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Nick Rimando
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Nick Rimando
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Nicholas Paul Rimando (born June 17, 1979) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. Having spent his entire career in Major League Soccer, he holds the records for career wins, clean sheets, saves, and overall appearances.[3][4] He also played for the United States national team.

Key Information

Youth and college

[edit]

Rimando was born in Montclair, California, and attended Montclair High School. He played two years of college soccer at UCLA. As a freshman in 1997, he tended goal as the Bruins won the College Cup; after his sophomore year, he signed a Project-40 contract with MLS.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

Miami and D.C.

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Rimando was selected 35th in the third round of the 2000 MLS SuperDraft by the Miami Fusion, and quickly took the starting position from Jeff Cassar, starting 22 games as a rookie. He started 25 games the following season, helping the Fusion to win the 2001 MLS Supporters' Shield.[6]

When the Fusion were contracted after the 2001 season, Rimando was selected third overall by D.C. United (his coach at Miami, Ray Hudson, was the new United boss) in the subsequent Allocation Draft. For DC, Rimando played in every game in 2002 and in 25 games in 2003 until he missed the end of the season with an injury. In 2004, with Hudson gone, he lost his starting job to Troy Perkins, but regained it for the stretch run, backstopping DC to the MLS Cup. In 2005, he regained his everyday starter status, but was beaten out by Perkins again in 2006, playing only two games during the whole season.

Real Salt Lake

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On December 11, 2006, Rimando was traded along with Freddy Adu to Real Salt Lake.[7] He was then traded to New York Red Bulls on February 9,[8] only to be traded back to Real Salt Lake on February 23 following the sudden retirement of the latter team's first-choice keeper Scott Garlick.[9]

Rimando was RSL's first-choice keeper during the 2007 season. His team struggled constantly and never seriously contended for a playoff berth, but Rimando led MLS with 146 saves in 27 games, including efforts against New England (13 saves in a 0–0 draw on June 2) and Toronto FC (12 saves in a 0–0 draw on September 15). His hard work was rewarded at the end of the season when he was named Real Salt Lake's 2007 Most Valuable Player.

Rimando continued as Salt Lake's first-choice keeper in 2008 and 2009. He emerged as one of the top keepers in the league, as evidenced by his MLS Player of the Month award in July 2008.[10] His strong performance between the pipes, combined with his team's much-improved defensive play, carried the team to Western Conference Final in 2008 and even further in 2009. In the Eastern Conference Final against the Chicago Fire, RSL battled to a scoreless draw after 120 minutes. Rimando made several saves in regulation and overtime, then added three saves on penalty kicks, lifting his team to a 5–4 shootout victory. In the MLS Cup championship match, Rimando again found himself facing a shootout, and again he delivered. He made three saves, leading RSL to a victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy. For his efforts, he was named MLS Cup MVP, only the second goalkeeper to earn the honor (Tony Meola accomplished the feat in 2000).

In 2010, RSL emerged as possibly the greatest defensive team in the history of Major League Soccer. With Rimando as goalkeeper, Salt Lake set an MLS record for fewest goals allowed in a single season - just 20 in 30 matches. Rimando also set club records for most shutouts in a single season (14) and longest shutout streak (568 minutes). Additionally, the team set a league record for highest goal differential (+25), but they were upset by FC Dallas in the first round of the playoffs and couldn't defend their MLS Cup title from the previous season. Despite his stellar season - one of the greatest ever by a keeper in American professional soccer - Rimando did not receive the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. Instead, it was given to Donovan Ricketts of the L.A. Galaxy, which caused some controversy around the league.[11][12]

On February 4, 2011, Rimando signed a contract extension with RSL that kept him with the club through the 2013 season.[13]

On March 3, 2013, Rimando became the 2nd MLS goalkeeper to earn 100 shutouts after a 2–0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

In December 2013, Real Salt Lake and Rimando traveled to Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas to face Sporting Kansas City for the MLS Championship Game. Rimando played well despite 10 degree temperatures. He made four major saves in the game.[14] His third save was perhaps the best. Graham Zusi shot a high half volley, but Rimando tipped it over the crossbar. The game went on to penalty kicks after a 1–1 draw. Rimando saved a penalty kick from Matt Besler, but Real Salt Lake lost in sudden death.

