Dayne St. Clair strengthened his position as a top contender for Canada’s No. 1 goalkeeper spot by winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Minnesota United goalie triumphed over Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in a vote by MLS clubs’ technical staff, players, and select media.
St. Clair secured 29.4% of the total vote, with Freese at 17.32% and Takaoka at 15.49%. He dominated the media vote with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led in the player vote. St. Clair expressed his satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging room for improvement.
This accolade adds to St. Clair’s successful season, where he was also selected for the MLS all-star team. The 28-year-old from Pickering, Ont., becomes only the second Canadian, after Pat Onstad, to win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, St. Clair remains focused on the national team’s upcoming challenges. With aspirations to represent Canada in the tournament, he values the opportunity and aims to make a significant impact. St. Clair, who has accumulated 17 caps for Canada, anticipates a pivotal role in the team’s future.
In the MLS season, St. Clair excelled behind Minnesota’s solid defense, achieving personal bests in saves, shutouts, and wins. His outstanding performance ranked him among the top goalkeepers in various statistical categories. Minnesota’s impressive season records and St. Clair’s individual achievements highlight their successful campaign.
St. Clair’s journey from a youth player to an accomplished goalkeeper showcases his dedication and talent. With his continuous growth and commitment to improvement, he stands out as a promising prospect for both club and country.