The goal scorers get the highlights, the endorsements, and the attention from all the adoring fans. But on Saturday night, the goalkeepers had their time in the spotlight.
In Philadelphia, Xolos goalkeeper Antonio Rodríguez put on a clinic, making 11 saves in a 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union. The highlight of his night was a double save in traffic in the 23rd minute to keep the Union from doubling their lead following a penalty.
But his counterpart, André Blake, was no slouch. He notched four saves of his own, including a full extension parry over the bar a half hour into the match and a huge penalty save to preserve a 2-1 lead later in the match.
In New York, New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made three big saves in regulation to help keep the match scoreless in regulation. But across the pitch, it was New York Red Bulls’ Carlos Coronel, who stole the spotlight. In addition to two saves in regulation, he made the penalty shootout-sealing save to help secure his team two points.
In Montreal, CF Montreal’s Jonathan Sirois ignored the stoppage time equalizing goal that got past him, and made a huge save during the penalty shootout to help clinch two points for his club.
And despite a scoreline that speaks to the contrary, Seattle Sounders’ Stefen Frei showcased his impressive talents, making four highlight-worthy stops in the first half and keeping a relentless Real Salt Lake attack at bay for 45 minutes before the dam broke and the hosts took control.
The goal scorers will have their time in the spotlight again and dominate the headlines. But the goalkeepers responsible for stopping the shots will always be there lurking and ready to steal the spotlight for themselves.
