Ben Lundgaard

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Ben Lundgaard
Lundgaard with Columbus in 2018
Personal information
Full name Benjamin Cunningham Lundgaard[1]
Date of birth (1995-09-25) September 25, 1995 (age 28)
Place of birth Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Height 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
0000–2014 Delaware Rush
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2017 Virginia Tech Hokies 70 (0)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016 Fresno Fuego 1 (0)
2017 New York Red Bulls U-23 13 (0)
2018–2019 Columbus Crew SC 0 (0)
2018 → Indy Eleven (loan) 0 (0)
2019 → Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (loan) 4 (0)
2020 Atlanta United 2 13 (0)
2020 → Atlanta United (loan) 0 (0)
2021 Atlanta United 0 (0)
2021 → Atlanta United 2 (loan) 4 (0)
Total 35 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Benjamin Cunningham Lundgaard (born September 25, 1995) is an American retired soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. He appeared at the semi-professional level for Fresno Fuego and New York Red Bulls U-23 and spent time with Columbus Crew SC, Indy Eleven, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Atlanta United, and Atlanta United 2 at the professional level.

Lundgaard grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, winning three state titles at the Salesianum School and playing club soccer with the Delaware Rush. He played collegiately for four seasons at Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament for the first time in nine years as a junior and earning a first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference nod as a senior. Lundgaard was drafted by Columbus Crew SC in the first round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft but never made an appearance for the club, spending time on loan at Indy Eleven and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He joined Atlanta United 2 ahead of the 2020 season.

Early life[edit]

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Lundgaard grew up in Greenville and attended the Salesianum School in Wilmington.[2] He was a three-year varsity letterman and as a senior a team captain, winning the DIAA Division I state championship and finishing nationally ranked in each of his seasons on varsity.[3] As a senior, Lundgaard conceded just two goals while keeping 15 shoutouts in 17 matches.[4] He played club soccer with Delaware Rush and committed to play collegiately at Virginia Tech.[5] The Hokies' 2014 recruiting class also included Ricardo John and Collin Verfurth.

College and amateur[edit]

Lundgaard stepped straight into the starting lineup for the Hokies, making his debut on August 29, 2014 in a 1–0 overtime victory against SIU Edwardsville.[6] Although he split time with three other goalkeepers, primarily senior Ben Lockler, Lundgaard made 12 appearances during his freshman season. He kept six shutouts and was responsible for five of Virginia Tech's nine victories on the year.[4] As a sophomore, Lundgaard cemented his spot as the team's starting goalkeeper. He posted three shutouts in 16 appearances, capped by an October 16 match against nationally ranked Notre Dame. Lundgaard made two saves in that game, holding the Fighting Irish to a scoreless draw.[7]

Lundgaard kept eight shutouts in 22 appearances as a junior, both career-highs, and led the Hokies to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007. In the third round of the tournament, he made nine saves to help Virginia Tech defeat Indiana by a 2–1 scoreline, although the Hokies fell in the next round to Wake Forest.[8] He earned a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer.com Best XI Third Team at the end of the year.[9] Lundgaard was named as a team captain as a senior, going on to play all but eight minutes on the season ahead of Morten Lamps. He was instrumental in a victory against No. 1 Notre Dame on September 22, facing 23 shots and making 10 saves as the Hokies claimed a 2–1 victory; his 10 saves were a career-high.[10] Lundgaard kept six clean sheets in 20 appearances and was named First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.[11] He appeared in 70 matches during his time at Virginia Tech, while his 23 career shutouts ranked second in school history, behind only Chase Harrison.[12]

Fresno Fuego[edit]

Following his sophomore season at Virginia Tech, Lundgaard played in the Premier Development League (PDL) with Fresno Fuego.[13] He made his lone appearance for the club on June 4, 2016, playing 45 minutes in a 1–0 victory against Southern California Seahorses.[14]

New York Red Bulls U-23[edit]

Lundgaard returned to the PDL following his junior season at Virginia Tech, playing for New York Red Bulls U-23.[15] He was installed as the club's starting goalkeeper, making his debut in a 3–2 victory against Reading United on May 20, 2017.[16] Lundgaard conceded just 10 regular season goals and helped the club to the PDL regular season title. He started the Eastern Conference play-in game but conceded a season-high four goals as the U-23s were eliminated by Long Island Rough Riders.[17] Lundgaard appeared 14 times and was named as the 2017 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year.[11]

