How it all came to be...
Noah Palmer started playing soccer, like many young children, at the age of five. His parents started him in the local recreation league, which helped Palmer develop a love for the sport. At ten years-old, Palmer moved to Virginia Beach, Va., he joined a club team called Williamsburg Celtics. The Celtics struggled badly, losing every game with the competition scoring several goals.
A little frustrated, Palmer decided he wanted to start playing goalkeeper position because he was convinced that it was a position where he could affect the game the most. Even though he might not be scoring goals, but felt he could stop the other team from scoring. Palmer eventually became enthralled in the position more than he originally thought, and from that point, he suited up between the pipes.
When Palmer was 13, he switched to the Beach FC Desperados club team and played with them throughout his high school career. The Desperados were the elite of the highest class, with Palmer helping lead his team to four straight Virginia State Cup Championships.
While he was playing club soccer, Palmer also competed for the Olympic Development Program (ODP). He worked his way up the ranks playing on the Virginia State ODP Team, then onto the Regional Team. Finally, when he was a senior in high school, Palmer became a member of the U-18 National Team and was named to the 2001 adidas All-America team.
After much success with his club and ODP squad, Palmer made his way to the University of Maryland, where he was one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in Maryland history. Palmer finished his collegiate career with a school record 34 shutouts for the Terrapins.
After a very successful career at the University of Maryland, Palmer was invited to showcase his talents at the 2005 adidas MLS Combine and was selected 25th overall in third round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft by Real Salt Lake.
Coach Ellinger's Call...
"I have seen Noah Palmer several times over the past couple of years in the ACC and the NCAA Tournament. His ability to distribute the ball and shot blocking provide Real Salt Lake with a player that can compete at the highest level. We didn't know if we could get him after picking up Jay Nolly in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft and we are extremely happy to have him."
Field Vision: Forward Jamie Watson says...
"Noah did extremely well in preseason. He had the best record out of all the goalkeepers and I hope he continues to do well. He has made the transition from college to professional soccer very well and has taken everything in stride. Noah is starting to prove himself and is gaining a lot of respect from everyone on the team."
Things you need to know...
Nickname:
Nono
Hobbies:
Reading, Watching TV
Major in college:
Business
Most memorable moments:
Winning All-Tournament 2002 at the Univ. of Maryland
Favorite music:
Rap
Favorite movie:
Man on Fire
Favorite food:
Chipotle Mexican food
Favorite book:
"Kane and Abel" by Jeffrey Archer
Favorite TV show:
SportsCenter
Favorite athlete outside of soccer:
Bo Jackson
Charities/Causes:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
