By RYAN TOLMICH
Bill Hamid’s long-awaited ascent toward the upper echelon of American goalkeepers reached overdrive in 2014, and now the D.C. United has made the transition from top prospect to one of the best goalkeepers in the U.S. system.
Three years after assuming the role of starting goalkeeper, Hamid came into his own as D.C. United ascended from the league’s basement to the top of the Eastern Conference as Hamid provided a dominating force in goal. His play helped D.C. United post the best defensive record in MLS in 2014, and helped Hamid be select as SBI MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper was among the league’s best in every goalkeeper statistic, but statistics don’t do justice to the type of jaw-dropping saves Hamid made on a regular basis.
Leading the league in save percentage, Hamid’s saves ranged from calm to electric, as the D.C. United goalkeeper limited errors while erasing those made by the backline.
Hamid was voted SBI MLS Goalkeeper of the Year by SBI Soccer staff, winning in a landslide as he beat out a strong list of contenders for the award, including two-time and reigning SBI MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Nick Rimando and Columbus Crew netminder Steve Clark.
Here is a closer look at who rounded out the top five candidates for SBI MLS Goalkeeper of the Year:
2. NICK RIMANDO
Rimando remains as the gold standard of MLS goalkeepers as, despite missing considerable time with the World Cup, the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper provided five stops recognized as MLS Save of the Week, while also conceding on an astonishing one of five penalty kicks faced this season.
3. STEVE CLARK
Much like his team, Columbus Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark quietly remained among the league’s best throughout the 2014 season.
In his first MLS campaign, Clark ranked near the top of every goalkeeping category, including shutouts, save percentage and goals against. With Clark’s 2014 performances, the Crew appear confident with goalkeeping for years to come.
4. DAVID OUSTED
As the league leader in shutouts, David Ousted provided stability at the back as the Vancouver Whitecaps surged to a postseason birth.
Ousted kept the opposition scoreless 13 times, three more than any other goalkeeper. The Whitecaps goalkeeper also, unsurprisingly, ranked toward the top of the league in goals against, as Ousted never looked back after assuming the role of starter last season.
5. LUIS ROBLES
The New York Red Bulls 2014 campaign may be remembered for the team’s attacking gusto, but Luis Robles’ performance in goal were among the team’s best all season.
Highlighted by a 10 save performance against the New England Revolution in June, Robles provided save after save for the Red Bulls all season long on the way to a postseason birth.
SBI MLS GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR WINNERS
2009- Zach Thornton, Chivas USA
2010- Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
2011- Kasey Keller, Seattle Sounders
2012- Jimmy Nielsen, Sporting Kansas City
2013- Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
2014- Bill Hamid, D.C. United
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What did you think of Hamid’s form this season? Who garnered your vote for Goalkeeper of the Year? Who do you feel should have cracked the Top Five that didn’t make it?
Share your thoughts below.
Bill’s physical talent has always been there, this year he, and his play matured a great deal. The great thing, this guy still has more potential to reach!
I guess they didn’t take into account his pathetic performance against Ireland.
Hard to really fault Hamid on any of those goals. The defense was awful and that’s not all on Hamid. Also, you can’t judge a keeper over the course of an MLS season by a single performance in a friendly. I suspect you just don’t like DC United.
no love for penedo? anchoring the leagues best defense? okay then.
Congratulations, Bill! Job well done. Now keep up the high level work.
Well deserved – Hamid could make a serious run at being USMNT number one.
Certainly deserved. Rimando was impressive again this year, as always, but Hamid was simply better. Not even a tough choice, in my opinion.
It really is a shame that the Ireland game was such a disaster. Made it impossible for Hamid to show his quality (he could have possibly saved that second goal, but he was pretty much left out to dry on the night).
Since you’ve been smarter than the MLS in the past by recognizing Rimando, here’s to hoping that the MLS disagrees with you again and gives an overdue award to Nick.
I’d have thought Penedo from the Galaxy would have at least made the list
Great choice!
This season, Hamid’s (sometimes) lights out play was the reason for DCU’s success, keeping United in the match or preserving the win. Congrats!
In limited viewings, I wasn’t that impressed with Hamid before this year, but he earned his accolades this season. Well deserved. It’s hard to argue with how the top 5 shakes out, in my opinion.