Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen is currently on pace for one of the best seasons ever by a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. The White Puma has a goals against average (GAA) of 0.89 and leads MLS with 15 victories (11 shutouts) through 27 matches. The wins are a franchise record in the non-shootout era (since 2000).
Nielsen could join an exclusive company of 11 goalkeepers who have played at least 75% of their team's matches and kept a GAA under 1.00. The last goalkeepers to reach this mark were Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando (0.67) and the LA Galaxy's Donovan Ricketts (0.90) in the 2010 season. If he can continue his current rate, Nielsen would become the fourth goalkeeper to have a GAA under 0.90 while playing 75% or more of their team's matches.
In addition to his statistical excellence, Nielsen made key saves during the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final and penalty shootout and started in goal for the 2012 MLS All-Star Game.
Nielsen's stats (as of September 1, 2012)
<strong><u>Year</u></strong> |
<strong><u>GP</u></strong> |
<strong><u>GS</u></strong> |
<strong><u>MIN</u></strong> |
<strong><u>SHT</u></strong> |
<strong><u>SV</u></strong> |
<strong><u>GA</u></strong> |
<strong><u>W</u></strong> |
<strong><u>L</u></strong> |
<strong><u>T</u></strong> |
2012 |
27 |
27 |
2430 |
11 |
57 |
24 |
15 |
7 |
5 |
Goalkeepers with a goals against average under 0.90 who played in 75% of their team's games in a season:
2010
Nick Rimando 0.67
2009
Zach Thornton 0.87
2007
Pat Onstad 0.82
