Real Salt Lake boasted the stingiest defense in MLS this year, and while centerbacks Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers played key roles in RSL allowing the fewest goals in MLS, goalkeeper Nick Rimando was arguably the most important factor in the defending MLS champions strong defensive showing in 2010.
Rimando's league-leading 14 shutouts and his dynamic presence in the penalty area for RSL helped him earn SBI MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Four of six voters chose Rimando as the league's top keeper after he finished the year with the second-most wins and third-highest save percentage in the league. he finished the year with career highs in shutouts (14), wins (15) and goals-against average (0.67).
Kevin Hartman finished second in the SBI voting, garnering two of six first-place votes (including mine). Hartman finished with a league-high 0.62 goals-against average, a league-high 78.9 save percentage and a 10-1-8 record as a starter. Donovan Ricketts finished third in the voting.
What did you think of Rimando's selection as Goalkeeper of the Year? Did you vote for someone else?
Share your thoughts below.
It’s well deserved.
What makes you think FCD takes the SS over that? LA still wins all of their final games wether Hartman is in or not. It’s not like Sala was the difference maker in FCD final loss to LA.
Anyway I love those MLS fans who think everything should be compared head to head.
all in Dallas of course. Rimando will show who the best keeper is this weekend
The stats don’t lie and this is the right choice.
Stefan Frei. The test of a keeper is when he’s on a team that is challenged consistently.
Thierry Henry – thanks for showing that you really do have no class.
Hartman stays healthy, FCD is your Shield winner – and deep down, you all know it, no matter what Donovan Ricketts or Nick Rimando does.
4-1. Goals given up between little nicky and Hartman this year in games between their teams.
“Nick is my homeboy”
well-deserved. For those that disagree, did you see him last year during the playoffs? He was a pk-stopping machine, and he had a better year in ’10. He makes the back 4 better than they are, not the other way around.
Rimando had a fantastic year and he made some excellent saves in the first leg of FCD/RSL, but my vote goes to Hartman. Not only is he a great shot-stopper, he organizes the Dallas defense superbly as well. When Sala was in net after Hartman’s injury, FCD gave up an extra goal per game.
Incorrect: Andrew Dykstra easily wins the award.
I wrote it many times before and will do so again. Filipinos rule.
I think either Kevin Hartman or Bouna Coundoul deserved it; Kevin had a slightly better save percentage (0.789 compared to .784) but Bouna made almost double the amount of saves (105 compared to 56). Rimando and Ricketts benefited from stronger back lines although Tim Ream played fantastic for a rookie.
Hartman.
Congrats Nick! Well deserved honor.
Rimando should send a thank you to Henry.
Gotta be Hartman, he carried a less talented defensive team into contention. Rimando is a very good goalkeeper, but he’s helped quite a bit by his two defender of the year candidates and his possession midfield.
My choice was Hartman for MLS Goalkeeper of the year. I don’t think that FC Dallas gets into the playoffs by putting Dario Sala between the pipes. FC Dallas experienced a dip in form at the end there and it all had to do with Hartman being out after Henry’s idiotic excuse for a goal celebration.
Have always admired Rimando from afar. I know the USMNT first string keepers have alot of height on him, but I think I’d be comfortable with Rimando as keeper for the nats. Great season for Hartman and Ricketts also.
Rimando had a great year, but Donovan Ricketts is the reason why LA ultimately won the supporters shield and RSL did not.
My vote goes to Seitz