Is Nick Rimando the Best Goalkeeper in MLS History?
After Real Salt Lake’s longtime goalkeeper, Nick Rimando, broke yet another MLS record this season, it begs the question, is he the best goalkeeper in league history?
Nick Rimando recently set the MLS all-time record for the most wins with 181. This is just another milestone that the 17-year veteran has elapsed in his historic career. Even after all of his accomplishments, is Nick the best goalkeeper in MLS history?
There have been a long list of great goalkeepers in the United States top flight with the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Luis Robles, Kevin Hartman, Donovan Ricketts, and the list goes on and on. We could debate for hours on who the best keeper is right now or who the best was while they played in MLS but over a career, no on has accomplished more than Rimando in the league.
The 37-year old now holds the MLS records for most wins, most shutouts (126), most starts, most minutes, and most penalty kick saves (27). This not only speaks to the amount of seasons that Rimando has spent in Major League Soccer but also to the longevity of his career and how well he has played over that time. He has been a consistent top performer in goal for more than a decode.
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Nick started his professional career with the Miami Fusion in 2000. He later played for D.C. United from 2002-2006 and he has played with Real Salt Lake since 2007. The goalkeeper has been a lifer in MLS as he nears the end of his career, it is clear that he will play in the league for his whole professional career.
Rimando’s defining performance came in 2009 when he led Real Salt Lake to their only MLS Cup title. He saved two penalty kicks against the LA Galaxy in that match to seal RSL’s 5-4 win on penalties after a 1-1 finish during regular time.
But to the surprise of many, Nick has never been named the league’s top goalkeeper throughout his 17 year career. He has finished second in the MLS’ Goalkeeper of the Year Award twice (2013, 2014) and fourth in both 2011 and 2012.
In 2010, Rimando had the third best season in MLS history in terms of shutout performances. He finished the year with 14 which was a league high for the season. He is now tied for third with Donovan Ricketts in that category with only Jimmy Nielsen (15) and Tony Meola (16) ahead of him.
There is little doubt that Nick is one of the best MLS keepers of all-time but to say that he is THE best may be a stretch for some. He has had a storied career in Major League Soccer with most of his records being a result of the amount of time that he has spent in the league. Being the greatest off all-time is a highly debated topic and will be discussed for years to come but it is obvious that Rimando will always be a part of that conversation.
I believe that while he has never been the best goalie in MLS for any given season (maybe 2010), he is the greatest MLS goalkeeper of all-time. His records and length in the league have given him that title. It would be tough for anyone to match or beat what he has done in Major League Soccer.
Even at his advanced age, Nick Rimando is still one of the best in MLS as he continues to break records and add to his own. If he continues for a few more years, his records may never be touched or won’t be for some time. When he does decide to call it a career, the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper will go down as one of the best to ever play the position.