On August 9, 2014, playing at home against his former club, D.C. United, Rimando secured the lead in career shutouts for an MLS goalkeeper in a 3–0 win.

On March 1, 2019, Rimando announced he would be retiring following the 2019 season.[15] He played his final match on October 23, 2019, in a MLS Cup Playoffs match against Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. Rimando played with an injured left shoulder and made seven saves as Real Salt Lake lost 2–0 and were eliminated from the playoffs.[16][17] He finished his MLS career with the league record in appearances (515), wins (223), saves (1,712), and shutouts (154).[16]

International career

[edit]

Although mostly a backup to Tim Howard, Rimando played for the United States at the 1999 World Youth Championship in Nigeria. He earned his first senior team cap on November 17, 2002, against El Salvador. After that, he did not receive much attention from the national team until his outstanding play in MLS in 2009 caught the attention of U.S. coach Bob Bradley. Rimando was invited to train with the senior team in 2010 in preparation for the World Cup, although he was not selected for the tournament. He has made some international appearances since then, including a standout performance in a friendly against Panama on January 25, 2012.[18] He was consistently the third-choice keeper under former manager Jurgen Klinsmann, and was the first-choice keeper at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

On May 22, 2014, Rimando was named to the final 23-man roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.[19] The tournament was his first-ever World Cup finals roster, though he did not log any minutes in any of the USMNT's matches.

Personal life

[edit]

Rimando's father is of Filipino descent and his mother is of Mexican descent.[20] In December 2005, Rimando married his longtime girlfriend, Jacqui Little. She played for the Washington Freedom in the now-defunct WUSA and is also from California. The wedding was performed by teammate Ben Olsen in Malibu, California.[21] Rimando and Little have two children, Jett Nicholas Rimando and Benny Rose Rimando. They have since divorced.[22]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[23][24][25]
Club Season MLS MLS Cup playoffs U.S. Open Cup CONCACAF Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Miami Fusion 2000 22 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 25 0
2001 25 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 31 0
Total 47 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 56 0
D.C. United 2002 28 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 30 0
2003 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0
2004 13 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 18 0
2005 30 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 38 0
2006 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0
Total 98 0 6 0 3 0 8 0 115 0
Real Salt Lake 2007 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 0
2008 30 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 33 0
2009 26 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 30 0
2010 27 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 34 0
2011 33 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 42 0
2012 31 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 37 0
2013 27 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 34 0
2014 24 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 26 0
2015 24 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 27 0
2016 30 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 33 0
2017 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0
2018 33 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 36 0
2019 29 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 33 0
Total 369 0 27 0 5 0 20 0 421 0
Career total 514 0 39 0 11 0 28 0 592 0

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[26]
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2002 1 0
2003 2 0
2010 1 0
2011 1 0
2012 1 0
2013 6 0
2014 4 0
2015 5 0
2017 1 0
Total 22 0

Honors

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Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nick Rimando

