Drake Callender

  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Date of birth: Oct. 7, 1997 (28 years old)
  • Place of birth: Sacramento, California
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 187 lbs
  • Nationality: USA
  • Last club: Charlotte FC
  • Roster status: Senior
  • Acquired: December 2025 via trade from Charlotte FC

Career overview

Drake Callender arrived in Minnesota at a pivotal point in the club’s goalkeeping history, following the reported move of long-time starter Dayne St. Clair to Inter Miami. Callender’s own path is ironically linked to Miami, where he spent the bulk of his professional career before a short stint in Charlotte.

A product of the University of California, Berkeley, Callender’s rights were originally held by the San Jose Earthquakes before being traded to Inter Miami ahead of their inaugural 2020 season. After spending time developing with Fort Lauderdale CF in USL League One, he broke into the Miami first team in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top shot-stoppers.

His breakout year in 2023 saw him lead Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, where he was named Man of the Match in the final and awarded the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper honors. He followed that up by helping Miami secure the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with a points-record season. Following a trade to Charlotte FC in August 2025, Callender now moves to the Twin Cities to take over the starting role for the Loons.

National team experience

Callender has been a consistent presence in the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) picture since 2023. While often serving as the primary backup to Matt Turner or Ethan Horvath, he was part of the rosters that won the Concacaf Nations League titles in 2023 and 2024. He is widely considered a top contender for the 2026 World Cup squad.

What he brings to the Loons

Callender is a commanding presence in the box known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and reflexes. Standing at 6’3″, he possesses a strong aerial game and has shown a high level of composure in high-stakes moments—most notably during penalty shootouts in the Leagues Cup.

Tactically, Callender has improved significantly in his distribution and “sweeper-keeper” actions over the last two seasons. With Minnesota United transitioning under their current leadership, Callender’s experience winning major domestic trophies and his familiarity with the pressures of MLS make him a seamless veteran replacement for the departing St. Clair. Expect him to be the undisputed number one between the sticks for the 2026 campaign.