- Years with club: 2008–2009 (Thunder); 2010–2014 (Stars / United)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: American
- Acquisition: Signed with Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) in 2008; continued with the successor clubs.
Matt Van Oekel is one of the most enduring figures from the pre-MLS era of Minnesota professional soccer, having spent a total of six seasons in the net for the various iterations of the club. He was a foundational player who stayed with the organization as it transitioned from the Minnesota Thunder to the NSC Minnesota Stars and finally to Minnesota United FC in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
Key stats with Minnesota (NASL & USL-1):
- Total club appearances (Stars/United): 79
- Total club appearances (Thunder + Stars/United): 80+
- NASL Champion: 2011 NASL Soccer Bowl Champion (with NSC Minnesota Stars).
- NASL Regular Season Champion: 2014 NASL Spring Season Champion.
Memorable moments and honors (Overall Career):
- Longevity in Minnesota: His six seasons in Minnesota make him one of the longest-serving players for the organization during its formative years.
- NASL Golden Glove: After leaving Minnesota, he had a standout season with FC Edmonton, where he was named the 2016 NASL Golden Glove winner (best goalkeeper).
- MLS Stint: He had a brief spell in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Real Salt Lake in 2017.
- Championship Winner: He was part of the 2011 championship-winning team and the 2014 team that won the Spring Season title.
Where is he now?:
- Following his departure from the NASL and a brief time in MLS, Van Oekel returned to the USL Championship (USLC).
- He is currently an active, veteran Goalkeeper for Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship, a club he joined in 2019 and has continued to play for, including in the 2025 season. He is a key and foundational player for the Legion FC organization.