Dayne St. Clair strengthened his position as a top Canadian goalkeeper by winning the prestigious MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Minnesota United goalkeeper surpassed competitors Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in voting conducted by MLS clubs’ technical staff, players, and select media.
Securing 29.4% of the total vote, St. Clair outperformed Freese (17.32%) and Takaoka (15.49%). Notably, St. Clair dominated the media vote with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led in the player vote, both receiving 20.37% compared to St. Clair’s 18.52%. In the club voting, Freese garnered 25.93%, slightly ahead of St. Clair’s 22.22% and Takaoka’s 14.81%.
Expressing his gratitude, St. Clair acknowledged this season as his most consistent and best yet but emphasized that he believes there is still room for improvement. This recognition adds to his accolades after being selected for the MLS all-star team.
Hailing from Pickering, Ontario, the 28-year-old joins Pat Onstad as the only Canadian to clinch the MLS goalkeeper award. Looking ahead, St. Clair eyes a potential role in the Canadian squad for the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing the significance of his performance in the ongoing season.
Amidst a successful season, St. Clair’s statistics reflect his prowess, with notable achievements such as a high number of saves (113), clean sheets (10), and wins (15). His exceptional performance contributed to Minnesota United’s record-breaking season, setting new highs in wins, points, and defensive prowess.
As he continues to impress on the field, St. Clair’s journey from a youth player to a seasoned goalkeeper serves as inspiration, highlighting his dedication and talent in the sport.