We've reached the final days of our week-long celebration of goalkeepers here at MLSsoccer.com, and it's the perfect time to take stock of where things stand in the 2016 Goalkeeeper of the Year race, with just over two months remaining in the regular season.
This could be the most crowded field in years – no one 'keeper has shown himself to be head and shoulders above the rest, but many have made very good cases nonetheless. Can 2015 Goalkeeper of the Year Luis Robles retain his title? Will another past winner like Bill Hamid make a late push? Or will one of the rising stars between the sticks claim their first award?
Here's who we've got pacing the pack as the final playoff push looms:
1. Jake Gleeson
PORTLAND TIMBERS
Jake Gleeson didn't begin the season as the Portland Timbers' starter but there's little question of his place in the team now. Since Adam Kwarasey went down with injury on April 16, Gleeson has shown himself to be one of the strongest shot-stoppers in the league and leads MLS in save percentage. Though the Timbers have work to do to stay in the playoff places, his excellent play has kept them afloat despite an injury-riddled defense.
Next game: Sunday at Seattle (9:30 pm ET; FS1 in US, MLS LIVE in Canada)
2. David Bingham
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The young Quakes 'keeper has had to be patient, but David Bingham has finally come into his own after four years of playing second fiddle and an up-and-down start to life as San Jose's starter in 2015. He's ironed out the mistakes and continued to be a strong shot-stopper while improving his command of the area. Bingham has also kept the low-scoring Quakes in plenty of games – and the playoff race.
Next game: Friday vs. Houston (11 pm ET; UniMás in US, MLS LIVE Canada)
3. Brian Rowe
LA GALAXY
Few expected Brian Rowe to beat out Dan Kennedy for the No. 1 job in LA this season, but here we are in August and Rowe has been as steady as can be for a team with MLS Cup aspirations (save for one unfortunate gaffe). That consistency is reflected in his save percentage, just a shade behind Gleeson, and his goals-against average of 0.95, making him the only MLS starter below the 1.00 mark (Though it's worth nothing here that Zac MacMath was carrying a 0.69 GAA when he was replaced by Tim Howard in Colorado.) Rowe was injured in LA's last game and will not play this weekend.
Next game: Saturday at NYCFC (3 pm ET; ESPN in US, MLS LIVE in Canada)
4. Andre Blake
PHILADELPHIA UNION
In his third MLS season, former No. 1 SuperDraft pick Andre Blake finally wears the No. 1 shirt for Philadelphia and he's in no hurry to give it up. The Jamaican international has a penchant for highlight-reel saves and was a key component of the Union's hot start to the season.
Next game: Saturday vs. Toronto (7 pm ET; MLS LIVE)
5. Luis Robles
NEW YORK RED BULLS
Reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Luis Robles has, like his team, produced a commendable turnaround following a tough start to 2016. He is on course for a fourth consecutive ironman season for the Red Bulls and continues to excel in all situations for a Red Bulls backline that has suffered crippling injury problems.
Next game: Sunday at D.C. (3 pm ET; ESPN in US, MLS LIVE in Canada)
Also In The Hunt
Bill Hamid, Nick Rimando, David Ousted, Tim Howard, Clint Irwin
