After an injury shortened 2014, Ike Opara has started off 2015 with a bang. Through four matches, Opara has scored two goals (including the game-winner at NYCFC on Saturday), helped the team secure two consecutive clean sheets and statistically has been one of the best defenders in MLS.
Opara leads or is the near of the top of several defensive categories including interceptions, duels won, aerial duels won and clearances. He's winning over 60 percent of duels and 65 percent of aerial duels. Opara is averaging about six interceptions per match and is on pace to shatter the MLS record of 137 set by Seattle defender Chad Marshall in 2014. Overall, Sporting KC is 10-5-6 in MLS with Opara in the starting line-up since he joined the club in 2013.
Below is a look at Opara's impressive stats in 2015.
Interceptions
<u>Player</u> |
<u>Interceptions</u> |
<strong>Ike Opara</strong> |
<strong>25</strong> |
Omar Gonzalez |
19 |
Zach Loyd |
18 |
Clearances
<u>Player</u> |
<u>Clearances</u> |
Omar Gonzalez |
35 |
<strong>Ike Opara</strong> |
<strong>34</strong> |
Axel Sjoberg |
18 |
Aerial Duels Won
<u>Player</u> |
<u>Aerials Won</u> |
<strong>Ike Opara</strong> |
<strong>23</strong> |
Omar Gonzalez |
23 |
David Horst |
15 |
Headed Goals
Player |
Headed Goals |
<strong>Ike Opara</strong> |
<strong>2</strong> |
13 players |
1 |