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nicholas Paul Rimando (born June 17, 1979) is an American retired professional soccer who holds numerous (MLS) records, including most career games played (514), minutes played (46,336), saves (1,712), and shutouts (154). Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Rimando overcame his relatively short stature for a to become one of the most durable and accomplished players in MLS history, earning induction into the in 2025. Rimando began his professional career after a standout college tenure at the (UCLA), where he helped the Bruins to the 1997 NCAA championship and ranked second in program history for single-season wins (19) and career (0.67). Selected 18th overall in the 2000 by the , he spent his first two seasons there before moving to (2002–2006), where he won the 2004 . In 2007, he joined (RSL), becoming the club's longest-tenured player over 13 seasons and contributing to another title in 2009. With RSL, Rimando made 369 appearances, anchoring the defense during the team's most successful era. On the international stage, Rimando earned 22 caps for the men's national team between 2002 and 2017, recording five shutouts and serving as a backup at the . His accolades include six MLS selections (2010, 2011, 2013–2015, 2019), three MLS Save of the Year awards (2012, 2013, 2019), and being the first to reach 200 career wins in 2019. Rimando retired after the 2019 season at age 40, cementing his legacy as MLS's winningest with 223 victories.

Early life

Youth career

Nicholas Paul Rimando was born on June 17, 1979, in , where he was raised in . Influenced by his family, who encouraged participation in multiple sports, Rimando began playing soccer at the age of five, initially as a field player. He transitioned to at age 10, receiving early specialized training on angles and positioning from the father of a carpool teammate, a former hockey . Rimando developed his skills through competitive youth club soccer in , playing for teams including Upland Celtic and R.C. United. These experiences honed his abilities and exposed him to higher levels of play, contributing to his growth as a versatile athlete who also lettered in football. His early involvement in organized soccer laid the foundation for national recognition. At Montclair High School in , Rimando was a four-year varsity soccer letterman under coach Gerard Solorzano, also earning three-year letters in football as a linebacker and . As a , he recorded 10 shutouts and earned NSCAA All-American honors; his year was limited due to U.S. national team commitments, but he still received 1996 All-American and NSCAA All-Far West recognition. In his senior year, Rimando, who occasionally played as a , scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists while securing 3 shutouts, leading to his selection as California State Player of the Year, two-time all-league honors, and a spot on the 1997 Senior All-Star Team. Rimando's high school prowess, combined with his participation in U.S. youth national programs— including the U-17 team at the , the U-18 pool in 1997, and 31 appearances for the U-20s from 1998 to 1999, starting at the in where the team finished 2-2-0—positioned him for college recruitment. These showcases highlighted his potential, attracting attention from top programs like UCLA.

College career

Rimando attended the (UCLA) from 1997 to 1999, playing as the starting goalkeeper for the Bruins men's soccer team under head coach Sigi Schmid. As a in 1997, Rimando recorded 10 shutouts and a 0.49 goals-against average (GAA), earning NSCAA All-American honors while anchoring the defense for UCLA's national championship-winning team that finished 22-1-1 and claimed the title with a 2-0 victory over in the final. In his sophomore season of , he posted a 0.82 GAA with 10 shutouts, securing NSCAA second-team All-American recognition, first-team All-Far West honors, and All-Pac-10 selection as the Bruins compiled a 17-4-0 record and advanced to the NCAA tournament's second round before falling to Creighton. During his junior year in 1999, Rimando achieved an 0.67 GAA and 11 shutouts—leading the team to a 19-3-0 mark, a Pac-10 conference title, and a run to the College Cup semifinals where they lost 3-2 to eventual champion —while earning first-team All-Far West and All-Pac-10 accolades; his 19 wins that season rank second in UCLA history. Over his three seasons, Rimando finished with a career 0.67 GAA, ranking second all-time at UCLA, and decided to forgo his senior year by signing a Project-40 before being selected 35th overall in round of the 2000 MLS SuperDraft by the .

