Hokie ClubNEW YORK – Former Virginia Tech men’s soccer goalkeeper Sam Joseph has been named the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year, the league announced Thursday.
Joseph earned the honor after a standout professional debut with Portland Timbers2, helping the club secure its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro postseason berth and the Pacific Division title. The San Diego, Calif., native led the league with 12 clean sheets, anchoring a defensive unit that conceded the second-fewest goals (29) in the league and record the second-fewest losses (4) during the regular season.
In his first professional campaign, Joseph started all 23 of his appearances, logging 2,070 minutes and recording 65 saves. His consistency between the posts helped Timbers2 finish second in the Western Conference with 57 points and earn the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs.
Joseph’s performance earned additional recognition throughout the season, as he was named MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month in both July and August. During that two-month stretch, Timbers2 went unbeaten in nine matches, posting a 6-0-3 record.
Before beginning his professional career, Joseph spent the 2025 season in Blacksburg, making an immediate impact in his lone campaign with the Hokies. He started all 16 matches, recording seven shutouts and 46 saves.
Joseph ranked fifth in the ACC in shutouts and earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Aug. 26, 2025, following his first week of collegiate action with the Hokies. He also recorded a career-high 10 saves against Clemson on Oct. 31.