John Pulskamp

A native of Bakersfield, California, Pulskamp arrived in Kansas City in 2019 after a two-year stint in the LA Galaxy Academy, where he competed at the U-17 and U-19 levels in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. During his time with the Galaxy, he also went on trial with English Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth in 2018. Prior to joining LA, he represented youth academies Real So Cal and Central California Aztecs in his home state.

He debuted for the club in 2019 for Sporting KC II and would start 14 matches in his first professional season. On Feb. 24, 2020, Pulskamp signed a first team contract but did not debut for Sporting KC until the club's home opener on April 17, 2021. Pulskamp helped Sporting to a 2-1 victory at the New York Red Bulls and became the third youngest keeper to win an MLS regular season match.

PROFESSIONAL

2023: Made 10 appearances across all competitions, posting four shutouts and a 1.50 goals against average. MLS Regular Season: Started the opening five games of the season, posting a pair of shutouts on the road at Colorado on March 4 and at home against the LA Galaxy on March 11. Open Cup: Started both of Sporting's matches in the Open Cup, saving a penalty and posting a clean sheet in the Third Round victory over Tulsa Athletic on April 25. Leagues Cup: Started all three of the team's games in the Leagues Cup, notably keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 home win over Chivas Guadalajara on July 31. MLS NEXT Pro: Started nine matches for SKC II, posting one shutout against Minnesota United 2 on Aug. 19.

2022: MLS Regular Season: Started 11 of 12 appearances and kept three clean sheets (1027 minutes played). Set his MLS career-high in saves at Real Salt Lake, denying seven chances on May 1. Earned a shutout against the San Jose Earthquakes in a 1-0 loss. Kept the Houston Dynamo off the board in a scoreless draw on Sept. 10. Kept the Seattle Sounders quiet in a 1-0 win at Children's Mercy Park in the club's home finale. Open Cup: Started all four of Sporting KC's Open Cup matches, keeping clean sheets in two of them (420 minutes played). Kept Union Omaha at bay in the Open Cup Quarterfinals on June 22. Shutout Sacramento Republic FC in 120 minutes of Open Cup Semifinals action on July 27. MLS NEXT Pro: Started six matches for SKC II, keeping one clean sheet (540 minutes played).

2021: Debuted for the first team in the club's season opener at the New York Red Bulls on April 17. MLS Regular Season: Started six matches, keeping one clean sheet (540 minutes played). Earned a win in his first pro start, holding the New York Red Bulls to one goal in a 2-1 victory, becoming the third-youngest keeper in league history to win a regular season match. Picked up a clean sheet on Oct. 27 at home against the LA Galaxy, the first of his MLS career. MLS Cup Playoffs: Did not feature. USL Championship: Made 12 starts for Sporting KC II and saved 40 shots.

2020: Signed with the first team on Feb. 24 before the start of the MLS season. MLS Regular Season: Did not feature. MLS is Back Tournament: Did not feature. MLS Cup Playoffs: Did not feature. USL Championship: Made two starts for Sporting KC II, keeping one clean sheet.

2019: USL Championship: Started 14 matches, recording two clean sheets and posting a 4-8-2 record (1,260 minutes played).

INTERNATIONAL

On the international stage, Pulskamp has represented the United States at various youth levels, including a U.S. Under-18 camp at the U.S. Soccer National Development Center at Pinnacle in Kansas City, Kansas in June 2018. Pulskamp debuted for the U-20 USMNT in a friendly against regional rivals Mexico on Jan. 18, 2020. Pulskamp was called in for a two-week training camp in Carson, CA with the senior U.S. Men's National Team and was on the bench for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Dec. 18 at Dignity Health Sports Park. In late 2023, Pulskamp was called up to a pair of training camps with the U.S. Men’s Olympic National Team, making three appearances in friendlies against Mexico, Japan and Iraq.

YOUTH

Pulskamp spent two Development Academy seasons with the LA Galaxy Academy, making 23 appearances between their Under-17 and Under-19 sides. Prior to his stint with the Galaxy, Pulskamp represented California-based academies Real So Cal and Central California Aztecs. In mid-2018, Pulskamp spent a period on trial with English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth but did not sign with the club.