The 2013 MLS season kicks off this weekend. Here at MLSsoccer.com, we're getting ready the only way we know how: making predictions and debating every little thing. On Monday, we predicted the Golden Boot winner. Today, it's the Goalkeeper of the Year.
<strong>Prediction</strong> |
<strong>Comments</strong> |
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<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Borg.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Simon Borg<br><em>Senior Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-gspurning">Michael Gspurning</a>, Seattle</p> |
<p>The Austrian was as steady as they came in 2012 but flew under the radar for most of the season. He's not only solid, but the big man showed he is capable of the stand-on-your-head performances which will earn him league acclaim in 2013.</p> |
<em><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Doyle.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong></em><p class="rtecenter">Matt Doyle<br><em>Armchair Analyst</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-gspurning">Michael Gspurning</a>, Seattle</p> |
<p>Gspurning was the best ‘keeper in the league last year when he was healthy. In 2013 he’ll be healthy more often, and the voters will give him his due.</p> |
<strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Firchau.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p class="rtecenter">Nick Firchau<br><em>Senior Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-gspurning">Michael Gspurning</a>, Seattle</p> |
<p>Probably should have won the award last year, he’ll get his due this time. He’ll beat out Carlo Cudicini in LA.</p> |
<br><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/freedman.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p>Jonah Freedman<br><em>Managing Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/dan-kennedy">Dan Kennedy</a>, Chivas USA</p> |
<p>Assuming the new Goats eliminate the need for DK1 to make those desperation saves, he'll finally get his due as the league's top netminder.</p> |
<strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/GregLalas.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p class="rtecenter">Greg Lalas<br><em>Editor-In-Chief</em></p> |
<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/bill-hamid">Bill Hamid</a>, D.C.</span> |
The D.C. United defense is better than most people give them credit for, but it's still not an impenetrable wall. That's where Hamid, who has developed slowly and has a USMNT No. 3 spot there for the taking. That's motivation. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Rosano.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Nicholas Rosano<br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-gspurning">Michael Gspurning</a>, Seattle</p> |
Likely would've won the award last year if not for injury. If he stays healthy and the Sounders can answer the questions about the defense in front of him, he should take it. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/JasonSaghini.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Jason Saghini<br><em>Director of Video</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/tally-hall">Tally Hall</a>, Houston</p> |
This is a long time coming, but Hall has gotten better and better each year. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/valencia.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Kristel Valencia<br><em>Editor</em>, <em>FutbolMLS.com</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jimmy-nielsen">Jimmy Nielsen</a>, Sporting KC</p> |
The best I’ve seen in MLS. Period. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/AndrewWiebe.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Andrew Wiebe<br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/michael-gspurning">Michael Gspurning</a>, Seattle</p> |
<p>Had he played a full season in 2012, there's a good chance the Austrian shot stopper would have kept Jimmy Nielsen from claiming the award. This time around, there's no doubt, as Gspurning keep the Sounders' D on point despite the loss of Jeff Parke.</p> |
Who do you think will win be the Goalkeeper of the Year? Tell us in the comments below.
