Kasey Keller Wins Major League Soccer Goalkeeper Of The Year

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.