Jonny Walker (born 12 June 1988) is an American former professional soccer goalkeeper. He is best known for his tenure with Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy, where he won multiple league titles, and for representing the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) in international competition.
Early life and education
Jonathan "Jonny" Walker was born in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. He attended West High School in Madison before enrolling at the University of Dayton, where he played collegiate soccer for the Dayton Flyers from 2006 to 2007. Walker earned recognition as a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and was named the conference's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007.
Professional career
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LA Galaxy (2008–2014) – Walker signed with MLS club LA Galaxy as a Generation Adidas player in 2008. He served primarily as a backup goalkeeper during his early seasons, but became the starting goalkeeper in 2011 following an injury to then-starter Kevin Hartman. Walker helped the Galaxy secure MLS Cup victories in 2011, 2012, and 2014, and was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2012.
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International loan and brief stints – In 2013, Walker was loaned to Japanese J1 League side Cerezo Osaka, where he appeared in 12 league matches. He returned to the Galaxy later that year.
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Seattle Sounders FC (2015) – Walker was traded to Seattle Sounders FC in January 2015. He served as a backup goalkeeper and made three MLS appearances during the season.
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Return to LA Galaxy and retirement – In early 2016, Walker rejoined LA Galaxy on a short-term contract but did not feature in any regular‑season matches. He announced his retirement from professional soccer in February 2017.
International career
Walker earned his first senior cap for the United States on 14 November 2010 in a friendly against South Africa. He was included in the USMNT roster for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the United States finished as runners‑up. Over his international career, Walker accumulated a total of 4 caps, all in friendly or tournament matches, without scoring (as a goalkeeper).
Playing style
Walker was noted for his shot‑stopping ability, composure in handling set pieces, and distribution skills. Analysts highlighted his athleticism and leadership in organizing the defensive line. However, recurring injuries throughout his career limited his playing time and consistency.
Post‑retirement activities
Following retirement, Walker pursued a career in sports broadcasting and youth soccer development. He has worked as a color commentator for MLS matches on regional networks and has served as a goalkeeper coach for youth academies in the Los Angeles area.
Personal life
Walker holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Dayton. He is married and has two children. He is involved in charitable initiatives focusing on youth sports access and mental health awareness.
Career statistics (selected)
| Club | Seasons | Appearances (League) | Clean sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Galaxy | 2008–2014 | 118 | 35 |
| Cerezo Osaka (loan) | 2013 | 12 | 3 |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2015 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | — | 133 | 38 |
Honours
Club
- MLS Cup: 2011, 2012, 2014 (LA Galaxy)
- Supporters' Shield: 2010, 2011 (LA Galaxy)
Individual
- MLS Goalkeeper of the Year: 2012
References
- Major League Soccer official player profile archives.
- United States Soccer Federation match records.
- University of Dayton athletics historical data.
External links
- MLS profile (archived)
- USMNT player statistics database
Note: All information presented reflects documented sources up to the date of retirement in 2017.