Club career

Miami Fusion and D.C. United

Nick Rimando entered through the , selected by the in the third round (35th overall) after a standout at UCLA. Initially, he served as a behind Jeff Cassar, appearing in limited action during his rookie season with just a handful of starts across regular season and playoffs. His early role involved learning the game's demands, including adapting to the physicality and pace of , while competing for consistent playing time in a squad rebuilding under coach . Rimando broke through as the Fusion's primary starter in 2000, playing 22 regular-season matches and recording 10 clean sheets while contributing to a solid defensive unit that helped the team reach the playoffs. Over his full tenure with Miami from 2000 to 2001, he made 47 appearances, conceding 70 goals and securing 8 shutouts, with his performances earning praise for reliability in high-pressure situations. In , Rimando anchored the backline during the Fusion's league-best regular-season record of 16-5-5, culminating in the MLS victory; his 1.29 goals-against average that year underscored his growing command in goal. However, challenges arose, including minor injuries that tested his durability and ongoing competition from veteran keepers, compounded by the club's sudden contraction after the 2001 season due to financial issues. Following the Fusion's disbandment, Rimando was selected third overall by D.C. United in the 2002 MLS Allocation Draft, reuniting him with Hudson as head coach. He quickly established himself as the starter, appearing in all 25 regular-season games that year and posting 10 shutouts with a 1.13 goals-against average. Across his five seasons with United (2002–2006), Rimando logged 110 appearances, allowing 142 goals while achieving 33 clean sheets, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. A pinnacle came in the 2004 playoffs, where, despite midseason injuries that briefly cost him his starting spot to backup Troy Perkins, he reclaimed the role and made two crucial penalty-kick saves—including one against Clint Dempsey—in the Eastern Conference Final shootout against the New England Revolution, propelling United to the MLS Cup. In the final, United defeated the LA Galaxy 3-2, with Rimando's steady handling contributing to the club's fourth league title. These years highlighted Rimando's resilience amid squad rotations and injury setbacks, setting the stage for his long-term MLS prominence.

Real Salt Lake

In December 2006, Nick Rimando was traded from to along with forward in exchange for a major player allocation and the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly. He quickly established himself as the club's primary starting in the 2007 season, appearing in 31 matches that year and helping RSL reach the Western Conference Finals. Rimando's tenure with , spanning 13 seasons from 2007 to 2019, marked the pinnacle of his club career and contributed significantly to the team's rise as a Western Conference contender. His standout achievement came in 2009, when he started every playoff match en route to RSL's first title, a 1-0 victory over the ; Rimando earned MVP honors for his four saves in the final, including a crucial stop on in the 84th minute. The club also secured multiple Western Conference regular-season titles during his time, including in 2012 and 2013. Individually, Rimando set enduring MLS records as a , finishing his career with 223 regular-season wins and 154 clean sheets, both league highs that underscored his consistency and shot-stopping prowess. Several milestone games highlighted Rimando's impact and longevity with RSL. On May 12, 2018, he recorded his 200th career MLS win in a 3-2 home victory over , becoming the first in league history to reach the mark with 10 saves in the match. His playoff heroics were equally notable, including key saves in the 2013 Western Conference Championship series against , where RSL advanced on penalty kicks after Rimando stopped two attempts in the . Rimando also holds the MLS record for regular-season penalty-kick saves with 59, many of which occurred during high-stakes RSL matches, such as his 2014 stop on to preserve a 1-0 win over . Over his 13 seasons, Rimando appeared in regular-season matches for RSL—more than any other player in club history—and served as team captain from 2014 onward, providing leadership during periods of transition, including the opening of Rio Tinto Stadium in 2008 and shifts in club ownership beginning in 2019. He adapted seamlessly to these changes, maintaining his starting role into his late 30s and earning six MLS selections (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019) while helping RSL make the playoffs in nine of his seasons. Rimando announced his retirement on March 1, 2019, intending to conclude his career after the 2019 season, his 20th in MLS. He officially retired at the end of 2019, having cemented his legacy as RSL's all-time leader in appearances, wins, and shutouts.

