Women’s football: Goalkeepers Schult and Berger ahead of summit meeting in the USA

It is not so important to Almuth Schult whether national coach Christian Wück or someone else is watching the game in the USA. But the German national team’s coaching staff should definitely not miss the duel between the Kansas City Current and Gotham FC, led by Ann-Katrin Berger, on Saturday (7 p.m. CEST). “I don’t think it has ever happened before that two German goalkeepers have played against each other in the NWSL, at the highest level and in such a top game,” Schult told the German Press Agency.

The 2016 Olympic champion has been under contract with Kansas City since August and has been a regular for the fourth-placed team since September. Berger, Germany’s footballer of the year, has played a major role in Gotham FC’s success since the start of the season and is in third place with the defending champions. “You can see how valued Ann-Katrin Berger is in this league,” said Schult about her colleague, who is the same age. “I think if you ask the coaches, she would currently be voted the best goalkeeper in the league.”

Much recognition for both German goalkeepers in the USA

Schult, for her part, is receiving recognition for the performance she has delivered in the four games so far for her new team. The team – owned by NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany – conceded by far the most goals of the top four teams before her arrival.

Since Schult has been between the posts and no longer the former US national goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, there have only been two in four games – both in Schult’s first game in a 1:2 loss against North Carolina Courage. Since then: three clean sheets. “They told me that I would get a chance to play. I’m glad that I was able to justify that with good performances. I’m really pleased that I’m number one now,” said Schult.

The fact that Schult is playing at the top level again after the birth of her third child just over a year ago – she and her husband already had twins – was unexpected for many in Germany. The 33-year-old was already perceived as a TV expert for ARD and had already entered the post-career phase. Her signing with second division club Hamburger SV in April did not indicate a major comeback.

Schult could not find a top club in Europe after the birth of child number three

“I had a lot of negotiations, but didn’t find a top club that wanted to sign me,” Schult reported. HSV at least gave her the opportunity to get back into it, an environment to see what her body could handle. “I’m glad that I’ve been given another chance. In the USA, it’s one of the easiest places to combine family and football.” Taking the children to training is a matter of course.

In her three months at Angel City FC, Schult already appreciated the professional conditions, even at a team that had just been founded. In 2022, however, she only played one game before returning to Germany. This time, too, the contract in Kansas City only runs until the end of the season in November. Then the situation will have to be reassessed with the family.

The husband already has to fly to Germany every few weeks for his job. “I had more or less ruled out going back to the USA. But then the offer came and it actually fit in with my husband’s work, so we decided within seven to ten days and suddenly we were here,” Schult said.

National team not out of the question for Schult

A return to the USA would be just as unexpected as a return to the goal of the German national team. After Merle Frohms’s resignation, it is unclear what national coach Wück plans to do – and Schult would definitely like a 67th international match. “It would of course be great on paper if you made it back to the national team after two pregnancies. I don’t think any player has ever managed that, especially with three children.” A visit to Kansas City on Saturday would definitely be worthwhile for the DFB coaching staff.