Nick Rimando set to retire at the end of the 2019 MLS season

Nick Rimando announced on social media today that he plans to retire at the end of the 2019 MLS season.

Rimando has been in Major League Soccer for 20 seasons and has been Real Salt Lake’s number 1 since joining the club from DC United in 2007 in a deal that also brought Freddy Adu to Utah. The 39 year old goal keeper holds MLS records for most minutes played, career shutouts, wins, saves, and appearances. He is also a five time MLS All-Star, MLS Cup MVP in 2009, and MLS Save Of The Year in 2012 and 2013. Shockingly, Rimando has never won MLS Goal Keeper of the Year, despite having been the best keeper over league history.

Rimando first got his start when he was drafted by Miami Fusion in 2000, where he spent two seasons totaling 47 appearances and one MLS Supporters’ Shield (2001). He eventually won the starting spot from Jeff Cassar, who would later go on to be RSL’s goal keeper coach then head coach. Rimando went to DC United for five seasons and won MLS Cup with them in 2004.

Real Salt Lake was struggling in 2007, and while Rimando was a good keeper, it was not a great year for the team. In 2009, Rimando has an incredible performance in the MLS Cup Final against the LA Galaxy. His contribution in that game is what allowed RSL to win the cup. Since joining Real, Nick has racked up a staggering 340 appearances and 108 shutouts, leading the team in both categories. The next highest shutout leading for RSL is Jeff Attinella with 5, so it’s unlikely anyone overtakes Nick’s record any time soon.

Rimando has also 22 caps for the USMNT and was often the third choice keeper, behind Tim Howard and Brad Guzan. He went to the 2014 World Cup.

It’s hard to imagine Real Salt Lake without Nick Rimando. The man has been so constantly good in goal for so many years that the club is now faced with the difficult task of replacing him. After the abrupt end to Javier Morales’ time with the club, it’s good to know the fanbase has a whole season to celebrate Rimando and all his contributions to the team. It is the end of an era and we have one last season to enjoy the Wall of the Wasatch.