Dayne St. Clair strengthened his position as a top contender for Canada’s best goalkeeper on Monday by clinching the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Minnesota United goalkeeper prevailed over competitors Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in voting conducted by MLS clubs’ technical staff, first-team players, and select media.
Securing 29.4% of the total vote, St. Clair outperformed Freese with 17.32% and Takaoka with 15.49%. Notably, St. Clair dominated the media vote with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led in the player portion. In the club voting, Freese took the lead over St. Clair and Takaoka.
Expressing his gratitude, St. Clair acknowledged his consistent and best year yet, emphasizing his commitment to further growth. This recognition follows his inclusion in the MLS all-star team earlier in the season.
Hailing from Pickering, Ontario, the 28-year-old now joins Pat Onstad as the only Canadian goalkeeper to claim the MLS accolade. His strong performance this season also positions him well for potential involvement in the upcoming World Cup.
Looking ahead to the World Cup next year, St. Clair conveyed his excitement and ambition, particularly with Canada hosting the event. With 17 international caps and eight clean sheets for his country, St. Clair remains focused on contributing significantly to the national team’s success.
In his standout season with Minnesota United, St. Clair showcased exceptional skills, achieving personal bests in saves, shutouts, and wins. His remarkable statistics, including leading the league in save percentage and boasting an impressive goals-against average, underline his prowess as a top goalkeeper in MLS.
Minnesota United’s formidable defense, which ranked among the league’s best, played a crucial role in St. Clair’s success. The team’s record-breaking season, marked by achievements in wins, points, and defensive solidity, reflects St. Clair’s instrumental role in their campaign.
Selected by Minnesota United in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, St. Clair has quickly established himself as a key player for the team. His journey from a youth program debut to becoming a standout goalkeeper exemplifies his dedication and talent in the sport. With his eyes set on further milestones and success, St. Clair’s achievements continue to elevate his status as a top goalkeeper in MLS.