There has been no shortage of standout goalkeepers during the first half of the season in MLS, but the best of the litter to this point has been the Columbus Crew's Andy Gruenebaum.
Filling in for injured incumbent Will Hesmer, Gruenebaum has proven an integral part of Columbus having the stingiest defense in the league (only 15 goals surrendered in 15 games) and that has earned him SBI's Mid-season MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Chosen as the mid-season's top goalkeeper by a vote of SBI staff members, Gruenebaum has made 59 saves, second-highest in the league, while recording six cleansheets in a season that has already seen him play a career-high in matches. His performances this season have also helped the Crew mask their offensive deficencies while going 6-5-4 and staying in contention for a playoff spot.
Gruenebaum beat out Colorado Rapids netminder Matt Pickens, Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy and Vancouver Whitecaps veteran Joe Cannon for the award.
What do you think of Gruenebaum winning SBI's MLS Mid-season MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award? Agree? Think it should have been someone else?
Share your thoughts below.
Andy has done an incredible job so far this year. It’s not just the shots he’s stopped, but the way he has done it. The Crew’s offense and defense has been susceptible this year leaving Andy with several one on one or close in shots that he has saved. Ask Seattle fans what they think of him.
That was an all turf goal – the ball bounced 30yds over his head!
From when we watched him in the first few games where it seemed it would be a long season to now where he’s giving Columbus chances to win games and bring in valued points I think there’s no doubt Andy is the man!
Disagree, Kennedy and Pickens are tied for #1 in my book
It feels good to see a fellow Kentucky grad earn his stripes!!
Glad to see the hammer get some love!
Columbus Till I Die.
Gruenebaum has been excellent this year, well deserved. He made one glaring error against Vancouver but otherwise has been rock solid.
True Dat… Hebrew Hammertime!
He has come a long way since letting NY’s backup GK score on him from about 70 yards away.
Wasnt he SBI’s rookie of the half year? I think thats enough certainly not the best keeper in league.
I love Nielsen, but did the Sporks even allow a shot on goal the first seven games ?
What about a rookie named Meara? He had to deal with a back-line that changes more often than your eating habits. Come on Ives…
Hammertime!
Really surprised that Sporting KC’s Jimmy Nielsen apparently wasn’t even in the running–a 1.00 GAA and 6 clean sheets wasn’t enough to merit a look?