International career

Senior national team

Nick Rimando received his first call-up to the senior United States men's national team (USMNT) roster in January 2002 for a training camp in South Korea, where he served as a backup goalkeeper but did not appear in matches. He made his debut later that year on November 17, 2002, in a 2–0 friendly victory over El Salvador at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., sharing goalkeeping duties with Tim Howard. Throughout his international career, Rimando primarily operated as a backup behind established starters and , accumulating 22 caps from 2002 to 2017 with five shutouts and an overall record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws (0.78 goals-against average). His selections were consistent during the and , encompassing numerous camps, friendlies, and preparatory matches that honed his readiness for higher-stakes opportunities. In this supporting role, Rimando contributed to pre-match preparations by organizing goalkeeper sessions, pushing starters during practice, and fostering team morale through his veteran leadership and positive demeanor, which helped mentor younger players like Sean Johnson and . Rimando earned occasional starts, most notably during the , where he started five of six matches and played a pivotal role in the U.S. victory, registering two shutouts. His final international appearance came on October 10, 2017, in a 6–0 friendly win against , after which he stepped away from national team duties.

Major tournaments

Rimando's international career with the U.S. Men's National Team included significant contributions in major tournaments, particularly the and , where he often served as a reliable backup or starter during key moments. He was part of the squad in as the third-choice behind and , traveling with the team but not making any appearances during the group's three matches, which ended in a round-of-16 exit. Rimando's most extensive tournament experience came in the , where he participated in five editions from to 2013, often stepping in as starter during group stages or playoffs. In the tournament, he was a reserve on the roster but did not play as the U.S. won the title. He earned his first starts in 2005, appearing in four group and semifinal matches, recording one clean sheet, including a 4-1 win over , before being substituted in the final victory over . In 2007, Rimando started three matches, securing one shutout in a 1-0 group win over , contributing to another U.S. title. By 2011, he had become a regular, starting all six matches en route to the runner-up finish, with three clean sheets, including a 2-0 quarterfinal win over . Rimando's standout Gold Cup performance occurred in 2013, where he started five of six matches, including the final, registering two shutouts and making crucial saves, such as a double stop in the 5-1 quarterfinal win over ; the U.S. won 1-0 against in the final, securing the title. Beyond the and Gold Cup, Rimando served as a backup for the squad but did not feature in matches, with handling goalkeeping duties during the U.S. run to the final. He also made brief starts in qualifiers, including a 2013 appearance against , bolstering the team's defensive efforts during the Hexagonal. Overall, across major tournaments, Rimando logged 20 appearances with eight clean sheets and a 0.80 goals-against average, highlighted by his composure in high-pressure penalty situations and consistent shot-stopping that earned praise from coaches and teammates.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional soccer in 2019 after a distinguished career with , Nick Rimando joined the club's coaching staff in April 2021 as the goalkeeping coach for the Real Salt Lake Academy. In this position, Rimando focuses on training young goalkeepers across the academy's age groups, emphasizing technical development such as positioning, distribution, and shot-stopping fundamentals. He draws directly from his experience, including over 500 MLS appearances and all-time league records in saves and shutouts, to provide personalized mentorship that addresses each player's unique journey. Rimando's contributions have supported the 's , aiding the progression of several young goalkeepers toward senior team opportunities or college programs by fostering both skill refinement and mental resilience. For instance, his guidance has helped academy talents integrate into higher-level environments, aligning with Real Salt Lake's emphasis on homegrown development in since 2021. In March 2024, Rimando expanded his responsibilities by becoming the goalkeeping coach for Real Monarchs SLC, the club's reserve team, where he continues to mentor emerging professionals while maintaining his academy duties. As of his fifth season in these roles in 2025, Rimando prioritizes holistic player growth, viewing coaching as an opportunity to impart life lessons alongside tactical expertise gained from his playing career.

