Chester – The Philadelphia Union announced today that goalkeeper Oliver Semmle has been loaned to USL Championship side North Carolina FC for the remainder of the 2025 season.

News of the potential move was first reported on Sunday by José Nuñez. Semmle originally signed with the Union on Jan. 31, 2024, and made his club debut on Feb. 24, 2024 against Chicago Fire FC. Across 17 appearances (15 starts) with Philadelphia, he recorded 15 saves, posted a 64.6% save percentage, and registered four clean sheets.

In 2024, Semmle was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday alongside Julián Carranza and head coach Jim Curtin after a seven-save performance in a 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on March 23.

After a strong start to the 2024 season while Andre Blake was sidelined with injury, Semmle’s form dipped. He was rotated with Andrew Rick for starting opportunities before Rick ultimately claimed the No. 2 spot.

Semmle has not featured for the Union’s first team in 2025 appearance, except in the friendlies with Atlas and Eintracht Frankfurt. His minutes have come with Union II, where he made five appearances, recorded one clean sheet, and posted a 70.6% save percentage before the loan back to the USL Championship.

For Semmle, the move marks a return to a league where he previously excelled. In 2023 with Louisville City FC, he set a rookie record with 13 clean sheets, leading the USL Championship that season across 34 appearances.

North Carolina FC currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with 30 points through 19 matches, one behind third-place Loudoun United FC and three ahead of fifth-place Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The club has scored 29 goals (seventh in the league) but conceded 26 (tied for 12th), with only four clean sheets. Semmle is expected to compete for minutes in a goalkeeper unit that now numbers four.

For Philadelphia, the loan provides roster flexibility. It opens an international slot during the MLS summer transfer window, which could be used for a new signing or traded for allocation money. The move also creates opportunities for Union II goalkeepers such as Pierce Holbrook or Mike Sheridan to train and provide depth with the first team.

The Union holds Semmle’s contract option for 2026, though his long-term future with the club remains uncertain.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union