Prep Soccer Logo
Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Arizona
    California
    Colorado
    Florida
    Georgia
    Illinois
    Michigan
    New Jersey
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Pennsylvania
    Texas
    Virginia
    Washington
  • Loading...
  • Prep Soccer for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Soccer articles year-round.
    • Rankings See how players stack up across the country.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Soccer database.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Soccer showcases.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Template Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Contributors
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Georgia
  • Rankings
    • Boys

      • Boys 2026 Rankings

      • Boys 2027 Rankings

      • Boys 2028 Rankings

    • Girls

      • Girls 2026 Rankings

      • Girls 2027 Rankings

      • Girls 2028 Rankings

      • Girls 2029 Rankings

    • How We Rank

  • Player Database
    • Boys

    • Girls

Prep Soccer Logo
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Arizona
      California
      Colorado
      Florida
      Georgia
      Illinois
      Michigan
      New Jersey
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Pennsylvania
      Texas
      Virginia
      Washington
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Soccer for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Soccer articles year-round.
      • Rankings See how players stack up across the country.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Soccer database.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Soccer showcases.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Template Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Contributors
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers

Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers
Photo: US Soccer
Kyle Gookins
Kyle Gookins April 17, 2026 @ 09:39 AM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia
Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia GK | 2029
GA
Joao Marcos Ferreira
Joao Marcos Ferreira GK | 2028
GA
Shiven Shah
Shiven Shah GK | 2027
GA
James Donaldson
James Donaldson GK | 2027
GA
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Georgia is the new home of US Soccer and the state has some exciting Goalkeepers in the 2027-2028 graduation classes. There are current and future professionals along with future college #1s on the list. Below are the 7 boys who stand out from the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150804"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e153b93c88e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='150804' first='James' last='Donaldson'] is not just the best young GK in the state of Georgia, but he is one of the best in the country. Donaldson has represented the USYNT at the U15, U16, and U17 levels, while recently signing a professional contract with [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United']. He has all of the tools that a top GK needs. He is a great shot stopper, commands his box, and can play with his feet. James has a tall frame which allows him to cover a lot of the goal and he continues to grow from strength to strength. He already made his professional debut for MLS Next Pro [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] 2. Remember the name [player_tooltip player_id='150804' first='James' last='Donaldson']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bennett Gerspacher","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Chamblee HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283663' first='Inter' last='Atlanta FC']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e153b93c96c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bennett is a top GK coming out of the [program_tooltip program_id='283663' first='Inter' last='Atlanta FC'] club. He has fantastic reactions and is a great shot stopper. He has made some incredible game saving saves this season against some top MLS Academies. Bennett's stats and overall play got him selected to the MLS Next "Best of the East" team in the "Best of" games at the MLS Flex event in Arizona. His stock will continue to rise after coaches watch him at the upcoming MLS Next Flex event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKQGtpCfA64","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKQGtpCfA64 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319338"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e153b93c9d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joscarlyn (JC) is the starting GK for the U17/16 [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] team. Along with his ability to make some big saves, he is a great compliment to his defenders and manages the game well beyond his years. He positions himself to end attacks and start counter attacks. He was one of the top Goalkeepers in last years MLS Next as he helped his team reach the MLS Next Finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["152240"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e2415858b62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shiven is the captain and starting goalkeeper for NASA Top Hat U17 team. He has a great commanding presence and has made some quality saves in 1v1 situations. He seems to have a knack on making himself big and closing space down to make it difficult on attackers. He has helped his ECNL team maintain a .6 goals per game average and it is no surprise why they lead the Southeast heading into playoffs. He can also spring his team into counterattacks with both his throws and kicks to the forward line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsrJepaJZM","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsrJepaJZM </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["203799"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e24b9ab2ab8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joao is a 2028 goalkeeper for [program_tooltip program_id='283748' first='Southern' last='Soccer Academy'] in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the starting GK for the U16 MLS Next team and will sometimes play up an age for the U17s. He is quick to come off his line and looks to distribute the ball quickly. He is a solid shot stopper and commands his six yard box. Joao's goalkeeping has resulted in multiple MLS Academy trials. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Sd0lWxc2g","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Sd0lWxc2g </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"William Paulowski","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pace Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283303' first='Concorde' last='Fire']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e24b9ab2bd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">William is the starting goalkeeper for [program_tooltip program_id='283303' first='Concorde' last='Fire'] Platinum 2010 team that has won their ECNL division the last three years and made it to the 2024 National Semi Finals. He is a leader for his team and provides a calm presence for his back line. With his 6'2" frame, he can cover aa lot of the goal and is a good shot stopper. He helps his team build out of the back and has a history of making saves in PK shootouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1UKuA5J-9E","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1UKuA5J-9E </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Telmo Dantes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283359' first='Gwinnett' last='Soccer Academy']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e24b9ab2ccc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Telmo "Maxwell" is the starting goalkeeper for the U16 [program_tooltip program_id='283358' first='GSA' last=''] ECNL team. He is a tall GK with a long range. He has really improved over the last year in his shot stopping and decision making. As a former field player, Maxwell is an outlet for his team with his feet. He can play a range of passing and is very calm while building out of the back. He is one to keep an eye on as he gains experience with [program_tooltip program_id='283358' first='GSA' last=''].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Georgia is the new home of US Soccer and the state has some exciting Goalkeepers in the 2027-2028 graduation classes. There are current and future professionals along with future college #1s on the list. Below are the 7 boys who stand out from the pack.

Playing Professional
James Donaldson

James Donaldson

GA
GK
POS GK
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
James
Donaldson GK
Class
2027
GA
Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers
James Donaldson is not just the best young GK in the state of Georgia, but he is one...
Written by Kyle Gookins
Playing Professional
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

James Donaldson

State: Georgia
Club: Atlanta United
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Bennett Gerspacher

Bennett Gerspacher

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS GK
CLASS 2027

Bennett Gerspacher

School: Chamblee HS
Club: Inter Atlanta FC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia

Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia

POS GK
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Joscarlyn
Gonzalez Mejia GK
Class
2029
GA
Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers
Joscarlyn (JC) is the starting GK for the U17/16 Atlanta United team. Along with his ability to make...
Written by Kyle Gookins
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia

State: Georgia
Club: Atlanta United
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Shiven Shah

Shiven Shah

GA
GK
POS GK
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Shiven
Shah GK
Class
2027
GA
Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers
Shiven is the captain and starting goalkeeper for NASA Top Hat U17 team. He has a great commanding...
Written by Kyle Gookins
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Shiven Shah

State: Georgia
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Joao Marcos Ferreira

Joao Marcos Ferreira

GA
GK
POS GK
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Joao
Marcos Ferreira GK
Class
2028
GA
Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers
Joao is a 2028 goalkeeper for Southern Soccer Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the starting GK for...
Written by Kyle Gookins
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Joao Marcos Ferreira

State: Georgia
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

William Paulowski

William Paulowski

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS GK
CLASS 2028

William Paulowski

School: Pace Academy
Club: Concorde Fire
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Telmo Dantes

Telmo Dantes

HEIGHT 6'3"
POS GK
CLASS 2028

Telmo Dantes

Club: Gwinnett Soccer Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Soccer

Access all of Prep Soccer

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Articles

  • Five Georgia Standouts to Know in the Spring High School Season

    Five Georgia Standouts to Know in the Spring High School Season

    Roshelle Gobin • April 11

  • Leading the Line: The Top Strikers in Georgia

    Leading the Line: The Top Strikers in Georgia

    Kyle Gookins • April 10

  • U15 GA Cup Boys Standouts

    U15 GA Cup Boys Standouts

    Kyle Gookins • April 8

  • Five 2028 Wingers from the Southeast Breaking Out in 2026

    Five 2028 Wingers from the Southeast Breaking Out in 2026

    Kyle Gookins • April 3

  • Generation Adidas Girl’s Division Day 2 Standouts

    Generation Adidas Girl’s Division Day 2 Standouts

    Nikolai Littleton • April 1

Upgrade to Prep Soccer+
Unlock rankings, insights, and recruiting tools to maximize your exposure and guide your path to college.
Learn More


Loading...
Home Georgia Guardians of the Net: 7 Elite Georgia Goalkeepers

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Girls Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search
  • Terms for Sales and Promotions

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2026 Prep Soccer. All rights reserved.