Philanthropy and media

Following his retirement from professional soccer in 2019, Nick Rimando has emerged as a prominent figure in media commentary, offering insights into (MLS) and the men's national team (USMNT). In October 2025, he appeared on the "Cooligans" podcast hosted by Yahoo Sports, where he analyzed the USMNT's recent performances and addressed the ongoing goalkeeper selection dilemma, emphasizing the competition between and Matt Turner while highlighting the decline in the U.S. "goalkeeper factory" tradition. Rimando shared anecdotes from his career, including humorous stories from the early MLS days under managers like , underscoring his perspective as a veteran with 514 regular-season appearances and 22 international caps. Rimando has actively engaged in and community events, leveraging his status as a (RSL) legend to support philanthropic causes. He participated in the RISE Charity Classic pickleball event on August 11, 2025, at Second Summit Hardball in , where attendees could interact with him for autographs and stories alongside fellow RSL alum Taylor Peay, with proceeds benefiting youth soccer access. These appearances align with his commitment to inspiring the next generation, often drawing on his experiences to promote soccer's role in personal development. In business, Rimando has deepened his ties to the Utah community through investments and leadership roles that reflect his post-retirement focus on local excellence. He holds stakes in several establishments, including Beer Bar, Bar X, Eating Establishment diner, and The Cotton Bottom restaurant, contributing to the city's vibrant hospitality scene. Additionally, as a board member of the RISE Athletics Foundation—a nonprofit founded by Peay in 2021 to expand soccer opportunities for underserved Utah youth—Rimando helps secure partnerships and fund initiatives ensuring every child can play the sport. His involvement positions him as a symbol of the Wasatch Front's business and philanthropic landscape, as noted during his 2025 induction into the . Rimando's career has been profiled in various media features that capture his journey and impact. The 2014 U.S. Soccer video series "One Nation. One Team. 23 Stories" dedicated a segment to him, exploring his family influences and rise as a for RSL and the USMNT ahead of the . More recently, post-retirement interviews, such as a 2020 New York Times Athletic piece revealing his penalty-saving techniques, and a 2025 ABC4 profile on his RSL legacy, have highlighted his enduring influence on American soccer.

Personal life

Family

Rimando was married to Jacqui Little from December 2005 until their divorce in the mid-2010s. Little, a former professional soccer player from who competed for the Washington Freedom in the (WUSA), shares a long-term partnership with Rimando that dates back to their youth. Rimando and his former wife have two children: son Jett Nicholas Rimando and daughter Benny Rose Rimando. In a 2014 interview ahead of the , Rimando discussed the joys and challenges of fatherhood, highlighting how his children motivate him both on and off the field. Throughout his career, Rimando's family provided essential support during key transitions, including relocations to Washington, D.C., for his time with D.C. United and to Salt Lake City upon joining Real Salt Lake in 2007, where they eventually settled and raised their children. As of 2025, Rimando lives with his children and partner Randi Petersen.

Community involvement

Since joining Real Salt Lake in 2007, Nick Rimando has resided in Salt Lake City, where he and his family settled in the Harvard/Yale neighborhood, fostering deep ties to the Wasatch Front community. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in local business and philanthropy circles, symbolizing excellence and commitment to Utah's sports culture. Rimando's philanthropic efforts center on expanding access to youth soccer through his role on the board of the RISE Athletics Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2021 to promote inclusive athletic opportunities in underserved communities. As a board member since at least 2024, he has actively supported initiatives like funding courts and community programs to engage more children in the sport, emphasizing accessibility over elite competition. His local involvement includes his 2021 induction into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, where he was honored as the first professional soccer player enshrined, highlighting his contributions to the state's athletic landscape. Rimando has also participated in community events, such as the 2025 grand opening of the Central Ninth Court in , promoting recreational soccer for all ages. On a broader scale, Rimando engaged in MLS community outreach during the 2021 All-Star Week in , attending the MLS WORKS Day of Service event where participants packed 1,500 lunches to address food insecurity in the area. This participation underscored his ongoing dedication to leveraging his platform for social good beyond .

Career statistics

Club

Nick Rimando's club career in spanned 20 seasons, during which he established numerous league records as a . Across 514 regular-season appearances, he recorded 223 wins, 154 shutouts, 1,712 saves, and saved 59 penalty kicks in non-shootout situations. He conceded 629 goals overall.