Club career[edit]

Columbus Crew SC[edit]

2018: Loan to Indy[edit]

Lundgaard was one of five goalkeepers selected to participate in the 2018 MLS Combine and one of two Virginia Tech players, along with Marcelo Acuna.[18] Columbus Crew SC drafted Lundgaard with the 21st overall pick of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, the first time that the club had ever selected a goalkeeper in the first round.[19] After taking part in preseason, he signed for Crew SC on March 1.[20] Less than a week later, Lundgaard was sent to United Soccer League club Indy Eleven on a season-long loan.[21] After serving as the backup goalkeeper in each of the club's first two matches, he returned to Columbus on April 4 to undergo surgery for an injured ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb.[22] Lundgaard returned to full health in mid-June, but was unable to crack the starting lineup in Indy. He sat on the bench 23 times on the year, then returned to Columbus at the end of the season without appearing in a match for the Eleven.[23] On December 9, Lundgaard had his contract option picked up by the Crew.[24]

2019: Loan to Pittsburgh[edit]

For the second consecutive season, Lundgaard was sent on loan by Columbus, this time joining USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Although he had been with the Hounds in preseason camp, the move wasn't made official until March 6, 2019, with the loan lasting for the duration of the 2019 USL Championship season.[25] Lundgaard made his club and professional debut on March 23, starting at Children's Mercy Park as the Riverhounds drew 2–2 with Swope Park Rangers.[26] He appeared in four of the club's first six matches of the season, keeping two clean sheets, but fell out of the lineup behind Kyle Morton and midseason arrival Austin Pack.[27] Lundgaard suffered a back injury in late April, necessitating the signing of Pack, and was unable to return to the Pittsburgh lineup after returning to full health.[28][29] He was recalled by the Crew on June 21 to provide cover after Zack Steffen completed a move to Europe.[30] Following the end of the Crew's season, Lundgaard was officially loaned back to Pittsburgh, but did not train with the Hounds, remaining on the Pittsburgh roster for the playoffs only in case of an injury to Morton or Pack.[31] Lundgaard had his contract option declined by Columbus on October 21, ending his two-year affiliation with the club.[32]

Atlanta United 2[edit]

On January 27, 2020, Lundgaard signed for USL Championship club Atlanta United 2.[33] He made his club debut on March 8, making two saves in a 1–0 defeat against Charleston Battery.[34] After the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then resumed in July, Lundgaard remained as the primary starting goalkeeper, playing in 13 games. In his last three appearances on the year, he made two penalty saves, with stops against Tampa Bay Rowdies on August 22 and Miami FC on October 4.[35][36] At the end of the season, Lundgaard had his contract option picked up by the club.[37] He then joined Atlanta United on a short-term loan for the resumption of the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League.[38] Lundgaard remained on the bench against América as Atlanta was eliminated from the competition.[39]

Atlanta United[edit]

After one season with Atlanta United 2, Lundgaard signed a Major League Soccer (MLS) contract with Atlanta United on March 4, 2021. He joined on a one-year deal with two additional option years; Atlanta vice president Carlos Bocanegra said that Lundgaard had "been a model of consistency and hard work since joining Atlanta United 2" and had earned an opportunity with the first team.[40] He missed the MLS season opener with a lower body injury but returned to sit on the bench 15 times in all competitions.[41] However, Lundgaard did not play a game for the Atlanta first team. He appeared in four matches, all coming while back on loan with Atlanta United 2.[23] Following the season, Lundgaard had his contract option declined by the club.[42] He never appeared for the Atlanta United first team, but played in 17 games across two years with the 2's.[23]

Personal life[edit]

Lundgaard majored in public relations while at Virginia Tech.[4] He is of Norwegian heritage: his great-grandfather was born in Norway.[11] His father, Per, competed for the University of Wyoming in swimming and water polo while his brother, Peter, played soccer at York College of Pennsylvania.[4]

