Legendary Goalkeeper Rimando Will Play Final Regular Season Home Game
Sep 27, 2019, 3:35 PM | Updated: 3:46 pm
(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Rimando will go down as the best goalkeeper in Major League Soccer history following the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Rimando has broken every goalkeeping record there is while playing 355 games for the Claret and Cobalt. However, on Sunday, Rimando will run out of the Rio Tinto Stadium tunnel one last time to put on a show for the fans that have followed his every move.
End Of An Era
On March 1, 2019, Rimando announced that the 2019 season, his 20th professional season, will be his last.
It's good to be back 👍 pic.twitter.com/g96HTaIDWO
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 26, 2019
His career has been filled with success, most notably, winning the 2009 MLS Cup and bringing Utah its first professional championship.
What makes Rimando’s career special, is that no one thought it was ever possible. Standing at just five feet and nine inches, Rimando is drastically smaller than the stereotypical goalkeeper. Which makes the story that much more compelling. Rimando is the ultimate underdog and has forever been driven to prove his doubters wrong.
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This Sunday, against the Houston Dynamo, will be a celebration and commemoration. Tears will be shed and the “Nick Rimando” chants will be prevalent. Rimando’s name will go down in club history as the greatest goalkeeper to ever don the Claret and Cobalt.
If you’re weighing up your options and trying to decide whether or not to attend the game against Houston, do yourself, RSL and Rimando a favor. Show up one last time for the Wall Of The Wasatch.
This many home games left: 🐐🐐
Don't miss tonight.🎟️| https://t.co/yfPs80odKe pic.twitter.com/t68v1ASLmG
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 25, 2019
Rimando spoke to the media during a press conference on Friday, September 27 and reflected on his career.
The goalkeeper listed the 2009 MLS Cup, the World Cup, and the longevity of his career as highlights from his 20 seasons.
"The World Cup stands out for sure. But I think more than anything, the longevity of my career. I really take pride in that." – @NickRimando on highlights of his career. #RSL
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 27, 2019
Rimando was asked what his plans were for the future and he said that he wanted to “sit back and reflect a little bit.” He also expressed a desire to remain involved with soccer.
"Sit back and reflect a little bit. Stay involved in the game somehow." – @NickRimando on his plans for the future. #RSL
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 27, 2019
Rimando By The Numbers
Rimando holds multiple MLS and club records. Below is a list of just a handful of them:
- In May of 2017, Rimando surpassed Kevin Hartman for the all-time saves record.
- In August on 2016, Rimando set the MLS all-time record with 181 wins.
- In August of 2014, Rimando broke the MLS all-time shut-out record of 113.
- Rimando also holds records for most minutes played and most starts in league history.
The records will not be broken for a very, very long time. Rimando’s career and the success he has brought Salt Lake City will eventually land him in the National Soccer Hall Of Fame and boy does he deserve it.
"I hope they remember by name forever" – Nick Rimando on @realsaltlake fans
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 27, 2019
Game Info
Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL currently sit in 5th position in the Western Conference on 47 points, while the Dynamo sit in 10th on 37 points.
You can stream the game for free on KSLSports.com or the KSL TV app, which you can download here: ksltv.com/app.