Top keepers in California are as cool as you like

The keeper position is not an easy one as it is high stress and high stakes. Staying calm and cool under pressure and staying focused and switched on is key. These five players do not let big moments overwhelm them as they take the fight to the game, as opposed to letting it take the fight to them. They are composed, even under fire and do not let big moments rattle them.   [player_tooltip player_id='146418' first='Brooks' last='Doolittle'], [program_tooltip program_id='283736' first='San' last='Jose Earthquakes'], Class of 2027   Doolittle displays excellent footwork and uses it to put himself in a position to react immediately to a shot coming in, which is why he can stop shots that are hit one-time. He's athletic and can make any save, and is particularly good at tipping a shot over the net when that ball is about to curl under the crossbar. He reacts and responds quickly, he reads attackers well and shuts down angles and is excellent about making himself big. He is really hard to beat.   [player_tooltip player_id='54686' first='Michael' last='Gale'], Albion SC, Class of 2025   Gale has wonderful physical attributes, which includes having very soft hands and good feet. He does not have to punch a lot of balls away, as he can secure a shot and help his team build up because he is very good at distributing, whether he is playing a ball on the ground or hitting a line drive that can get to the center line with accuracy. He's comfortable with the ball and does not feel rushed. He anticipates an attackers moves well and positions himself in good spots, and he is also brave on corners and set pieces, taking charge and coming for the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='83085' first='Aidan' last='Hendrickson'], Sac Republic, Class of 2026   Hendrickson is one of the hardest working keepers you will find. He has been invited to Youth National ID Camps recently and has been identified by US Soccer as a top 2008. He's a commanding keeper, who takes control of his box. He makes the easy saves look very easy and the difficult saves look not very difficult as he seems to do things with ease because he is very in control of his movements. He has good hands, good feet and is very good with distribution as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='7568' first='Ethan' last='Kell'], LAFC, Class of 2025   Kell is already committed to Liberty University, and the Flames are getting a truly exceptional keeper. He has excellent size, for one, but that does not mean he is slow or not athletic. Quite the contrary. Kell is incredibly quick, and incredibly athletic. He is a physical keeper, one who will put his body on the line, and he shows his athleticism with how quickly he reacts, how easily he gets down on a ball and how easily he covers both posts. Kell is great with his feet, shows great distribution as he can lead the build up out of the <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/09/top-5-backline-standouts-boys-soccer/?itm_campaign=wp-parsely&itm_medium=smart-link&itm_term=52d0821611c5f8c435e533a114682a4d&itm_source=traffic-boost" data-smartlink="52d0821611c5f8c435e533a114682a4d" title="Top keepers in California are as cool as you like">back</a>, and he is an incredible vocal leader and an emotional influence for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='80803' first='Ethan' last='Scally'], LAFC, Class of 2026   Scally is cool, calm and collected. He does not seem to panic or overcommit. He reads and reacts to the game well, he is very active and shows great attributes as a shot stopper, all around. He is also very good with the ball, showing comfort with it at his feet and he distributes well both short and long. Scally plays with passion and desire as he steps up and makes big saves in the key moments.

The keeper position is not an easy one as it is high stress and high stakes. Staying calm and cool under pressure and staying focused and switched on is key. These five players do not let big moments overwhelm them as they take the fight to the game, as opposed to letting it take the fight to them. They are composed, even under fire and do not let big moments rattle them.