Union Signs Goalie Brian Holt

Philadelphia Union have signed goalkeeper Brian Holt, the club announced today. A four-year starter with a decorated resume at Creighton University, Holt has spent time with Union affiliates Reading United A.C. (PDL) and the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO). Per club and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Brian is a tremendous competitor and we have seen a lot of his dedication, hard work and resolve while he trained with us last year,” Team Manager John Hackworth said. “We’re really happy to have him as part of our team going into the season.”

After redshirting his freshman year, Holt played four years at Creighton University, where he earned numerous accolades for his play. As a senior at Creighton, Holt set an NCAA record with a .208 goals against average while leading the NCAA with 19 shutouts and a 92.3 save percentage. In 24 starts, Holt allowed just five goals in 2011, earning accolades as NSCAA All-America First-Team, College Cup All-Tournament Team, MVC Goalkeeper of the Year, College Soccer News All-America First-Team and a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist. A four year starter, he began his collegiate career as a redshirt freshman in 2008, where he went on to earn MVC Freshman of the Year honors.

The Nebraska native played for Philadelphia’s PDL Affiliate partner Reading United A.C. in 2011, where he was an All-Eastern Conference selection and PDL Rookie of the Year finalist in his 16 starts with the club.

Holt signed with the Union’s USL PRO Affiliate partner Harrisburg City Islanders in 2012, a year after finishing his time at Creighton. He joins the Union after training with the club for much of last year and preseason this year.

Transaction: Philadelphia Union sign goalkeeper Brian Holt

Name: Brian Holt

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 25

Birthdate: 11/15/1988

Height: 5-8

Weight: 160

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

School: Creighton University