Nick Rimando Appears In Final MLS All-Star Game
Aug 1, 2019, 10:51 AM | Updated: 10:52 am
All-Star keeper Nick Rimando (18) talks to teammates during the MLS All Star Game on July 31, 2019 at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mary Holt/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mary Holt/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. – It was his eighth appearance in the MLS All-Star game but it was also Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando’s final one.
He entered the match and finished the final 30 minutes of the game, while collecting two saves but did allow two goals as the MLS All-Stars loss to Atletico Madrid 3-0.
He received a lot of attention during the game beginning with starting goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Atlanta United interviewing Rimando on the bench as he was about to enter the match.
“I’m excited,” Rimando said. “I am trying to enjoy it, obviously it’s a good match so far but it’s unusual to go in with 30 minutes left.”
We go live to the bench for an interview with @realsaltlake's @NickRimando…courtesy of @bguzan! // #MLSAllStar Game pres. by @Target pic.twitter.com/SypasrX15P
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 1, 2019
At that point, the All-Stars were trailing 1-0 in the 52nd minute.
After the match, Rimando was interviewed by Major League Soccer about the experience in his final All-Star appearance.
“It was awesome,” Rimando stated. “To see the growth of the league in a soccer specific stadium packed liked this, to get Atletico Madrid to come here and they obviously showed their class at the end. I thought we put up a good fight. It’s a special one for me since it’s my last, I am a little bit emotional but, it’s good to be here especially with my family around.”
One last #MLSAllStarGame for the 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5m0gI58Gzr
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 1, 2019
Real Salt Lake will return to Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night to face New York City FC. The match will begin at 8 p.m. and will be streamed on KSLSports.com or the KSL TV app.
