Top 10 Goalkeepers of the 2014 MLS Season
As the 2014 MLS campaign comes to a close, Bleacher Report will examine the top 10 goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers from this season.
In this edition, the best goalkeepers have been selected and critiqued based on shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, frequency of individual errors and technique. All stats used are from MLSSoccer.com.
Here are the 10 standout goalkeepers of the 2014 MLS season.
Narrowly Missing the Cut
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Tally Hall
Steve Clark
Dan Kennedy
Raul Fernandez
Sean Johnson
10. Joe Bendik
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Toronto FC has spiraled down the Eastern Conference standings in recent weeks. However, Joe Bendik is a major reason the Reds are still in the thick of the playoff race.
Julio Cesar was the starter at the beginning of the year, but once the Brazilian's loan was completed, Bendik reclaimed the job, and he has looked solid.
In 21 starts, Bendik has made 63 saves on 96 shots, allowing 34 goals in the process. That's fewer than the likes of former TFC goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
Bendik does tend to stay on his line a bit too much, which makes it easier for attackers to score. On the other hand, the 25-year-old has made some massive saves in crucial games.
9. Zac MacMath
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The Philadelphia Union have three quality goalkeepers in their squad. Rais M'Bolhi was Algeria's starter at the 2014 FIFA World Cup this summer, and Andre Blake was the first overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
Despite the fierce competition, Zac MacMath has started in 26 of the Union's 29 matches this season. With two different coaches and some tweaking at the back, MacMath has continually impressed for Philadelphia.
MacMath's 73 saves off 115 shots with 39 goals conceded are respectable numbers, but it's his technique that has stood out this season. He comes out, cuts off the angle, confidently claims crosses and organizes the defense.
If MacMath isn't a starter in MLS next season, it will be a surprise, because he's established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper.
8. Bobby Shuttleworth
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Assuming the New England Revolution make it to the playoffs, they'll be the dark horses in the Eastern Conference with their organized defense, balanced midfield and exciting attack. It will also help having Bobby Shuttleworth in goal.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper has shined whenever his attack has gone dry. Shuttleworth's numbers are also very impressive. He's recorded 75 saves and conceded 34 goals.
Shuttleworth's agility and reactions are strong, but his communication skills are underrated. New England's defense is rarely carved open by opposing attacks, because the goalkeeper has the back line organized.
7. Bill Hamid
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Bill Hamid was, at one point, Tim Howard's heir apparent within the U.S. men's national team camp. Things haven't turned out that way, but Hamid has had an excellent 2014 and has been a contributing factor in D.C. United's resurgence in 2014.
D.C. has the joint-best defense in the Eastern Conference, with 34 goals conceded in 29 games. Hamid has started in 25 of those matches and has eight clean sheets. Only David Ousted has more, with nine.
Hamid's reflexes, shot-stopping ability and technique are all top-notch. His handling is a tad sloppy, but as he matures as a goalkeeper, he'll gain the communication and confidence to possibly get back into the USMNT.
6. Stefan Frei
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The Seattle Sounders have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch this season, but the defense has left something to be desired. Chad Marshall's absence was significant, but, thankfully, Stefan Frei was Seattle's goalkeeper and not Michael Gspurning.
Frei made a name for himself in MLS with Toronto FC but was eventually traded due to injury problems. The Swiss national has allowed 41 goals on 128 shots, but he's also made some miraculous reflex saves.
The 28-year-old is commanding and confident as well, which is why Seattle wanted to sign him in the first place. Frei should be regarded as a top goalkeeper, even if he's allowed 41 goals so far this season.
5. Luis Robles
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New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles has faced 150 shots so far this season. Only the San Jose Earthquakes' Jon Busch (159) has seen more than Robles.
Robles has also made the second-highest number of saves, with 98. Considering how poor the Red Bulls defense has been this campaign, manager Mike Petke is lucky to have a solid goalkeeper cleaning up the mess.
New York definitely wouldn't be in fourth place in the East without Robles. Like everyone else on this list, the 30-year-old has excellent reflexes, and his physical attributes are solid.
The American only joined the Red Bulls in late 2012 and helped New York win the Supporters' Shield last season. With another full season under his belt, Robles could move even higher on this list next year.
4. David Ousted
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David Ousted may find himself out of position on some goals—like when Blas Perez scored from an impossible angle or teammate Jair Benitez pulled off one of the strikes of the year in 2013.
However, Ousted is a quality goalkeeper. His alertness and concentration allow him to perfectly time crosses and runs from opposing strikers.
Ousted's nine clean sheets are a testament to his great performances, and he has arguably been the Vancouver Whitecaps' most consistent player this season.
If the Whitecaps get into the playoffs, they'll have someone extremely reliable to bail them out when necessary.
3. Jaime Penedo
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Jaime Penedo has only been with the L.A. Galaxy for a year, but he's an incredibly athletic goalkeeper. His leaping ability, speed and shot-stopping are off the charts.
The Panamanian has made 70 saves from 98 shots, and that's been a factor in the Galaxy's quest for the Supporters' Shield. Penedo may take a few risks, but he's extremely underrated given the attacking prowess of the Galaxy.
Penedo may not have numbers that jump off the page, but when he's called into action, he usually delivers.
2. Jon Busch
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According to his profile on MLSSoccer.com, Jon Busch is only 5'10", but the San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper's quickness and tremendous leaping ability make up for his lack of height.
No one else in MLS has seen more shots than Busch's 159. He's also recorded the most saves, with 114. Without him, it's anyone's guess where the Earthquakes would be in the standings.
Busch is 38 years old, but he is improving with age. The custodian is vocal and rarely makes mistakes, qualities the MLS stalwart gained with countless reps.
The Earthquakes may not make the playoffs this season, but they have a top goalkeeper in Busch.
1. Nick Rimando
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Real Salt Lake keeper Nick Rimando may not be the most athletic guy on the pitch, but he's the most reliable and arguably the best there is in Major League Soccer.
Rimando is the all-time leader in clean sheets and has made 60 saves off 84 shots in 21 appearances this season. Had he not been on international duty during the World Cup, those numbers would be much higher.
Despite his stocky build, Rimando is very agile. His communication skills are good, and he almost never commits errors. The 35-year-old is the most consistent, solid goalkeeper in MLS, bar none.
