Over the past three seasons, Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen has emerged as a leader and motivator for his teammates. Nielsen was named team captain in advance of the 2012 MLS season and led the team to an unprecedented seven straight victories to start off the year before playing a major role in Sporting Kansas City's first place finish in the Eastern Conference Regular Season for the second consecutive season.
Nielsen earned 2012 MLS Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year honors for his performances last season, securing 18 wins (matching the MLS record in the non-shootout era) and 15 shutouts (second most in MLS history). Check out the footage below to hear Nielsen's coaches and teammates talk about his influence on the club:
