US Open Cup: Former Columbus Crew GK William Hesmer to serve as backup for Carolina RailHawks

columbus crew goalkeeper william hesmer says team must demand perfection on defense

Will Hesmer is heading back to the pros – for one game, at least.


An MLS Cup-winning goalkeeper with the Columbus Crew, the now-retired Hesmer spilled the beans on Monday, hinting that he may have a part to play in the Carolina RailHawks' fifth-round US Open Cup game against the LA Galaxy on Tuesday evening (7:30 pm ET):

A Carolina spokesperson later confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Hesmer would be the team's backup 'keeper against the Galaxy due to the team's shortage of players in that position. The 32-year-old Raleigh-area native has been training with his hometown team since the end of last week.



Hesmer spent the first three seasons of his career with Kansas City before moving to the Crew prior to the 2007 season, where he established himself as the starter on a side that won MLS Cup in 2008 and Supporters' Shield titles in 2008 and 2009.


He missed the entirety of the 2012 season for the Crew after hip surgery in April of that year, and although he was selected by the Galaxy in that year's Re-Entry Draft, he opted to retire from professional soccer in February of 2013.