Miami Fusion (2000–2001)

Rimando began his professional career with the after being selected in the . He became the starter in 2000 and 2001, appearing in 47 regular-season matches and recording 25 wins and 7 shutouts. In 2001, he set Fusion records with 15 wins and 5 shutouts in 25 starts, posting a 1.29 goals-against average.
SeasonClubAppearancesGoals ConcededClean Sheets
200022412
200125335
Total47747

D.C. United (2002–2006)

Acquired by via the 2002 MLS , Rimando became the primary , making 98 regular-season appearances over five seasons. He contributed to the 2004 victory and set club records, including 14 in 2004 and a 568-minute shutout streak. His record with D.C. included 41 wins and 29 shutouts.
SeasonClubAppearancesGoals ConcededClean Sheets
200228407
200325297
200413134
2005303511
2006240
Total9812129

(2007–2019)

Traded to in December 2006, Rimando spent the remainder of his career with the club, making 369 regular-season appearances—the most by any player in RSL history. He anchored the defense to the 2009 title, earning MVP honors with three penalty saves in the final, and set league records including 181 career wins during his tenure. With RSL, he achieved 157 wins, 118 shutouts, and over 1,200 saves.
SeasonClubAppearancesGoals ConcededClean Sheets
200727377
200830398
200926299
2010271814
2011333613
2012313312
201327289
201424257
201524248
201630406
201728338
201833577
2019293510
Total369434118
Rimando's penalty-saving prowess was a hallmark of his career, with all 59 saves occurring in league play across his clubs, contributing to his reputation as one of the best in moments. No comprehensive league-wide data on distribution accuracy is publicly aggregated, though his command of the and shot-stopping were consistently praised.

Playoff Statistics

Rimando appeared in 39 MLS Cup Playoff matches, recording 13 shutouts and contributing to two championship wins (2004 with and 2009 with ). His playoff record included 15 wins, with notable performances like the 2009 final where he saved three penalties.
ClubAppearancesWinsLossesDrawsGoals ConcededClean Sheets
633092
631292
279126379
Total39151685513

International

Rimando earned 22 caps for the senior men's national team from 2002 to 2017, all in the position. His international appearances spanned friendlies, qualifiers, and tournaments, during which he maintained a career of 0.78 and recorded 5 shutouts. Rimando was named to the U.S. squads for the and FIFA World Cups but did not appear in any matches at either tournament. In play across multiple editions, he logged 6 appearances with 3 shutouts, including key contributions during the championship run where the U.S. defeated 1–0 in the final. His performances in friendlies and qualifiers highlighted reliability, such as 3 saves in the 0–0 draw against in 2017 and several penalty stops in high-stakes non-competitive fixtures like the 2–0 win over in 2015. The following table summarizes Rimando's year-by-year senior international statistics:
YearCapsMinutes PlayedClean Sheets
20021450
200321351
20101900
20111900
20121900
201365403
201443601
201554500
20171900
Total221,8905

Honors

Club achievements

During his tenure with the from 2000 to 2001, Rimando played a key role in the team's defensive success, helping secure the 2001 with a regular-season record of 16 wins, 5 losses, and 5 draws, while posting a 1.29 goals-against average across 25 appearances. Rimando joined in 2002 following the Fusion's dissolution and contributed to two major club honors. In 2004, he regained the starting position late in the season and anchored the defense during the playoff run, recording three shutouts in United's final six regular-season matches—including a 274-minute scoreless streak—and making two crucial penalty-kick saves in the Eastern Conference Final against the to advance to the final, where United defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3-2. In 2006, Rimando was part of the squad that clinched the for the league's best regular-season record, appearing in two matches during the campaign. Acquired by ahead of the 2007 season, Rimando became the club's long-term starter and helped lead multiple deep playoff runs over his 13-year stint, including conference finals appearances in 2010 and 2011 as well as first-round series wins in 2013 and 2017. His most prominent club achievement with RSL came in 2009, when the team won the after defeating the 5-4 in a ; Rimando made two saves in the shootout and earned MVP honors for his four-match playoff performance, which included a 2-0-2 record, 0.64 goals-against average, and two shutouts.

