Sporting KC goalkeeper embarrassed by award nomination

Winning an individual award at the end of the season can be a highlight in a professional athlete's career. But, for Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia, it's also just a bit embarrassing.

The 29-year-old shot-stopper, who started his career as a pool goalkeeper for the league, was one of three players nominated for Major League Soccer's "Comeback Player of the Year" award, a nod given to one who succeeds despite facing adversity.

Melia doesn't buy it.

"The Comeback of the Year thing embarrasses me," Melia told reporters. "I don't know what I came back from."

Melia earned the nomination after winning the starting role this season with the club, fighting for it alongside homegrown 'keeper Jon Kempin.

While he's not quite sure why he's up for the award, Melia says he still wants to win it.

"It's an honor any time you can be nominated for a league award, obviously. It's great. I'm happy for it. I hope I win it, and I'm happy that my teammates put me in a position to be able to win an award like that. Because without the guys in front of me, goalkeepers are useless."

Melia added, "It's just more motivation than anything. It's hard when you're working out over stretches in the offseason and you're not sure how much you're going to play. So for me, it's just a bigger motivational piece that I know if I perform correctly and prepare myself in the offseason, I'm going to have a real opportunity to play week in and week out.”

Melia will find out if he's won this grand, confusing prize when the Comeback Player of the Year is announced Nov. 18.