Defiance player reviews: Lars Helleren

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories looking at the individual performances of Defiance players who are under contract in 2025. You can find all the stories here.

Goalkeeper Lars Helleren parlayed a couple of quality seasons with Ballard FC and a college career at Seattle Pacific University first into a stint with Colorado Rapids 2 before eventually landing with Tacoma Defiance. Helleren has the unenviable task of being the only signed GK on the roster but often finding himself on the bench behind the likes of Jacob Castro and Andrew Thomas, or academy GKs getting the chance to play up with Defiance.

Born: Oct. 13, 1998 (26)

2024 stats: 1 clean sheet, 5 goals allowed, 14 saves, 450 minutes

Total professional minutes: 540 minutes

Year in review: Helleren won 3 of his 5 starts, keeping a clean sheet in his final appearance as Defiance won 2-0 against Houston Dynamo 2 in the second-to-last game of the regular season. His losses included a 1-0 loss to St. Louis City 2, and a 1-1 draw with The Town FC in which Helleren made 4 saves before eventually falling 2-1 in the penalty shootout. As the team’s elder statesman, he provided stability and often kept them close enough to get a result in his appearances.

If it all works out: Despite good performances in his limited appearances, Helleren’s ceiling probably won’t be hit while he’s in the Sounders organization. He could be the next player who gets an opportunity to test himself at a higher level if his performances continue, and the Sounders and Defiance have made a habit of not standing in the way. If that chance comes, Helleren could be a good option for a USL Championship team in need of a quality GK who helps to raise their team’s floor.