in camp in November 2025.GOALKEEPERS (4): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 13/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 52/0) DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 16/1), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 13/2), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 25/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 79/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 35/3), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 38/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 22/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 5/0) MIDFIELDERS (8): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 9/1), Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid/ESP; 22/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 62/11), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 13/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 34/9), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 43/0), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 12/1); Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 26/3) FORWARDS (6): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 56/9); Patrick Agyemang (Derby County/ENG; 12/5), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 23/8), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 34/13), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 82/32), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille/FRA; 47/7) Schulte has one clean sheet and 14 saves in MLS starts this season. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe USMNT will open their 2026 World Cup prep with a pair of friendlies in Atlanta, facing No. 9-ranked Belgium on March 28 before taking on No. 6 Portugal on March 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Meet Patrick Schulte: A Rising Star in US Soccer
Patrick Schulte, the 25-year-old Columbus Crew goalkeeper, has been making waves in the world of soccer. With an impressive resume that includes winning the MLS Cup in 2023 and being named the Best Goalkeeper of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, Schulte is a rising star on the USMNT roster.
Schulte's Journey to the USMNT
Having made his international debut in January 2024 against Slovenia, Schulte has quickly established himself as a reliable presence in goal. His consistent performances for both club and country have earned him a well-deserved spot in the USMNT setup.
USMNT Defense and Midfield Solidify Ahead of Friendlies
With a strong defensive line-up featuring players like Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, as well as a midfield led by Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna, the USMNT is gearing up for tough challenges against Belgium and Portugal. The addition of Schulte adds further depth and quality to the squad.
World Cup Prep Underway
The USMNT's preparations for the 2026 World Cup are in full swing, with friendly matches against top-ranked Belgium and Portugal serving as crucial tests. The team will be looking to fine-tune their tactics and build chemistry ahead of the tournament.
