Charlotte's Kristijan Kahlina named Goalkeeper of Year

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th November, 12:27 2024

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Nov 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina (1) reacts to the win against Orlando City at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Charlotte FC's Kristijan Kahlina was named the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Croatian led the league in save percentage (75.63) and was tied for first in shutouts (12), third in goals-against average (1.09) and tied for third in saves (121).

Kahlina played every minute of the 2024 season and helped Charlotte concede the second-fewest goals in the league (37) en route to a playoff berth. The No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte set franchise records for wins (14) and points (51).

Kahlina is the first Charlotte player to win an individual MLS year-end award. He is the fourth European to capture Goalkeeper of the Year, joining Switzerland's Roman Burki (2023), Italy's Vito Mannone (2019) and Denmark's Jimmy Nielsen (2012).

Kahlina received 34.9 percent of the votes from players, media and club technical staff. Hugo Lloris of LAFC was second at 10.7 percent and Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew was third at 9.7 percent.

--Field Level Media