Nielsen matching Meola's 2000 season

Through 31 matches, Jimmy Nielsen is matching the 2000 record breaking (MVP and MLS Cup winning) season by Tony Meola. I previously compared the two teams (2012 against 2000) defensively and now its time to take a closer look at the White Puma's season.

After Friday's win against Chicago, Jimmy has now played in the same number of games as Meola did in 2000. Meola faced almost twice as many shots and made many more saves but had a higher goals against average (GAA) and fewer wins. The one record that Nielsen could still catch would be the most shutouts in a season, set by Meola in 2000 with 16. He is already tied with Nick Rimando (in 2010) for second best with 14 and has three matches remaining. 

Statistically, it's been Nielsen's best season at Sporting and his career stats are putting him among the best ever in MLS. He has the lowest career GAA of any goalkeeper with at least 4000 minutes played, and averaging a shutout every 2.9 games.

Details of this season compared to Meola's 2000 and the all-time GAA leaders are below (these stats are through October 1, 2012).

Nielsen (2012)

Meola (2000)

All-Time MLS GAA leaders (minimum 4000 minutes played)