Greenville, S.C. – United States Men’s National Team defender Walker Zimmerman, a standout for Furman in 2011 and 2012, is set to become the third Paladin in program history to compete in the FIFA World Cup later this winter.
Zimmerman, a native of Lawrenceville, Ga., joins Furman Athletics Hall of Famers Ricardo Clark (2010) and Clint Dempsey (2006, 2010, 2014) as the only players in program history to appear in a FIFA World Cup. He was called up to the U.S. National Team in 2017 and has made 28 appearances throughout his international career and registered three goals and one assist.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place from November 21 to December 17 in Qatar. The U.S. qualified for the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday following a 2-0 loss at Costa Rica. Zimmerman captained the U.S. in the final qualifying match. Zimmerman helped the U.S. compile a 6-2-2 record during World Cup qualifying including a 0-0 draw at Mexico and a 5-1 victory over Panama.
The U.S. will play in Group B along with England, Iran and the European Playoff winner of either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
Zimmerman played two seasons for the Paladins, recording 11 goals and five assists, under head coach Doug Allison and helped the program to a 26-8-7 record during his time in Greenville.
He netted five goals and added two assists while starting all 22 games for Furman in 2011. Zimmerman was named to College Soccer News and Soccer America's Freshman All-America First Team squads while garnering Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and first team all-league honors as the Paladins posted a 14-4-4 record and earned an NCAA berth. In 2012, Zimmerman played in and started 17 games while scoring six goals and adding three assists. He captured College Soccer News First Team and NSCAA Second Team All-America honors after leading the Paladins to a 12-4-3 record and captured first team All-SoCon accolades.
He was tabbed as the No. 7 pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas.
Zimmerman is currently in his 10
th season in Major League Soccer (MLS) and has played for three teams in FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Nashville SC. He was acquired by Nashville SC from LAFC in 2020. Zimmerman was an MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI in 2019 and has won two Supporters’ Shields with FC Dallas (2016) and LAFC (2019). The 2021 MLS Defender of the Year, Zimmerman has started in 170 games during his professional career while appearing in 191 contests. He has also played in 14 MLS Cup Playoff games and made 11 starts.