Dayne St. Clair further solidified his position as a top contender for Canada’s number one goalkeeper spot by earning the title of MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The Minnesota United goalkeeper outperformed Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in a voting process that included MLS clubs’ technical staff, first-team players, and select media.
St. Clair garnered 29.4% of the total vote, with Freese at 17.32% and Takaoka at 15.49%. Notably, St. Clair dominated the media votes with 47.46%, surpassing Takaoka’s 11.30% and Freese’s 5.65%. In contrast, Freese and Takaoka led the player votes with both receiving 20.37%, while St. Clair secured 18.52%. The club vote favored Freese with 25.93%, ahead of St. Clair at 22.22% and Takaoka at 14.81%.
Reflecting on his achievement, St. Clair expressed satisfaction with his performance, deeming it his most consistent and best year, while acknowledging room for improvement. This accolade follows his inclusion in the MLS all-star team earlier in the season.
At 28 years old, hailing from Pickering, Ontario, St. Clair joins Pat Onstad as the only Canadian to claim the MLS goalkeeper award. Looking ahead to the World Cup next year, St. Clair emphasized the significance of staying focused on the present to secure a role in the national team’s lineup for the prestigious tournament.
St. Clair, who has accumulated 17 caps for Canada with eight clean sheets, aims to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming World Cup. His outstanding performance with Minnesota United this season, where he excelled in saves, shutouts, and wins, has positioned him as a pivotal player in both club and national team settings.
Minnesota United’s remarkable season, achieving records in wins, points, and defensive prowess, culminated in St. Clair’s recognition as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The team’s standout road performance and defensive solidity underpin St. Clair’s individual success, highlighting his crucial role in Minnesota’s achievements.
Having transitioned from an outfield player to a goalkeeper at a young age, St. Clair’s journey to becoming a top-tier goalkeeper showcases his dedication and talent. His impressive collegiate background and early involvement in the Canadian youth program have laid a strong foundation for his professional career, setting the stage for continued success at both club and international levels.