Real Salt Lake fielded the stingiest defense in Major League Soccer and the anchor of that defense was Colombian centerback Jamison Olave. The imposing defender put together the best season of his three-year MLS career, a season that helped him earn SBI MLS Defender of the Year honors.
Olave was a unanimous choice among SBI voters, garnering all six first-place votes. He beat out Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez and FC Dallas fullback Heath Pearce, who finished second and third respectively in the voting.
Olave anchored a record-setting defense that allowed just 20 goals all season. He and Nat Borchers combined to form the best central defense in MLS, helping goalkeeper Nick Rimando post 14 shutouts. Olave started in 27 matches for RSL, scoring three goals.
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