Ahead of MLS Cup 2013 on Dec. 7, MLSsoccer.com takes a look at how Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake compare as they head into the title match.
First, we start with goalkeepers. Check out our breakdown below and tell us which team has the edge in the comments section below.
<img alt="" height="100" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" width="90"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jimmy-nielsen" target="_blank"><strong>STARTER: JIMMY NIELSEN</strong></a> |
<strong>GOALKEEPERS</strong> |
<div class="compHdr"><img alt="" height="100" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" width="100"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/nick-rimando" target="_blank"><strong>STARTER: NICK RIMANDO</strong></a></div> |
<p class="rtecenter">36</p> |
<strong>AGE</strong> |
34 |
<p class="rtecenter">4th season<br>
(57-38-32, 45 SO)</p> |
<p><strong>MLS EXPERIENCE</strong><strong>(RECORD)</strong></p> |
14th season<br>
(151-118-77, 108 SO) |
<p class="rtecenter">2012 Goalkeeper of the Year</p> |
<strong>HONORS</strong> |
MLS Cup winner in 2004, 2009 |
<p class="rtecenter">White Puma</p> |
<strong>NICKNAME</strong> |
Wall of the Wasatch |
<p class="rtecenter">Best GAA (.88) among 'keepers with 20 or more starts in 2013</p> |
<strong>OPTA SAYS</strong> |
<p class="rtecenter">Second-best save percentage (74.55) among 'keepers with 20 or more starts in 2013</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">None in 2013</p> |
<strong>SAVE OF THE WEEK AWARDS</strong> |
9 – and a nomination for Save of the Year |
Quit smoking cigarettes and gambling |
<strong>OBSTACLES OVERCOME</strong> |
Shortest goalkeeper to win an MLS Cup |
Danish youth team selection in late 1990s |
<strong>INT'L CAREER</strong> |
12 US caps, likely third-string in Brazil next summer |
Experience and focus |
<strong>BIGGEST STRENGTH</strong> |
Reflexes and athleticism |
Athleticism |
<strong>BIGGEST WEAKNESS</strong> |
Size |
Won 2012 US Open Cup in a shootout |
<p><strong>SHOO</strong><strong>TOUT EXPERIENCE</strong></p> |
Won 2009 MLS Cup and Eastern Conf. title in shootout |
<p>Eric Kronberg<br>
(five career MLS appearances)</p> |
<strong>BACKUP OPTION</strong> |
Jeff Attinella<br>
(five career MLS appearances) |
