The countdown ends today, and we have a winner!
After collecting a league-high six NAPA Save of the Week awards in 2010, Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller has been awarded the NAPA Save of the Year, as voted on by fans.
Keller pulled off his stunning block in Week 4 against the Kansas City Wizards at Qwest Field. In stoppage time, with his team holding a slim 1-0 lead, the veteran 'keeper pawed away Chance Myer's fiery blast from just outside the six-yard box. The save earned Seattle the win and handed KC their first league defeat of the season.
The honor is another feather in the cap for Seattle's 40-year-old captain, who has enjoyed a long career throughout the United States and Europe.
The veteran of four World Cups boasts the most amount of international caps for a US goalkeeper (102) and last year broke the MLS record for longest shutout streak to begin a season. He has been named the US Soccer Athlete of the Year three times and US national team Player of the Year twice. He also won a league cup with English side Leicester city in 1997.
Keller played in every league match and both postseason games for Seattle in 2010, tallying 11 regular-season shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.15.
NAPA Save of the Year final ranking
1. Kasey Keller
2. Donovan Ricketts (Watch here)
3. Nick Rimando (Watch here)
4. Eddie Gaven (Watch here)
5. Brad Knighton (Watch here)
All-time MLS Save of the Year Winners
2010: Kasey Keller – Seattle Sounders FC vs. Kansas City Wizards – April 17, 2010
2009: Pat Onstad – Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids – April 20, 2009
