Red Bulls' Luis Robles wins 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
Like many of his MLS counterparts, New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles has faced a flurry of shots from an influx of star attacking players this season. In the end, though, his efforts between the posts have been rewarded with the 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Robles won the award - as voted by players, coaches, and media - by beating out the Vancouver Whitecaps' David Ousted and D.C. United's Bill Hamid.
(Courtesy: @NewYorkRedBulls)
"Literally, the first thing he said to me was, 'well, we have the big award yet to go after,'" head coach Jesse Marsch told Robles and his teammates during a video session. "We're all proud of you, and it's more than deserved, but the fact that, even in a moment where he gets honored individually and his first comment is 'we're going after MLS Cup,' that also is a big part of our identity and your identity.
"We are proud of you and it'll be worth a lot more once we lift the cup."
The 31-year-old featured in every 2015 regular-season match for the Red Bulls, winning 18 to lead MLS. He recorded 86 saves and nine shutouts with a 1.26 goals against average, numbers that reflect a solid defensive effort from the Red Bulls.
Such was Robles' influence that the Red Bulls allowed the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, with just 43 against the team. He credited his back four with the accolade, too.
"Thank you, thank you, obviously I couldn't do it without you guys, from a defensive standpoint," Robles told teammates. "It's great to get honoured as an individual but I know, working with you guys, that I couldn't do it without you. Hopefully this isn't the only award that gets handed out! Thank you again guys."
He also set franchise records for career regular-season wins with 50, as well as career shutouts, with 28. He also leads his team in winning percentage at .594 and has the best goals against average, too, at 1.29.
Having won the MLS Supporters' Shield this season, Robles will be looking to add to his trophy haul as the Red Bulls take on the Columbus Crew on Sunday in the first leg of the Eastern Conference final in the MLS playoffs.