Mitch Hildebrandt

  • Years with club: 2012–2015
  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Nationality: American
  • Acquisition: Signed with Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) in 2012.

Mitch Hildebrandt is an American goalkeeper who began his professional career with the Minnesota organization during its North American Soccer League (NASL) days. Although he played a rotational role behind the starter during his time in Minnesota, his career trajectory afterward made him famous throughout American lower-division soccer, leading to a late-career MLS opportunity.

Key stats with Minnesota (NASL):

  • Total club appearances (all competitions): 18
  • NASL regular season appearances: 15
  • Shutouts: 4 (NASL regular season)
  • NASL Spring Season Champion: 2014
  • First Professional Appearance: His professional debut came with Minnesota Stars FC on May 26, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he recorded a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

Memorable moments and honors (Overall Career):

  • USL Goalkeeper of the Year: His most notable period came with FC Cincinnati, where he was named the 2016 USL Goalkeeper of the Year.
  • U.S. Open Cup Hero: He gained national attention for his heroic performance during FC Cincinnati’s 2017 U.S. Open Cup run to the semifinals, particularly for saving three penalties in the shootout victory over the Chicago Fire.
  • MLS Cup Winner: Signed with Atlanta United FC in 2018 and was part of the squad that won the 2018 MLS Cup.

Where is he now?:

  • After retiring as a player in early 2019, Hildebrandt quickly transitioned into coaching and analysis roles.
  • He has held coaching and analyst positions with Sporting Kansas City II and Chicago Fire FC.
  • He is currently an active coach in Major League Soccer (MLS):
    • Current role: Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Union.
    • Previous role: Served as an Assistant Manager for St. Louis City SC in 2024.