2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 Goal Keepers
The 2017 MLS Season is almost here! I am so excited to be going into my second full season covering and blogging about MLS. I have learned so much about players and the league and I can't wait to learn even more. Last season I started with a top 10 goalkeeper list for 2016 and I was a tad off... My list consisted of Jesse Gonzalez, Dan Kennedy, Adam Kwarasey, and Tyler Deric, my bad guys. Hopefully, this year I can improve my list and finish the year with ten actual starters. I am feeling pretty confident about this list right now and I hope you guys enjoy. If there is anyone you think I'm missing please let me know on the comments or on Twitter!
10. Sean Johnson, NYCFC
The 27 year old keeper is still going strong in MLS. After 176 appearances for the Chicago Fire, Johnson had a hectic offseason. Johnson was originally traded to Atlanta United but then quickly "re-traded" to NYCFC. People are starting to begin to view him in a negative light, but I just think that Johnson needed a change of environment. I believe that with having a much improved defense in front of him will help him improve even more as a goalkeeper in 2017. Johnson is extremely athletic and he is much of an improvement from Josh Saunders. Watch out for Johnson as a dark horse for Goal Keeper of the Year.
9. Evan Bush, MON
It took me about 25 games last season before I was high on Evan Bush. Bush isn't a big name, he isn't the most athletic, but he has size and movement in net. Seeing Bush in the playoffs last season was a show for everyone. He made plenty of saves and was able hold Montreal into some games. Bush seems to get better and better each year, and at the age of 30 he still has plenty of years left to make an Impact (I love that pun).
8. David Ousted, VAN
Ousted declined a bit from his runner up to the Goal Keeper of the Year in 2015 but he is still by far one of the most talented keepers in the league. Vancouver had a rough season in 2016 which didn't help him with opponents shooting at him. Ousted is experienced and I expect him to be in a 2014 or 2015 form. I am excited for Canadian teams in 2017 if you couldn't tell by my last two keepers.
7. Luis Robles, NYRB
Robles is a symbol of stability in MLS. Robles has played in all 34 regular season games for the Red Bulls dating back to 2013. Last season Robles was able to rack up 11 shutouts and totaling 16 wins for the Red Bulls. If you attend a NYRB game you will most likely hear him screaming at his defense from the net. Robles covers plenty of ground and is able to put himself in the right spots to succeed. As a former Goal Keeper of the Year, Robles is still one of the most impressive talents in the league.
6. Stefan Frei, SEA
Frei has been extremely successful since joining the Sounders in 2014. All of his success has lead to an MLS Cup victory and one hell of a save in 2016. Frei comes in as a leader for this Sounders squad as someone to help lead a very experienced defense. Frei is extremely athletic if his amazing save in MLS Cup isn't proof enough. His performance from last season was enough for Bruce Arena to call him up into the USMNT January camp. Frei will be a keeper to keep your eye on in 2017 to bolster a Sounders defense.
5. David Bingham, SJ
One of the bright spots on the Earthquakes roster is Mr. David Bingham. At 27 years old Bingham has plenty of years left in MLS potentially. Even when the Earthquakes haven't been the best, Bingham has impressed with his ability to somehow be all over the net. It truly impresses me how good he is as a goalkeeper with an inconsistent and untalented backline at times. When a keeper impresses with his club and then gets some national team contention, he is pretty good.
4. Nick Rimando, RSL
At 37 years old, the best goal keeper in MLS history remains in my top 5 keepers going into 2017. Rimando's presence is unmatched and he still has the ability to make the necessary moves in net. With over 420 appearances in MLS Rimando has developed a reputation for being dominant against opposing offenses and for saving plenty of penalty kicks. The RSL and MLS legend needs no other praise or introduction, just go out and watch him play.
3. Andre Blake, PHI
After a MLS Goal Keeper of the Year and European transfer rumors in 2016, Blake will surprisingly return to MLS in 2017. Last season Blake dominated MLS with his acrobatic saves and tall body. Blake's play in MLS also lead him into being the number one keeper for the Jamaican national team. Blake is someone who has the ability to be number one next season if he isn't sold to a European club this season.
2. Tim Howard, COL
Timmy Timmy Timmy!!!! Tim Howard's return to MLS was quite successful. His key penalty save against the LA Galaxy in the playoffs lead the Rapids into the Western Conference Finals. At the age of 37 Howard is still extremely dominant in net being as agile and athletic as ever. Howard is also an extreme leader for the Rapids after his experience in Europe and with the USMNT.
1. Bill Hamid, DCU
The D.C. United season turned around once Hamid returned from injury last season. Hamid solidified the defense and the good play pushed up into the midfield and attack. Hamid is young, extremely talented, and able to impact so much more than just goalkeeping. I am extremely high on Hamid and I expect him to solidify the best keeper in MLS title even more this season. Recently on the MLS Aces Podcast (currently on iTunes, go check it out) we had an interview with Charles Boehm who predicted D.C. United making it to MLS Cup. I can't help but think that Hamid is a good reason for that.
