Brad Stuver Bio
Bradley Stuver, born April 16, 1991, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Austin FC. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, Stuver has built a steady career across multiple clubs in North America and is widely respected for his shot-stopping ability and community work. He has been a fixture in MLS since the mid-2010s and continues to influence the game at the professional level.
Over the years, Stuver has moved through several teams in the United States soccer pyramid, progressing from college and lower-division sides to the top flight of American soccer. His journey reflects patience, persistence, and steady improvement at one of the most demanding positions on the field.
Early Life and Background
Bradley Stuver was born on April 16, 1991, in Mayfield, Ohio, and grew up in the Buckeye State. He attended Twinsburg High School in Twinsburg, Ohio, where he played soccer for the Tigers all four years. Although he eventually settled into the goalkeeper role, Stuver also spent time in midfield during his prep career, a background that has given him a strong understanding of the broader flow of the game.
As a senior, Stuver was named to the 2008 Plain Dealer All-State team and earned First Team All-Ohio honors from the OSSCA. By the time he finished high school, he had recorded 24 shutouts as a goalkeeper while also contributing 12 goals and three assists from midfield, an unusual statistical line that highlighted his two-way ability. Those performances drew college attention and set the stage for his next step.
Stuver played college soccer for the Vikings of Cleveland State University from 2009 to 2012. As a freshman, he became the starting goalkeeper by the end of the season, posting a .817 save percentage. His sophomore year brought the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year award and a First Team All-HL selection. He went on to start every match of his senior season, leading Cleveland State to a Horizon League Tournament title and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Path to Soccer
Stuver’s path to professional soccer ran through the college ranks rather than a traditional academy setup. His standout career with the Cleveland State Vikings earned him an invitation to the 2013 MLS Combine, where he was the only Horizon League player selected and one of just seven collegiate goalkeepers invited. That recognition helped open the door to the professional game.
On January 17, 2013, Stuver was drafted in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by the Montreal Impact, becoming the first goalkeeper chosen in that draft. Although Montreal did not sign him, the selection confirmed his standing as a top college prospect. He joined MLS as a pool goalkeeper for the 2013 season, training with several clubs and appearing on matchday rosters for Chivas USA, New England Revolution, and Columbus Crew.
Later in 2013, Stuver was taken by Columbus Crew in the MLS Waiver Draft with the fourth overall pick. That move launched his official MLS career and gave him the platform he needed to develop at the top level of American soccer.
Brad Stuver Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Bradley Stuver first entered the senior ranks in 2010 with Cleveland Internationals of the USL Premier Development League during his sophomore college offseason. He made nine appearances as the club struggled to a last-place finish in the Great Lakes Division. The following summer, he signed with expansion side Akron Summit Assault for the 2011 PDL season, starting half of the team’s games before the club folded at season’s end.
After his senior year at Cleveland State, Stuver attended the 2013 MLS Combine and was selected 32nd overall by Montreal Impact. Although Montreal did not retain him, he spent the year as an MLS pool goalkeeper, training with multiple clubs and appearing on reserve and matchday rosters across the league before being claimed by Columbus Crew in the waiver draft.
Columbus Crew SC Era (2014–2017)
Stuver spent the 2014 season on loan in USL Pro with Dayton Dutch Lions and Wilmington Hammerheads FC, where he made 10 regular-season appearances for Wilmington, recorded three shutouts, and helped the team reach the USL Pro playoffs. After returning to Columbus, he was promoted to the backup role for the 2015 season and made his club debut in a friendly against Valencia CF.
In 2016, Stuver made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on October 16, saving an early penalty kick from Sacha Kljestan in a 3–2 defeat. He also started the season finale against New York City FC. Although Zack Steffen took the starting job in 2017 and led Columbus to the Eastern Conference Finals, Stuver remained a reliable backup and made one U.S. Open Cup appearance. On December 1, 2017, Columbus declined his contract option, ending his four-year stay with the club.
New York City FC Era (2018–2020)
On December 14, 2017, Stuver was traded by Columbus to New York City FC in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The move gave him a fresh start in a new city and the chance to compete for a larger role in another MLS market.
During his time in New York, Stuver continued to develop his professional profile, working within one of the league’s high-profile clubs and contributing to the team’s goalkeeping group until his contract situation led him to look for a new opportunity at the end of 2020.
Austin FC Era (2021–Present)
On December 28, 2020, Stuver joined Austin FC as a free agent ahead of the expansion club’s second MLS season. He quickly established himself as the club’s top goalkeeper, recording a career-high nine saves against Sporting Kansas City on June 12, 2021, and earning Austin FC Defensive Player of the Year honors that same season.
In 2022, Stuver was nominated for the ESPY Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his community work, and he was named a Legend of the Year by the 4ATX Foundation for his efforts with the Laundry Project. On the field, he delivered a signature performance in Austin’s first-ever playoff match, saving two of three Real Salt Lake penalties in a 3–1 shootout victory after a 2–2 draw. During the 2025 season, he was selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stuver is known for his shot-stopping reflexes, command of the penalty area, and willingness to organize the back line in front of him. His height of 6 feet 3 inches gives him a strong presence on crosses and set pieces, while his background as a former midfielder helps him read the flow of play and distribute the ball effectively from the back.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Stuver’s career include saving a penalty kick on his MLS debut with Columbus in 2016, earning the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year award at Cleveland State, being nominated for the 2022 ESPY Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, and being selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game while representing Austin FC.
Brad Stuver Career Wins
Bradley Stuver’s win totals reflect his role as a goalkeeper, with milestones measured in clean sheets, playoff shootout heroics, and team accomplishments rather than offensive numbers. His most memorable results include playoff and Open Cup victories earned across his time in Columbus and Austin.
MLS Highlights
In MLS play, Stuver has been part of winning efforts with both Columbus Crew SC and Austin FC, including Open Cup victories during his time in Ohio. His first Austin FC playoff win came in 2022 against Real Salt Lake in a penalty shootout, and he has continued to post consistent regular-season performances for the club.
Other Wins and Performances
Stuver helped Wilmington Hammerheads FC reach the 2014 USL Pro playoffs and contributed to Cleveland State’s Horizon League Tournament title during his senior college season. He has also earned multiple Horizon League weekly awards, underscoring his consistency at every level he has played.
Brad Stuver Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Bradley Stuver’s family background is limited. He grew up in Ohio and developed his early soccer career in the Cleveland area, but no specific details about his parents or broader family have been widely reported.
Personal Life
Stuver has been active off the field through community initiatives, including work with the Laundry Project that led to recognition from the 4ATX Foundation and a nomination for the 2022 ESPY Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. Details about his marital status and children have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has brought further recognition for Bradley Stuver, who was selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game while continuing to serve as Austin FC’s first-choice goalkeeper. The selection reflects his consistency and leadership within an Austin FC side that has continued to develop around him.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Stuver has remained a steady presence in goal, providing experience and organization for the team’s defensive structure. His shot-stopping and penalty-area command have helped Austin FC remain competitive in matches across the season.
Looking ahead, Stuver’s role with Austin FC appears secure, with the All-Star selection underscoring his reputation around the league. As Austin FC continues to build around its established core, Stuver’s performance and leadership are expected to remain central to the club’s ambitions in the seasons to come.
