Along with the team's impressive 18-7-9 regular season record, it's been a great season for MLS leaders Graham Zusi and Jimmy Nielsen.
Zusi finishes the regular season with a league leading 15 assists, one above Landon Donovan, and more than double his 2011 season. Nielsen finishes with 15 shutouts through 34 matches which is three more then second place Nick Rimando.
Zusi's five goals and 15 assists meant he was a contributor for nearly half of Sporting KC's 42 goals. The midfielder was selected to the 2012 MLS All-Star team and recently has excelled during call-ups to the US Men's National Team.
Nielsen's 2012 regular season is arguably one of the best ever for a goalkeeper. A 0.79 goals against average is fifth all time in MLS and the 15 shutouts is second all-time to Tony Meola, who had 16 shutouts in 2000 for KC. Nielsen has won six Save of the Week awards including back-to-back in Week 31 and Week 32.
Both players were recently named Co-MVPs when the 2012 Team Awards were announced.
MLS Assist Leaders
<strong>Player</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
Graham Zusi |
15 |
Landon Donovan |
14 |
Mauro Rosales |
13 |
Marvin Chavez |
13 |
Brad Davis |
12 |
MLS Shutout Leaders
<strong>Players</strong> |
<b>Shutouts</b> |
Jimmy Nielsen |
15 |
Nick Rimando |
12 |
Tally Hall |
12 |
Josh Saunders |
9 |
Andy Gruenebaum |
8 |
