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The Revs should be thankful they've held on to Matt Reis. (CHRIS ADUAMA/ aduama.com) |
Friedel was a pioneer for American goalkeepers and he blazed a trail for many American Goalkeepers to follow into European Football. His excellent handling and stunning shot-stopping abilities have made him one of the most respected ‘keepers in the league. Many followed in his footsteps.
Keller was there from the start with Friedel, and although his time in the Premiership has not been as successful as Friedel's, he has had a very successful career and currently has been trusted with protecting Fulham’s goal in its fight to avoid relegation. Manchester United paid $4 million pounds to secure the services of Tim Howard, and although his stay with the Red Devils was brief, his is now flourishing as Everton’s first choice goalkeeper.
With Marcus Hahnemann between the posts for Reading, four of the 20 teams in the English Premier League have an American as their number one option. That’s 20 percent (and yes, I did that calculation all on my own). Aston Villa reportedly offered $4 million for Brad Guzan of Chivas USA, and if they were to secure him, it would have pegged the percentage at 25 percent. When you consider that only one other country has more representation in the EPL goalkeeping fraternity - England has six goalkeepers, but hey it is their league! - American goalkeepers are now an integral part of the league.
More and more clubs from England (inside and outside of the Premiership) and across Europe are now casting their eyes towards Major League Soccer to find the next top goalkeeper. Top Norwegian side Valerenga snapped up Troy Perkins from D.C. United and up-and-coming London team Queens Park Ranges, whose owners have a ton of money to spend, opted to sign Matt Pickens from Chicago as their No. 1.
At a time when American ‘keepers are in vogue, it makes it all the more startling that the New England Revolution’s Matt Reis has so far evaded capture. Reis has arguably been Major League Soccer’s best goalkeeper for the past three or four seasons. His team has qualified for three straight MLS Cup Championship games during his tenure, thanks in no small part to his performances.
He recently set the record for the most consecutive minutes played in Major League Soccer history and has not missed a league start (regular season and playoffs) in more than 80 games now. He is the league leader in playoffs goals against average among active players. He has recorded more clean sheets since 2005 than any other ‘keeper in the league. He has a remarkable record of saving penalties and even stepped up to score a penalty in a playoff shootout.
Despite this sparkling resume, Reis continues to go unnoticed by those scouting talent. Reis had a better goals-against average and more clean sheets than Perkins, yet it was the former D.C. stopper who ended up overseas.
A brilliant shot-stopper and a commanding presence in his penalty area, Reis has no apparent weakness in his game. He also has excellent leadership abilities and has captained the team on several occasions in the past. I have no doubt that he could succeed at the highest levels of the world’s game.
For now, however, I am pleased to say that Reis is still the Revolution’s No. 1 and as the clock continues to tick on his career, the window of opportunity would appear to be closing for the stopper from Southern California. Reis recently turned 33 and, although goalkeepers routinely play into their late 30s, it appears the ship has sailed to Europe without picking him up.
Europe’s loss is definitely the Revolution’s gain. The Revolution’s net will stay very safe for many years to come in the gifted hands of Mr. Matt Reis.
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