Inter Miami are in the hunt for some goalkeeping cover ahead of the 2025 MLS season but current number one Drake Callender isn’t worried.
Callender is set to miss Javier Mascherano’s first game, he is currently training with the US national team alongside teammate Benjamin Cremaschi.
Mascherano will be looking to tighten up an Inter Miami defense, that conceded 49 goals in the MLS regular season. Inter Miami are close to signing defender Gonzalo Lujan, but it is a goalkeeper they desperately seek.
While the Herons have welcomed back Oscar Ustari they are still on the hunt for further competition.
Callender confident in his ability
Mascherano has been open about his need to sign players, and bodies will be needed before they face Club America in their first pre-season friendly.
Inter Miami face some tough tests on their pre-season tour, which sees them travel to Peru, Panama and Honduras.
It is uncertain how Lionel Messi will be used in pre-season, but one certain thing is the presence of a new goalkeeper against Club America.
Asked if he was concerned by Inter Miami’s clear goalkeeper search Callender said: “It comes down to what you can control, I’m just focused on myself.
“At the end of the day, I’m my own biggest competition and my job is to be the best that I can be.
Callender confirmed it was nothing out of the ordinary for the club to try and make a competitive environment, saying: “It’s pretty natural in the pro-sports world for them to create an environment where it’s competitive. I think going into the year it’s important to have a goalkeeping group that’s going to compete.”
Inter Miami have agreed a loan deal for Rocco Rios Novo, someone who could certainly provide competition for Callender.
Callender’s Inter Miami career
Callender joined Inter Miami back in 2019 from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for the 27th draft pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
This year’s SuperDraft saw Inter Miami pick up two future stars who will play alongside Callender this season.
The 27-year-old has gone on to make 132 appearances for the Herons since 2019 and has firmly cemented the number-one spot at the club.
He played all but one MLS regular season game last season keeping five clean sheets in 32, perhaps something he will want to build on.
Here’s a look at Callender’s 2024 stats with Inter Miami.
| Competition | Games Played | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| MLS | 32 | 45 | 5 |
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| Leagues Cup | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| MLS Cup Playoffs | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 42 | 67 | 5 |
In 2023 he played a huge role in helping Inter Miami win the first edition of the Leagues Cup after a penalty kick shootout, in which he scored a penalty and saved two.
There is little doubt that Callender will begin the campaign as Mascherano’s number one, but he will have to impress when Inter Miami hosts New York City FC in their opening game to keep the gloves.