Washington Huskies Secure Goalkeeper Stockton Short Ahead of 2026 Season
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Following their historic national championship victory, the University of Washington is proactively strengthening its men’s soccer program with the signing of graduate student goalkeeper Stockton Short. The addition comes as the Huskies prepare for the 2026 season and seek a replacement for a key departing player.
The Huskies, fresh off their first-ever national title, announced the signing of Short, who will join the team in advance of the fall 2026 season. This strategic move addresses a critical need following the graduation of Jadon Bowton, the College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Filling a Critical Void in Goal
Short arrives in Seattle after a distinguished four-year career at Utah Tech, where he consistently demonstrated his prowess as a goalkeeper. He will be competing for the starting position left vacant by Bowton’s departure. Notably, Short was recently drafted by the Seattle Sounders in the third round of the 2026 MLS draft, selected at pick No. 86, signaling his professional potential.
During his time with the Trailblazers, Short appeared in 47 games, making 18 starts in both his sophomore and junior seasons. He amassed an impressive 210 saves throughout his collegiate career, peaking with a remarkable 105 saves in 2024 – a total that tied him for the most in the nation.
A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Short’s impact at Utah Tech extends beyond save totals. He concludes his career ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in several key statistical categories:
- Third in goalkeeper minutes played (4,120)
- Third in total saves (210)
- Third in goals against average (1.45)
- Fourth in shutouts (7)
His consistent performance earned him four WAC Goalkeeper of the Week awards, further solidifying his reputation as a top talent.
Familiar Territory for the New Husky
A native of Pleasant View, Utah, Short possesses existing ties to the Pacific Northwest. He spent the 2025 season competing with Ballard FC in the USL 2 league, gaining valuable experience in the region and demonstrating his adaptability to the local soccer landscape. This prior experience is expected to facilitate a smoother transition into the Husky program.
The addition of Stockton Short represents a significant investment in the future of Washington Huskies soccer, as the program looks to build upon its recent championship success.
