The 2018 MLS season has been one of historic milestones for the Real Salt Lake organization. Everything from the grand opening of the Zions Bank Real Academy in Herriman, Utah, to head coach Mike Petke’s first pre-season with the boys, to starting a new NWSL team, has separated the club from any other organization in Major League Soccer. Today, May 12, was no different in their historic timeline, with goal keeping legend Nick Rimando reaching his 200th regular season overall win against D.C. United, at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Having started all 462 games played in the MLS – more than any other goal keeper in the league – “The Wall of the Wasatch” continues to find success between the pipes, recording 71 saves last season. Tonight, the five-time MLS All-star defeated the D.C. team 3-2, making six saves in front of 16,961 fans.
Some of Rimando’s other accolades include playing with team USA in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and winning the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Championships. He was an integral part of the 2009 Real Salt Lake MLS cup team -- making key penalty kick saves to take home the trophy – and was awarded the league cup MVP that same year. Rimando is a five-time MLS All-star, playing in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 All-Star games; and won the ‘MLS Save of the Year’ for two consecutive years (2012, 2013).
Although his soccer legacy continues to grow richer, Rimando has also played a significant role in the Salt Lake City community off of the pitch, investing in local business, non-profit work, and spending time with the fans outside of the RioT. His impact on the community has left a lasting impression, influencing hundreds from all backgrounds and cultures. Moments before registering his 200th win, we took a look at some of the people who have been inspired by the Nick Rimando legacy.
What the fans have to say:
“I don’t know if there are words to describe what Nick Rimando means to us – I mean, he is the face of this team. You can’t associate anybody with Real Salt Lake as much as you can with Nick Rimando. When you think of Real Salt Lake, you think of Nick.”
-RioT Brigade Supporter (Section 10)
“The best Nick Rimando moment was when we went to the MLS cup finals and he could not be stopped! He was so awesome. I remember sitting in my living room to watch it, and cheering the whole time, because he just kept blocking shots again and again. That is the best memory I will have of the ‘Wall of the Wasatch.’ I don’t want him to ever retire, but when does, the club needs to put his name up on the stadium next to Jason Kreis. He needs to be up there. He needs to have a statue out in front of the stadium. The league needs to name the goalkeeper of the year award after him, and actually give it to him”
-Robb Mitchell (Section 1)
“My favorite Nick Rimando moment is when L.A. Galaxy brought Steven Gerrard out here, and Rimando stuffed him!”
-Becca Pfeiffer, RCB Supporter (section 9)
“Something that meant a lot to me is when Rimando invited us to go to his house to watch the Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight. A bunch of us Salt City United kids went over to his house to hang with him and Robby Russell, Tony Beltran, and Nat Borchers. It was really cool of him, and I will always remember it.”
-Salt City Supporter
“I really love Nick Rimando because he is inspiring for my children. They have grown up watching him and know his story – they know how he started and was going to get cut – but he has become the star that he is now. And so, my son looks up to him because he is inspired by his growth and success.”
–Lisa Watkins (Section 30)
“Nick Rimando is one of the nicest players I have ever met. He’s a great person and a great keeper.”
-RioT Brigade Supporter
“To be honest, I was not initially a big Nick Rimando fan because I like big, tall keepers – but he won me over. I don’t think I could have asked for a better keeper; he’s one of the best ever in the game. My favorite moment was in the finals and his stop that helped us get the win in 2009. He’s like a PK master. I’ve been a season ticket holder since RSL was playing games at Rice Eccles -- and we actually got thrown out of a few games -- but he has won me over and is one of the best.”
-Troy Anderson (Section 1)
“Nick Rimando is our staple. And he’s even got his own beer line!”
–Steve First (Section 26)
“One of the best memories I have is in Seattle, after Robby Russell converted on his penalty kick to win the MLS cup, and of the epic picture of Rimando holding up the MLS cup. After, we went to the team hotel to celebrate, and he came out to be with us and drink some beers. I have very vivid memories of Nick and Kyle Beckerman coming out to spend time with us – they didn’t feel that they were too good for the fans. They wanted to celebrate with us. It meant a lot.”
-Thomas Walker (Section 26)
“Nick Rimando deserves better from the league…He’s a hero to this city, to the team, and to the organization. I wish him well with whatever he does in the future.”
-James McFadden (Section 9)
“My favorite Nick Rimando memory was when he was riding in that little, bike taxi in Denver. He came out to that bar with us after the game. It was awesome! He invited us to go eat with him at the Yard House!”
-Salt City Supporter
“Rimando has had so many good moments that I don’t even know how to narrow down my favorite one. Congratulations to Nick on 200 wins. Not a lot of people are going to hit that mark. So, thanks for doing that for us. We love you.”
- Nic Osterhout (Section 9)
“Nick Rimando comes to our Christmas parties. He’s always helped us out. He’s always been so awesome. He’s always been there to make a donation too, every year. Like every year he donates his boots, and we do a fundraiser for kids. We put the money towards charity.”
-Salt City Supporter
“I have a good friend of mine whose son, Ian, is a goal keeper in Orlando, and he is itty bitty – short, and stocky. He’s an amazing kid, and an amazing goalie – he was actually in the Orlando training academy, but he said ‘Forget it. I like Rimando better. He has proven that you can do it when you’re my size.’ So, my favorite Rimando memory is when I told Nick that story, he signed a scarf to send to Ian for me.”
- Poppins (RCB, Section 9)
“My favorite Nick Rimando memory was his penalty kick save against Robby Keen. Keen thought that he had already scored and getting blocked was the greatest reaction ever.”
-RioT brigade (Section 10)
“Nick Rimando is the glue that holds everything together. He is definitely one of the best goalies in the league. There have been so many games that he has kept us in, and we have later gone on to win.”
-Russ Kimser (Section 20)
“The best Rimando moment was his save against the Chicago Fire game in the eastern conference final. All of his saves in the MLS playoffs have been huge – especially in 2009 – nothing tops that.”
-RioT Brigade (Section 10)
“Nick Rimando is such an inspiring person – his life and career encourages me to shoot for the stars. Rimando actually inspired me to become a goal keeper, and now I am a keeper in college.”
–Brianna Watkins (Section 30)
“Nick Rimando is a god. He runs this place. He is the man!”
-RioT Brigade Supporter (Section 10)
“Nick Rimando is the best! Especially last year when he took the deflection to the face, and it hurt so bad, but he never gave up on the play. He stood right up and played until the ball went out of bounds. They need to name the goalkeeper of the year award after him because he has every record.
–Jared Roseman (Section 37)
“Nick Rimando is such an inspiring person – his life and career encourages me to shoot for the stars. Rimando actually inspired me to become a goal keeper, and know I am a keeper in college.”
–Brianna Watkins (Section 30)
Head coach Mike Petke on Rimando’s 200th Win:
“This is not just a special night for Nick, but for all of us in the locker room—the players, the staff—Nick represents this organization well, along with guys like Kyle Beckerman, and Tony Beltran. Any time that he can be recognized like this is phenomenal.”
Long-time friend, former teammate, and D.C. United Head Coach, Ben Olsen, on Rimando’s 200th win:
“He’s an unbelievable competitor and a dear friend. I am very happy that he’s the guy that is breaking records. I’m not happy that every time I’m here, there’s some record for him to break.”
