Kasey Keller Wins Major League Soccer Goalkeeper Of The Year

by Dave Clark on Nov 15, 2011 9:37 AM PST in Sounders: News

Seattle Sounders Captain and United States national team legend Kasey Keller named 2011 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Rock on Kasey, Rock On!

While the Seattle Sounders didn't take the MLS Cup or Supporters Shield in his final season the American Legend has raked in individual awards. After last week being named the starter on the Best XI, today Kasey Keller is not just recognized, but running away with the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award. The storied Olympia, Washington native ends his short MLS career at the age of 41 among league leaders for save percentage, goals against average and even shutouts. For 2011 he lead save percentage and wins among starters.

While at SBNation there was some debate as to who the best keeper was over the 2011 season, voters in MLS awards had no doubt at all. Club officials gave Keller nearly twice as many votes as Faryd Mondragon (30% v 16%). Among media it was a bit closer as Kasey only had an 8% lead on Faryd. Only in the players' vote was it close but again it was Keller over Mondragon, this time by only 2%. Nick Rimando pulled down third.

Keller said on many occasions that he wanted to retire and leave people thinking that he had another year or two. Around Major League Soccer that is clearly the case. Replacing Keller is job one over the off-season. Whoever comes in will have to be his own man, because this standard will be difficult if not impossible to meet.

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Replacing the goal keeper position is job one

But no one will ever replace Kasey Keller.

Nos audietis in somniis, Nos audietis in altum: You will hear us!

by chrisso on Nov 15, 2011 10:13 AM PST reply actions

It was an honor to have him finish his storied career for Seattle.

I feel proud to having watched him live so many times.

by Jackington on Nov 15, 2011 10:14 AM PST reply actions

I will miss

That spastic, angry, fast walk he did when he was really mad. And the veins bulging in his temples.

I was wondering if his hair will grow back now.

by Milo1 on Nov 15, 2011 10:32 AM PST reply actions

Very lucky

To the idiots in other cities not supporting MLS: Please do so. We are very lucky to have a high quality league like MLS with goalies like Keller.
When we talk sports 20-30 years from now, he and his moments will some of the ones we are talking about.

Very lucky.

by Charles J on Nov 15, 2011 11:17 AM PST reply actions

Replacement goal keeper

As a shot stopper and a force in the box on corners, we will probably be able to find someone. There are lots of guys out there that can stop shots and go get a lollypop cross.

But what we’ll miss is his organizing at the back and rock in the locker room personality. Park, Hurtado and Alonso are not guys that yell when somebody needs to yell at the back line. In a funny way, that is the one thing we miss with Tyrone Marshall leaving last year, he was a guy that could grab the back line by the scruff of the neck.

Maybe Riley steps into that role… but it’s a hole we need to fill, just as much as a shot blocker.

by blakec on Nov 15, 2011 1:25 PM PST reply actions