Career statistics[edit]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[17][23][43]
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Fresno Fuego 2016 PDL 1 0 — — 0 0 1 0
New York Red Bulls U-23 2017 PDL 13 0 — — 1[a] 0 14 0
Columbus Crew SC 2018 Major League Soccer 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
2019 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Indy Eleven (loan) 2018 USL 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (loan) 2019 USL Championship 4 0 0 0 — 0 0 4 0
Atlanta United 2 2020 USL Championship 13 0 — — — 13 0
Atlanta United (loan) 2020 Major League Soccer 0 0 — 0 0 — 0 0
Atlanta United 2021 0 0 — 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Atlanta United 2 (loan) 2021 USL Championship 4 0 — — — 4 0
Career total 35 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 36 0
  1. ^ Appearance in the PDL playoffs

Honors[edit]

Fresno Fuego
New York Red Bulls U-23[45]
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2020 CONCACAF Champions League final rosters" (PDF). CONCACAF Champions League. CONCACAF. December 7, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  2. ^ Ralph, Matthew (August 7, 2017). "After successful summer, Ben Lundgaard confident going into final season at Virginia Tech". Brotherly Game. SB Nation. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  3. ^ "DSSAA/DIAA State Champions – Fall Sports" (PDF). Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ben Lundgaard – Virginia Tech profile". Virginia Tech Hokies. Virginia Tech. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "Prep Notes: Delaware Stadium to host Red Clay football display". USA Today. Gannett. September 11, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2018. Goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard and Dylan Huber have committed to Virginia Tech...
  6. ^ SIUE Sports Information (August 29, 2014). "Men's soccer: Virginia Tech edges SIUE in overtime". The Metro Independent. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  7. ^ "In the region: Lentine lifts Roanoke men's soccer in overtime". The Roanoke Times. Berkshire Hathaway. October 16, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  8. ^ Davis, Drew (November 27, 2016). "Tech men's soccer advances to Elite Eight after upsetting No. 7 Indiana in overtime". Collegiate Times. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  9. ^ "2016 TDS Men's Division I Best XI teams". TopDrawerSoccer.com. December 15, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  10. ^ Newman, Stephen (September 23, 2017). "Hokies' men's soccer stuns No. 1 Notre Dame". Collegiate Times. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  11. ^ a b c d Berman, Mark (November 12, 2017). "Marcelo Acuna, Ben Lundgaard make their mark on Virginia Tech soccer". The Roanoke Times. Berkshire Hathaway. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  12. ^ "Virginia Tech Men's Soccer Program History and Records" (PDF). Virginia Tech Hokies. Virginia Tech. April 18, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  13. ^ Moreno, Angel (September 7, 2016). "Two Fresnans named to USL's team of week; Chaney debuts with Earthquakes". The Fresno Bee. McClatchy. Retrieved December 25, 2020. At rival Virginia Tech, former Fuego teammate and goalie Ben Lundgaard is helping the Hokies to their first national ranking since 2008...
  14. ^ "Southern California Seahorses 0–1 Fresno Fuego". Premier Development League. United Soccer League. June 4, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  15. ^ Fido, Austin (May 5, 2017). "First glance at the New York Red Bulls U-23 squad for PDL 2017". Once A Metro. SB Nation. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  16. ^ Fido, Austin (May 21, 2017). "New York Red Bulls U-23s beat Reading United, 3–2, in PDL 2017 opener". Once A Metro. SB Nation. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  17. ^ a b "Ben Lundgaard at Premier Development League". Premier Development League. United Soccer League. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  18. ^ Barnold, A.J.; Nielse, Aaron; Reno, Bill (January 12, 2018). "2018 MLS Combine player profile crash-course". American Soccer Analysis. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  19. ^ Johnson, Collin (January 19, 2018). "Columbus Crew SC select goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard with the 21st overall pick". Massive Report. SB Nation. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  20. ^ Erickson, Andrew (March 1, 2018). "Crew SC signs draft picks Argudo, Lundgaard to contracts". The Columbus Dispatch. GateHouse Media. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  21. ^ Erickson, Andrew (March 5, 2018). "Crew Cuts: Three players added to Crew SC leadership council". The Columbus Dispatch. GateHouse Media. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  22. ^ "Indy Eleven goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard undergoes successful surgery for thumb injury". Indy Eleven. United Soccer League. April 5, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  23. ^ a b c d Ben Lundgaard at Soccerway. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  24. ^ Guldan, Patrick (November 26, 2018). "Crew SC announces 2019 roster decisions". Massive Report. SB Nation. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  25. ^ Kriger, Rachael (March 6, 2019). "Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC acquire goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard on loan". Pittsburgh Sports Castle. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  26. ^ Krysinsky, John (March 23, 2019). "Final: Riverhounds SC 2, Swope Park Rangers 2". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Pittsburgh Sports Now. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  27. ^ Picardi, Anthony (April 27, 2019). "Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs Nashville SC game notes" (PDF) (Press release). Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  28. ^ Krysinsky, John (April 29, 2019). "PITvNSH Takeaways & Player Grades: James, subs fuel frantic comeback". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Pittsburgh Sports Now. Retrieved January 23, 2020. "Ben had a bit of a tight back, so it wasn't anything more than that. They both need to be ready. We did have Ben originally scheduled, you know he tweaked his back and we made the decision yesterday that we would go with Kyle."
  29. ^ Krysinsky, John (May 3, 2019). "Riverhounds SC Notebook: Pack signed; injuries test roster depth". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Pittsburgh Sports Now. Retrieved January 23, 2020. In an important move with one goalkeeper already injured, and needing depth for the rigors of the season along with impending U.S. Open Cup play, the Riverhounds signed goalkeeper Austin Pack...
  30. ^ @_Pat_Murphy (June 21, 2019). "Goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard is back with #Crew96 today. He was on loan to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds most of this season" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Asher Goodman, Mark (October 18, 2019). "Riverhounds SC Notebook: Last regular-season game might be critical … or irrelevant". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Pittsburgh Sports Now. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  32. ^ Crew SC Communications (October 21, 2019). "Columbus Crew SC announces roster updates ahead of 2020 season". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Columbus Crew SC. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  33. ^ Atlanta United Communications (January 27, 2020). "Atlanta United 2 signs Ben Lundgaard". Atlanta United FC. Major League Soccer. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  34. ^ Atlanta United Communications (March 9, 2020). "Atlanta United 2 falls 1–0 to Charleston Battery in season opener". Atlanta United FC. Major League Soccer. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  35. ^ "Atlanta United 2 Falls Short to Tampa Bay Rowdies". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation. August 23, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  36. ^ Atlanta United Communications (October 4, 2020). "ATL UTD 2 closes out season with 3–1 defeat". Atlanta United FC. Major League Soccer. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  37. ^ "Atlanta United 2 announce year-end roster moves ahead of 2021 season". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  38. ^ Roberson, Doug (December 15, 2020). "Atlanta United could be without key starters against Club America". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cox Enterprises. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  39. ^ Soto, Kyle (December 16, 2020). "Atlanta United loses to Club America 3–1 on aggregate, knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  40. ^ Roberson, Doug (March 4, 2021). "Atlanta United adds third goalkeeper". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cox Enterprises. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  41. ^ @MikeConti929 (April 16, 2021). "With Alec Kann and Ben Lundgaard unavailable for tomorrow's match in Orlando, Atlanta United has signed Rocco Rios Novo to another Short Term Agreement as an Extreme Hardship call-up. From MLS, here's how that works:" (Tweet). Retrieved January 1, 2022 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ Patrick, Joe (December 1, 2021). "Atlanta United parts with both reserve goalkeepers as part of year-end roster moves". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  43. ^ Ben Lundgaard at Major League Soccer
  44. ^ Moreno, Angel (February 10, 2017). "Fresno Fuego announce schedule for 2017 PDL season". The Fresno Bee. McClatchy. Retrieved January 21, 2019. The Fuego are coming off a 10-3-1 season that saw them win the Central Pacific Division crown.
  45. ^ Fido, Austin (July 16, 2017). "New York Red Bulls U-23s clinch Mid Atlantic Division title in PDL 2017". Once A Metro. SB Nation. Retrieved January 21, 2019.
  46. ^ Kriger, Rachael (October 21, 2019). "Riverhounds SC clinch first place in Eastern Conference, will host playoff match". Pittsburgh Sports Castle. Retrieved December 16, 2020.

External links[edit]

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