Marcus Hahnemann facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Marcus Hahnemann

Hahnemann in 2013
Personal information
Full name	Marcus Stephen Hahnemann
Date of birth	(1972-06-15) June 15, 1972 (age 53)
Place of birth	Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1990–1993	Seattle Pacific Falcons	78	(0)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1994–1996	Seattle Sounders	65	(0)
1997–1999	Colorado Rapids	66	(0)
1999–2002	Fulham	2	(0)
2001	→ Rochdale (loan)	5	(0)
2001–2002	→ Reading (loan)	6	(0)
2002–2009	Reading	276	(0)
2009–2011	Wolverhampton Wanderers	40	(0)
2011–2012	Everton	0	(0)
2012–2014	Seattle Sounders FC	4	(0)
Total		464	(0)
International career
1994–2011	United States	9	(0)
Medal record Representing  United States Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005 Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 Men's Soccer
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Marcus Stephen Hahnemann (born June 15, 1972) is an American former professional soccer player. He was a goalkeeper, known for his long career.

Marcus started his career with the Seattle Sounders after college. He then played for the Colorado Rapids before moving to England. In England, he played for Fulham, Rochdale, and Reading. He became a key player for Reading, helping them reach the top league. Later, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton. He finished his career back in Seattle with Seattle Sounders FC.

Hahnemann also played for the United States national team. He was a backup goalkeeper in two World Cups. He holds a record for one of the longest gaps between his international games.

Early Life and College Soccer

Marcus Hahnemann grew up in Kent, near Seattle. He played soccer at Kentridge High School. Later, he moved to Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington. There, he was named the best goalkeeper in his area.

He then played college soccer for the Seattle Pacific University Falcons. This team was very strong in their division. In 1993, Marcus helped his team win the NCAA Division II National Championship. During his four years at college, he had an amazing record. He helped his team win 64 games and kept 46 "clean sheets." A clean sheet means the goalkeeper didn't let the other team score any goals.

Professional Club Career

Marcus Hahnemann played for several clubs during his professional career. He started in the United States before moving to England.

Starting with Seattle Sounders

Marcus began his professional journey with the Seattle Sounders in 1994. In his first year, he was named the league's top goalkeeper. He helped the Sounders win the league championship in both 1995 and 1996. During these years, he was a strong presence in goal.

Time with Colorado Rapids

In 1997, Hahnemann joined Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Colorado Rapids. He quickly became their main goalkeeper. In his first season, the Rapids reached the MLS Cup, which is the league's championship game. In 1998, he set a club record for playing the most games and minutes as a goalkeeper. He was also named the team's Defender of the Year.

Moving to English Football: Fulham

In 1999, Marcus moved to England to play for Fulham. He signed for about £80,000. However, he found it hard to become the team's first-choice goalkeeper. To get more playing time, he was loaned out to other teams. He played for Rochdale and then Reading. He helped Reading get promoted to a higher league. After three years, Fulham released him.

Success at Reading

Hahnemann joined Reading permanently in 2002. He quickly became their main goalkeeper. In the 2005–06 season, he played almost every game. Reading won the EFL Championship with a record 106 points, earning promotion to the Premier League. This was the first time Reading had reached England's top soccer league. Marcus was named in the "Championship Team of the Year" for his great performance.

In his first Premier League season, he kept 13 clean sheets. Reading finished eighth, just missing out on a spot in European competitions. He made the most saves in the Premier League in 2007. However, Reading was relegated (moved down a league) in their second Premier League season. He stayed with Reading for one more season before leaving the club in 2009.

Playing for Wolves

On June 17, 2009, Hahnemann signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers, also known as Wolves. They had just been promoted to the Premier League. He started as a backup but soon became the main goalkeeper. He helped Wolves stay in the Premier League. His excellent play even led to him being ranked as one of the best goalkeepers in the world by a special performance system. He signed a new contract for another year.

However, in the 2010–11 season, the team struggled. Marcus was dropped from the team and did not play again that season. He left Wolves when his contract ended.

Short Spell at Everton

In September 2011, Hahnemann joined Everton for a short time. He did not play any first-team games for Everton. He was released from the club in May 2012.

Return to Seattle Sounders FC

On September 14, 2012, Marcus made an exciting return to the Seattle Sounders FC. He was a backup goalkeeper for the team.

In October 2012, he played his first game back for Seattle in a CONCACAF Champions League match. In April 2013, at 40 years old, he played in a Champions League semifinal game. He became one of the oldest players to play in that competition. On August 3, 2013, he played his first MLS game for Seattle in 14 years. This was the longest gap between appearances in league history! He kept a clean sheet in a 3–0 win.

In 2013, he played four MLS games, winning two and drawing two. His last MLS game was on October 19, 2013. At 41 years old, he became the fourth oldest player in MLS history. In the playoffs, he came on as a substitute and helped his team win. He also started a playoff game.

In 2014, Hahnemann played two games in the U.S. Open Cup. In one game, he helped his team win a penalty shootout. At 42 years old, he became the oldest player in the competition's history at that time. On December 8, 2014, Marcus Hahnemann announced his retirement from professional soccer.

International Career

Hahnemann with the United States national team in May 2006

Marcus Hahnemann played for the United States national team. His first game was on November 19, 1994, against Trinidad and Tobago. He played two more games that year.

He then had a very long wait before playing for the U.S. team again. He did not play another international game until June 8, 2003, almost nine years later! This is one of the longest gaps between games for a player.

He was chosen for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was a backup goalkeeper behind Kasey Keller and Tim Howard. He did not play in any games, but it was a big honor to be part of the squad. He and his teammate Bobby Convey were the first Reading players ever to be on a World Cup team.

In 2010, at nearly 38 years old, Hahnemann was again chosen for the 2010 World Cup squad. He was the third-choice goalkeeper. He played his ninth and final game for the U.S. in 2011.

Personal Life and Interests

Hahnemann is a well-known animal lover.

Marcus Hahnemann has many interesting hobbies outside of soccer. He is a big animal lover and even keeps hens. He also enjoys mountain biking and hunting.

Before matches, Marcus likes to listen to heavy metal music to get ready. He once gave the band Five Finger Death Punch a Wolves soccer shirt. He also worked with a band called Malefice to release a song. Marcus is of German descent; his parents came from Wentorf bei Hamburg.

Even though his eyesight was fine, Marcus wore special contact lenses to help reduce the sun's glare during games. When he played for Reading, he would give his game jersey to fans after matches. He also used to cut the sleeves of his jerseys because he preferred short sleeves.

In April 2016, Marcus Hahnemann and his former U.S. national team goalkeeper friend, Kasey Keller, became coaches for the boys' soccer team at Newport High School. This was the same school Marcus attended.

Honors and Achievements

Marcus Hahnemann won several awards and championships during his career:

Seattle Sounders

• League Championship: 1995, 1996

Reading

• Football League Championship: 2005–06 (This means they won the second-highest league in England)

United States

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2005 (A major soccer tournament for North and Central American teams)

Individual

• PFA Team of the Year: 2005–06 Football League Championship (He was chosen as one of the best players in the league that season)

See also

In Spanish: Marcus Hahnemann para niños