SANDY, Utah — Real Salt Lake started their season with a huge 2-0 win at San Jose, the defending Supporters’ Shield champs.
They came away from that game with more than just three points, though. They also helped Nick Rimando reach a milestone, becoming just the second goalkeeper in MLS history to notch 100 shutouts.
"It was definitely something I knew that I would be able to achieve, it was a question of when," Rimando told reporters following training on Wednesday at America First Field. "Going down there, you never want to think about it going into a game, you just want to perform. That is exactly what happened. Our team performed, and I did well at the back and was fortunate to get that shutout."
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It was Rimando's 64th shutout since joining RSL, and he said there was only one thing that would have made it a little more special.
"I would have loved to have gotten it at Rio Tinto in front of our fans and my family, but you take it when it comes," he said.
One reporter asked Rimando if the netminder thought he could reach the all-time record of 117 shutouts. But Rimando quickly corrected him, telling him the record is actually 112 (held by Kevin Hartman).
"As much press as it has gotten, the numbers are out there," Rimando said when chided about knowing the exact number. "Again, I don't want to think about it, I just want to go out and play, and when it comes, I'll be grateful for getting that record."
But the 33-year-old also knows it is something he can achieve, and if his numbers are the same as the last three seasons in which he averaged 13 shutouts, it could come later this year.
"It is definitely there. I don't want to think about it too much, but it's definitely reachable," he added. "Depending on how long I'll play, I think I have a lot left in my tank, but I think I'll be able to get there with the help of these guys."
