Troy Perkins’ lightning-quick reaction save on Tommy Heinemann was just good enough to lift Portland to another win at JELD-WEN Field, and earn the MLS veteran his first Save of the Week honor of the season.
Perkins came up with the save in the 42nd minute of a scoreless matchup against the Columbus Crew, lunging to his left to deny Heinemann’s ambitious diving header that seemed destined for goal. But Perkins came up with the left-handed stab, Eric Brunner later notched the lone goal of the match and Portland came away with their fifth win in as many games in the Rose City.
Perkins earned roughly 34 percent of the vote in a crowded field, narrowly topping a goal-line clearance from Philadelphia defender Sheanon Williams in a 2-1 win over Chicago (29.5 percent) and Nick Rimando’s diving left-handed save to help Real Salt Lake earn a scoreless draw against FC Dallas (28.9 percent).
Timbers backup goalkeeper Jake Gleeson won the award in Week 2 and Week 5.
WATCH: Perkins denies Heinemann
Final Results
1. Troy Perkins, Portland 34.44%
2. Sheanon Williams, Philadelphia 29.53%
3. Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake 28.89%
4. Donovan Ricketts, LA 6.12%
5. Matt Pickens, Colorado 1.01%
MLS Save of the Week winners
Week 1: Nick Rimando, RSL (watch here)
Week 2: Jake Gleeson, POR (watch here)
Week 3: Kasey Keller, SEA (watch here)
Week 4: Kasey Keller, SEA (watch here)
Week 5: Jake Gleeson, POR (watch here)
Week 6: Donovan Ricketts, LA (watch here)
Week 7: Bobby Shuttleworth, NE (watch here)
Week 8: Tim Ream, NY (watch here)
Week 9: Stefan Frei, TOR (watch here)
