John Pulskamp


John Gregory Pulskamp is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City.

Club career

Born in Bakersfield, California, Pulskamp began his career with U.S. Soccer Development Academy sides Central California Aztecs and Real So Cal, before joining the youth academy at LA Galaxy. On June 23, 2018, Pulskamp made an appearance on the bench for LA Galaxy II, the club's reserve side in the USL Championship, but did not come on as a substitute.
On April 5, 2019, Pulskamp signed with Sporting Kansas City II, the reserve side of Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City. He made his debut for the side on May 6 against Louisville City, starting in a 3–2 victory. Pulskamp ended his first professional season helping his side keep three clean sheets from 14 matches.

Sporting Kansas City

On February 24, 2020, Pulskamp signed a professional homegrown player deal with Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City. He spent the majority of the 2020 season as a backup goalkeeper, appearing on the bench 13 times but without making a single appearance. He also made two appearances for Sporting Kansas City II in the USL Championship, with loans being limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pulskamp made his debut for Sporting on April 17, 2021, during the club's first match of the season against the New York Red Bulls. Due to injuries to Sporting Kansas City's starting goalkeeper, Tim Melia and two backups, Pulskamp was given the start. The match ended in a 2–1 victory.

International career

Pulskamp was born in the United States to an American father and Palestinian mother and is eligible for both national teams. On January 18, 2020, he made his international debut for the United States under-20 side against Mexico U20. In December 2021, he was called up to the senior team for their friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but did not make an appearance in the match. He was selected as a 2024 Olympic squad alternative.

Personal life

Pulskamp is a practicing Muslim and has supported the MLS rule change allowing additional stoppage time for Muslim players to drink water at sundown during the holy month of Ramadan.