Forward Madison lands veteran goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley
Continuing their tradition of signing backups who could probably start anywhere else in the league, Forward Madison has added erstwhile Owl goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.
The 6’5” sixth-year pro was Union Omaha’s Jagermeister Cup keeper last year, minding the goal in six of the team’s nine Cup matches. He also played on league match and recorded two clean sheets.
After 65 appearances at UC Davis (where he was named Big West Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019), Lapsley got his pro start with NY Red Bulls 2 in 2020 before becoming the #1 for FC Tucson in 2021. He then returned to the MLS ranks in 2022 and 2023 with Tacoma Defiance, even getting called up the Seattle Sounders as an emergency backup once. He then joined Union Omaha for 2024.
The primary advantage he brings as a backup is height. Martin Sanchez, who’s backed up Bernd Schipmann the last two years, is a good shot-stopper and a smart player, but to put him in, you give up about six inches. Which I believe to be the main reason Schipmann played every minute of every competitive match last season.
This signing gives Madison at the goalkeeper position what it’s had everywhere else on the field — real depth. It’s a long season that can be a real grind, even for the keepers. The ability to give Bernd a week off once a month or so will be a real luxury for Matt Glaeser.
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