On his last year as a professional soccer player, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando will have at least one more accolade to add to his long list before he retires.
Rimando, who said before the season opener that this year would be his last, was named to the Major League Soccer All-Star team, the league announced Monday. It is his eighth All-Star selection, though the last time he made an All-Star team was 2015.
“I’m honored and, to be honest, very surprised to be selected with the class of this year’s All-Star team” Rimando said in a news release. “To be selected amongst the quality of goalkeepers that showcased their craft through the first part of the season is very humbling.”
The team consists of a starting 11 chosen by fans, 13 chosen by Orlando City head coach James O’Connor, and two selections by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Rimando was one of two players chosen to the squad by Garber. The other is Paxton Pomykal of FC Dallas.
RSL coach Mike Petke congratulated Rimando. The two were teammates on the 2004 D.C. United team that won the MLS Cup championship.
“For someone who owns virtually every statistical goalkeeping record in MLS history, it’s only logical that Nick is a part of the 2019 MLS All Star Game,” Petke said. “From 2000-2019 his body of work speaks for itself.”
Rimando leads the league in all-time saves (1,662), shutouts (146) and games played (497).
“Some say I deserve the recognition, I say thank you,” Rimando said. “I will represent my club, teammates, family, friends and fans to the best of my ability and will cherish every little bit of my last All-Star game.”
