June 17, 2009
WOLVERHAMPTON, England – Former Seattle Pacific goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann signed a 12-month contract to play for newly-promoted Wolverhampton in the English Premier League, manager Mick McCarthy announced.
Hahnemann, 37, was recently released by Reading, where he played since 2002. He missed just one game of the 2005-06 season that saw Reading win the Championship with a record 106 points. That result earned the team promotion to the top flight of English soccer for the first time in their history.
His first season in the Premier League saw Hahnemann posted 13 shutouts, helping Reading finish eighth. He made the most saves (139) in the Premier League during 2007, but could not halt relegation in their second EPL campaign.
The 6-foot-3 Hahnemann played one game shy of 300 during his career at Reading. He earned seven caps for international appearances for the United States National Team. He was a member of the 2006 U.S. World Cup team.
Hahnemann lettered four seasons at SPU from 1990-93. The three-time All-American capped his brilliant collegiate career by helping the Falcons to the 1993 NCAA Division II championship. SPU compiled a 64-9-5 record and blanked 46 opponents during his four seasons as a starter.
Hahnemann's professional career started in May of 1994 with the Seattle Sounders of the A-League. He joined the MLS Colorado Rapids in 1997 before moving to England to join Fulham in 1999.
Hahnemann's return to the highest ranks of English soccer increases the ranks of American goalkeepers in the Premier League to four. Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan are at Aston Villa, while Tim Howard plays for Everton.
"I'm excited to be here,” Hahnemann said of his Wolverton signing. “Wolves were one of Reading's main rivals and I've always had good experiences when I've come up here. The games here have always been good and it was a great opportunity, one that I couldn't turn down.
“My buddy Kasey Keller played with Mick (McCarthy) and when I told him what was happening he said it would be great for me to come to Molineux (Stadium). The crowd here have been awesome. They are so loud and it will be good to have them on my side this year.”
A 1994 physical education graduate of SPU, Hahnemann played at Kentridge (Wash.) High School before transferring to Newport High School for his senior year in 1990.
