HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Sporting Kansas City on December 23, 2014. Re-signed through 2020 with an option for 2021 on Feb. 27, 2018. Signed a contract extension through 2022 on January 17, 2020.
PRONUNCIATION: MEE-lia
This is Melia's seventh season as Sporting KC's starting goalkeeper. He had his breakthrough in 2015, but his best season was in 2017, winning Goalkeeper of the Year and leading a Kansas City backline that conceded just 29 regular season goals. Melia paid his dues as a backup during previous MLS seasons with Real Salt Lake (2010-2011) and Chivas USA (2012-2014), serving an apprenticeship under MLS All-Stars Nick Rimando and Dan Kennedy.
OUTSIDE MLS: His professional career began in 2008 with the Rochester Rhinos in the USL First Division. Made 14 league appearances (4-3-7) over two seasons with 62 saves, six shutouts and a 0.98 goals against average. Saw action in three Lamar Hunt US Open Cup matches (1-1-1) with 13 saves and a 1.10 goals against average en route to a semifinal berth in the 2009 edition of the competition.
COLLEGE: Melia finished his collegiate career as one of the top goalkeepers to ever attend Lynn University, finishing in the Fighting Knights’ all-time top-five in shutouts (18) and selected as the Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
NOTES: MLS Comeback Player of the Year 2015...MLS Goalkeeper of the Year 2017...MLS Best XI 2017.
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