TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signing
The Wall of the Wasatch is standing firm at Real Salt Lake.
RSL announced on Tuesday that veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando has re-signed with the club, confirming a 12th season in Utah for one of the best ‘keepers in MLS history.
RSL’s longest-serving player and the league’s all-time leader in wins (196), appearances (452), starts (452) and shutouts (137), Rimando is a six-time MLS All-Star and US national team World Cup veteran as well as one of the top penalty-kick specialists in MLS.
“I couldn't be happier continuing my career with Real. This is home and I couldn't fathom leaving this club that means so much to me,” Rimando said in a club release. “I was here in the glory days and want to help bring this club back where it belongs. I'm excited to get the season started. We have the coaches, players and potential to do big things.”
The 38-year-old was the MVP of the club's 2009 MLS Cup championship and helped the club reach the final of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, 2013 US Open Cup and 2013 MLS Cup. During his tenure, RSL have reached the postseason in eight of their last 10 seasons and over his career with the Claret-and-Cobalt, he holds a record of 147-114-91 with 116 shutouts and a 1.13 goals-against average across all competitions.
“He's the best goalkeeper in the history of the league,” Salt Lake head coach Mike Petke, a teammate of Rimando’s with D.C. United more than a decade ago, said. “Playing with him in D.C. and winning a championship and seeing those special qualities – he has singlehandedly embraced and took that position and become the best goalkeeper in our league's history. I am extremely ecstatic to have him back. When you take his veteran leadership and his experience, for me it's vital.”
Rimando has 21 caps for the USMNT and was a member of the 2014 World Cup team as well as the 2009, 2013 and 2015 Gold Cup and 2007 and 2016 Copa America squads.
Salt Lake kick off their 2018 preseason on Tuesday afternoon at their new training facility at the Zions Bank Real Academy in Herriman, Utah before departing for a camp in Tucson, Arizona on Jan. 31.
