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SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Nick Rimando

Nick Rimando

Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/ISIphotos.com

By CARL SETTERLUND

Some people were ready to hand the U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeping job to Brad Guzan after Tim Howard recently announced announced his one-year national team hiatus — but not so fast.

As planned, Jurgen Klinsmann inserted Nick Rimando at halftime of Wednesday’s 1-0 win in a friendly against the Czech Republic and the Real Salt Lake veteran came up big time after time, making four saves to hold off a Czech side that came out reenergized in the second half.

Rimando made Alejandro Bedoya’s first half tap-in stand, commanding his box as the Czech Republic pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

The 35-year old showed great instincts with a tremendous kick save on a close range try by Ladislav Krejci at the hour mark. Later on, with the result in the balance in the 85th minute, Rimando came through with another reactive save, parrying away Radim Reznik’s volley from 12 yards out.

Rimando beats out Bedoya, center back John Brooks and Joe Gyau, who went the full 90 minutes in his national team debut.

Who did you think was the USMNT Man of the Match? Cast your vote here:

  • Nick Rimando
  • John Brooks
  • Mix Dikerud
  • Alejandro Bedoya
  • Joe Gyau

Who did you vote for? What did you think of Rimando’s performance? Who else impressed you vs. the Czechs?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. i love having rimando on the squad–he’s been one of my favorite players since his days in dc.

    that said, this game simply highlighted his strengths–great reactions and distribution–while hiding his weaknesses–long shots and aerial challenges. my vote is still guzan for starter.

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  2. Rimando has always been an acrobatic, quality keeper in MLS. A bit small, though. Still, he’s got great reflexes. Would want him on my team any day.

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  3. Incredible that he’s only 5’9 and yet such a good goalkeeper? Has he ever had offers from mexico or Europe? I love that JK hasn’t ignored him despite him being much older and only playing in MLS

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  4. Voted for Diskeruud since his performance was so complete, but Rimando is absolutely a good choice with his fantastic saves in the second half.

    Gyau showed some things, but I was a bit surprised people were quite so positive about him. He’s got some holes in his game, and they’re pretty much the same ones he had three years ago. Let’s hope he takes a big step forward this season for Dortmund’s reserves. He’s about to turn 22, so this is a critical point in his development if he’s going to be a useful player going forward.

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    • Agreed, especially on Gyau. He shows great speed, confidence, and he works hard. But his game is still a bit one-dimensional (turn-and-go) for a starting role. He’d be great off the bench.

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    • voted for mix as well. very pleased with his ability to play deeper in midfield. now i’m interested to see a midfield of bradley and mix.

      Reply

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