GOALKEEPER DEVELOPMENT
A SPECIALIZED POSITION DESERVES SPECIALIZED COACHING.
LGU goalkeepers receive dedicated technical and tactical development from a three-coach goalkeeper staff, while remaining fully connected to the team environment and the way modern soccer is played.
GOALKEEPER STAFF
THREE COACHES. ONE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
LGU’s goalkeeper program is led by coaches with professional, collegiate and international goalkeeper experience. The staff works within one development framework while bringing complementary perspectives to the position.
KIAN VAN DER MEER
Director of Goalkeeping
Kian brings high-level playing experience and an active college-coaching perspective to LGU. He played NCAA soccer at UC Santa Cruz and competed professionally in Sweden’s third division at age 19. He continues to compete in professional-level beach soccer and currently serves as an assistant coach with the UC Santa Cruz men’s soccer program.
Kian holds a USSF D License and combines his experience as a player and coach to develop goalkeepers technically, tactically and mentally.
ASAD ALIYEV
Head Goalkeeper Coach
Asad is a former professional goalkeeper from Azerbaijan whose playing career included Neftchi PFK, AZAL PFK, Karvan PFK and Sabail PFK. His coaching experience includes LGU, NorCal Goalkeeper Academy, Sabail PFK U-19 and Manchester United Soccer School Azerbaijan.
He holds a UEFA Goalkeeper Coaching Certificate, UEFA C License and UEFA Recruit B Certificate. His approach emphasizes technical excellence, tactical understanding, mental strength and individual development.
CARTER TSEU
Goalkeeper Coach
Carter is a current goalkeeper at Santa Clara University and one of LGU’s three core goalkeeper coaches. His active NCAA playing experience gives young goalkeepers a current, first-hand perspective on the technical, physical and mental demands of the position.
Before joining Santa Clara, Carter represented the PDP State Team at the Gothia Cup in Sweden. He has also volunteered his goalkeeper expertise with recreational teams.
DEVELOP THE SOCCER PLAYER FIRST.
Dedicated goalkeeper training begins at U11, when players enter the 9v9 game. At younger ages, LGU places a greater priority on broad technical development rather than early positional specialization.
Many outstanding goalkeepers do not focus primarily on the position until later. Young players need to become comfortable receiving, passing, making decisions and solving problems with the ball at their feet. Those qualities are increasingly important for the modern goalkeeper and are developed best when technical ability is emphasized early.
SPECIALIZED WORK. TEAM CONNECTION.
Beginning at U11, competitive goalkeepers receive a weekly structure designed specifically for the demands of the position.
2× GOALKEEPER TRAINING
Two goalkeeper-specific sessions each week provide dedicated technical, tactical and position-specific development.
1× TEAM TRAINING
One weekly session with the team keeps goalkeepers connected to team principles, build-up play, communication and game context.
INCLUDED IN TUITION
Goalkeeper development is part of the LGU competitive program. There is no additional goalkeeper-training fee.
A PLAN, NOT A COLLECTION OF DRILLS.
Goalkeeper training follows a thoughtfully planned yearlong periodization model. Training groups are organized primarily by age and developmental level, with level taking priority when determining the best environment for each goalkeeper. Groups may also be organized by gender when that best supports the players.
TECHNIQUE
Handling, footwork, shot stopping, diving mechanics, crosses and the technical details that create consistency.
TACTICAL UNDERSTANDING
Positioning, 1v1 situations, decision-making, managing space and recognizing the demands of different game moments.
PLAYING WITH THE FEET
Receiving, passing, distribution and composure under pressure so the goalkeeper can function as an active part of the team.
COMMUNICATION + MENTALITY
Communication, resilience, confidence and the ability to respond quickly to mistakes and changing game situations.
TRAINING → GAME → FEEDBACK
LGU goalkeeper coaches attend matches to observe goalkeepers in competition, reinforce the current training theme and provide feedback. That connection between the training field and the game helps development stay relevant, specific and continuous.
GOALKEEPER DEVELOPMENT YEAR-ROUND
LGU’s goalkeeper staff also leads the Summer Goalkeeper Academy, extending the same position-specific expertise beyond the competitive season and giving goalkeepers another opportunity for focused development.
QUESTIONS ABOUT LGU GOALKEEPING?
Contact the goalkeeper staff for questions about training groups, program structure or goalkeeper development at LGU.