It is not today that the United States has shown itself to be a great goalkeeper factory. The country is a reference in the market and much sought after by clubs, especially English ones, who seek to strengthen their defense.
At the beginning of the MLS, names like Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Hartman, and Tony Meola were successful and soon became fans’ idols.
It didn’t take long for the European market to realize the potential of the Americans and transform other names such as Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, Brad Guzman, and Kasey Keller into international idols.
Today, the production of good players has only increased.
Even if foreign goalkeepers are still thriving on American soil, such as the Danish David Ousted of the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Norwegian Larsen Kwarasey, a current champion for the Portland Timbers, the best goalkeepers in the league remain national productions.
Below are five examples that every great team starts with a great goalkeeper.
5 Best MLS Goalkeepers
Here are the best MLS Goalkeepers from the USA based on performance:
Bill Hamid – DC United
Hamid is one of the best American goalkeepers today, alongside Tim Howard and next shirt 1 of the United States National Team.
For two years, his name has been linked to possible transfers to Europe, and, even if nothing has come to fruition so far, it won’t take long for the goalkeeper to land in some big club on the Old Continent.
He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014.
Steve Clark – Columbus Crew
After three years in the Norwegian championship, he returned to the United States in 2013 to defend the Columbus Crew.
Despite not having any individual awards on his resume, he is one of the safest and most regular goalkeepers in the MLS.
Last year, he played an essential role in Columbus’ runner-up, and his performances were rewarded with some calls-up to the United States National Team.
David Bingham – San Jose Earthquakes
David has played for the San Jose team since his career; in 2011, he was loaned to San Antonio Scorpions, from NASL, and Strommen IF, from Norway, in 2014.
He is a key player in the renewal process of the Californian team that intends to play titles in 2016 again.
Like Hamid, he is young and very promising. After the good 2015 season, he played to defend the national team in the January friendlies.
Luis Robles New York Red Bulls
Another veteran with international experience. After six years in German football, he returned to the United States in 2012 to defend the New York Red Bulls, where he won the Supporters’ Shield in 2013 and 2015.
Last year, he has even voted the best goalkeeper in the MLS.
Robles has only two call-ups to the US National Team, but Jurgen Klinsmann could have been more used. He is now one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS.
Goalkeepers continue to be main characters in MLS, stealing the show and being protagonists of matches.
True heroes for the fans. You can find the best with the help of OLBG.
Nick Rimando – Real Salt Lake
A veteran, Rimando is on every list of the best goalkeepers in the history of the United States.
It is still very frequent in the national team’s call-ups; it plays a very important leadership role in this renewal phase.
In addition to titles with DC United and Real Salt Lake, he was MVP in 2009 and received Defense of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
How To Classify A Good Goalkeeper
Just as it is important to “close the goal” (a term widely used among players), the goalkeeper must understand tactical movement, especially when it comes to the ball exit, be able to cover the defense (defense position) and have a quick and accurate ball out.
Therefore, attention is the key point of this player.
Nowadays, his position within the game is paramount because, in the vast majority of cases, he is the one who frequently guides his team.
The goalkeeper has several responsibilities, such as defending with his feet, fitting the soccer ball perfectly, defending the goal, defending at half-height, etc.
