MLS All-Star Voting is now open and the MLS allows you to pick just 1 GK (which is a mistake -- see bottom) but GKGrades.com has ranked the Top 5 MLS goalkeepers so far in 2010...
Statistics, especially Goals Against Average (GAA), can be deceiving for goalkeepers in this sport. These rankings are based more on overall impression of technical ability, intelligence, and results. Statistics are provided more as a helpful reference snapshot.
Top 5 MLS Goalkeepers (as of 05.26.2010)
1. Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)
WLT 8-0-1; 810 min; 7 SO; 26 saves; 0.929 Save %; 0.22 GAA
By far the most dominant goalkeeper in the MLS. With only one vote allowed for each voter, this has to be the selection.
Although he has the privilege of being part of the best team in the league, his raw athleticism and shot stopping ability propels him to the top. As is mentioned in his GKGrades report, "with an intense focus on cleaning up the technical aspects of his game, Ricketts could find himself in a higher-level league in the future."
Hamid started out the match very shaky, which is understandable considering this was his professional debut. As the macth went on, you could see Hamid becoming more comfortable on the field and communicating with his defenders.
There is an obvious gap in ability on different types of crosses. Hamid does exceptionally well covering corner kicks and crosses from a narrow position. With crosses from a wider angle position (12 yards and out), Hamid struggles with these types of balls. There is some clear indecision and uncertainty on how to properly play these balls.
Overall, I was impressed with the level of play for a 19 year old making his professional debut. His size and stature are impressive. Speed off the line may be an area of improvement.
He has very good hands for a big man. As mentioned, he was shaky in the beginning of the match, and that was clearly displayed in at least one ball being mishandled. Later in the game, his catching technique was superb. Very secure, catching with soft fingertips and the staple 'W' hand formation..
I will be interested in following the progress of this young man as he continues to mature as a player in the MLS. Hamid may also be worth a look by the Men's National Team at the U-20 and U-23 levels.
Strengths
Size. Communication. Crosses from narrow/short angles.
Weaknesses
Crosses from high and wide. Indecision coming off his line. Distracted by potential contact.
Hands: Early in the game the hand technique was erratic (fumbled the ball coming out for a challenge and akwardly parried a long shot). As Hamid got further into the game, his technique and stability improved.
Body Position: Great at times (60th min.). Other times very poor (26th min.).
Diving: Strong when covering narrow near post shots.
Angles: Fantastic save made in 1st half made purely because of his angle to the shooter. Did very well overall to maximize his angles.
Footwork: Average.
Diverting: One instance of parrying the ball away on a cross. Diverted into a safe location.
Foot Skills: Played the ball well using body and feet.
Decision Making: There were multiple instances of indecision on whether to come off his line or not. With that said, no damage.
Physical Attributes: B
Balance: Stayed in control of his body well. Kept concious of his location relative to the goal line on a cross in the 60th min. Momentem was pushing him into the box and he did very well to not panic, keep the ball out of the goal, and not give up posession.
Speed: Average speed coming off the line.
Reaction: Did well on quick shots, especially the save in the 45th minute.
Preparation: Good positioning and prep-footwork for crossing situations.
Decision Making: Definite area of improvement. Indecision can lead to goals.
Communication: Clear, simple, loud communication to other squad members.
Timing: When Hamid commits, he does well. When there is indecision, timing is off.
Distribution: B
Punting/Drop Kicks: Decent distance, accuracy, and weight.
Goal Kicks: Decent distance and weight. Not great, not bad.
Throwing: Not enough information.
Bowling: Not enough information.
From Feet: long & well played into opponents end of the field.
Decision Making: No mistakes or poor distribution decisions.
Psychological: C
Confidence: This is Bill's first professional game. With time and success, this will naturally improve.
Leadership: In the first match for the 19 year old, there is no expectation for this category.
Mental Toughness: Did very well to maintain composure in first professional match
Courage: Hesitated and took eyes off the ball when presented with potential contact. With his stature, he should be less fearful than those entering his goal area.
Attitude: Positive.
Tactical: B
Knowledge: No grade.
Decision Making: Tactically, no major mistakes.
Organization/Communication: For a 19 year old rookie playing his first game, I was really impressed with how vocal Hamid was in the match. He was providing loud, clear, and simple communication. He appeared lost on a couple occassions where he may have been uncomfortable or unsure on set piece set-up.
Match Result: B
Victory/Draw/Loss: Win. First win of the season for D.C.
Shutout (1) or (0): Unfortunate goal allowed in extra time.
Significance in Result (+/-): First game as a professional is a win. First win of the season for D.C.
Uniform Kit:
Fun category that can apply a plus or minus to grade.
Style: Simple style. Acceptable.
Coordination: Coordinates entire ensamble well. Matches DC United color schem
Color: All red. Works well.
Key Moments
3 min.
CROSS. Shaky coming off the line for the first challenge of the match. Took eyes off the ball which led to the fumble.
17 min.
SAVE. Good save on point blank shot. A touch of hesitation by Hamid almost created a big problem. Well done to recover from misdecision.
20 min.
CROSS. Nice work to snag a narrow cross at near post while at it's peak.
26 min.
SAVE. Hard shot from 30 yards out punched away. Body position was erractic. His nerves appear to be elevated (understandable) but he needs to do better to control his body and the direction of his diversion (or catch the ball).
29 min.
CROSS. Came off the line a secuely captured the ball. Good communication and subsequent quick outlet throw.
33 min.
DISTRIBUTION. Goal kick.
39 min.
CORNER KICK. Parryed a corner kick out of danger
42 min.
CROSS. Amid hesitates again coming off his line and is distracted by potential contact on a cross. Lucky that the
attacker misplayed the ball as well.
45 min.
DISTRIBUTION. Ball played deep into other area from ground.
45+1 min.
SAVE. Great reaction save made possible by perfect positioning in front of goal and with his angles.
45+2 min.
COMMUNICATION. Loud, simple, clear, direction to teammates. "Keeper", "Away", Step Up". When I can hear you from the stands, you are communicating properly. However, he still appears out of his element when applying the proper team tactic to his defense… this will come with more playing time.
46 min.
SAVE. Shot from wout wide was saved at the near post. Rebound given up for subsequest corner kick.
46 min.
CORNER KICK. Good work to get to corner kick and punch away from danger. Took some contact.
48 min.
DISTRIBUTION. Punt. Great distance and weight on punt from top of own box to tope of other box.
57 min.
SAVE. Safely covered a narrow angle shot to the near post.
60 min.
CROSS. Kept concious of his location relative to the goal line on a cross. Momentem was pushing him into the box
and he did very well to not panic, keep the ball out of the goal, and not give up posession.
63 min.
COMMUNICATION. Example of communication.
73 min.
CROSS. Nicely secured ball on a low dangerous cross. Soft hands, good technique on dificult ball at chest level.
80 min.
FOOT SKILL. Good one time clearance to half field from back-pass.
85 min.
CROSS. Long cross into box. Bill comes off his line but does not challenge for ball. If the attacker got to the ball with his head, Bill was in a very vulnerable postion.
92 min.
GOAL. Unfortunate injury time goal to spoil the shutout. Very well placed by KC's Keimara. DC defense caught sleeping with 2 men open on the back post. A potential opportunity of improvement for Hamid is to stay in the game until the end and keep his defence focus and organized.
FINAL
Other Match Notes:
Youngest goalkeeper in MLS to win a game. 4 days younger than Tim Howard.
I recently participated in an interview with a blog based in the United Kingdom called 'I Luv Football' . I've listed an portio...
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