International achievements

Rimando contributed to the United States men's national team's (USMNT) success in the , serving as the starting goalkeeper in five of six matches, including the 1-0 final victory over on July 28 at in . The triumph marked the USMNT's sixth Gold Cup title and qualified the team for the . As a reserve goalkeeper, Rimando was part of the USMNT squad at the in , where the team advanced out of the group stage with results including a 2-1 win over , a 2-2 draw with , and a 1-0 loss to before a 2-1 round-of-16 defeat to .

Individual recognitions

During his MLS career, Nick Rimando earned eight selections to the MLS team, appearing in the matches from 2010 through 2016 consecutively and again in 2019. He also received the MLS Save of the Year award three times, in 2012 for a reaction save against Sporting City's Kei , in 2013 for a diving stop on ' Diego , and in 2019 for a double save against the . Additionally, Rimando won MLS Save of the Week honors on multiple occasions, including in 2014 for a one-handed goal-line clearance against the and in 2015 for a stop on the Houston Dynamo's Will . Rimando holds several MLS records for goalkeepers, including the most regular-season appearances with 514, most minutes played with 46,336, most wins with 223, most saves with 1,712, and most shutouts with 154. These achievements underscore his longevity and consistency over 20 seasons in the league. Following his retirement in 2019, Rimando's contributions were honored with induction into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. He was elected to the as part of the class of 2025, announced on December 3, 2024, with the induction ceremony held on May 3, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in . In recognition of his tenure with , Rimando's name and number were added to the on June 14, 2025, during a home match against . Rimando has been widely acclaimed in media as one of the greatest goalkeepers in MLS history, with fans voting him the all-time best in a 2016 MLSsoccer.com bracket tournament and former colleague Tim Howard describing him as the league's top goalkeeper in 2016.

References

  1. https://uclabruins.com/sports/2013/4/17/208193268.aspx
  2. https://www.nationalsoccerhof.com/players/nick-rimando.html
  3. https://www.nationalsoccerhof.com/news/2024/12/nick-rimando-elected-to-hall-of-fame.html
  4. https://www.statscrew.com/soccer/stats/p-rimannic001
  5. https://uclabruins.com/news/2024/12/3/mens-soccer-nick-rimando-inducted-into-national-soccer-hall-of-fame
  6. https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/national-soccer-hall-of-fame-biographies/national-soccer-hall-of-fame-player-biographies/nick-rimando/
  7. https://www.rsl.com/players/nick-rimando/
  8. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-legend-nick-rimando-to-be-inducted-as-part-of-2025-class-for-national-soccer-hall-of-fame
  9. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/05/class-of-2025-enters-national-soccer-hall-of-fame
  10. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/nick-rimando/
  11. https://rimandogk.com/meet-nick
  12. https://ussoccerplayers.com/player/rimando-nick
  13. https://www.ncaa.com/history/soccer-men/d1
  14. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-30-sp-49242-story.html
  15. http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/champs_records_book/1999-00/m_soccer.pdf
  16. https://www.rsl.com/news/rimando-named-pac-12-all-century-team
  17. https://www.espn.com/soccer/s/2001/0327/1163031.html
  18. https://fbref.com/en/players/cf975d73/Nick-Rimando
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.us/nick-rimando/leistungsdaten/spieler/39434
  20. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2017/03/04/1998-2001-miami-fusion/
  21. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/01/12/united-acquires-rimando-in-draft/fd6d5519-9035-4fe8-b6d8-8a4305795c87/
  22. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nick-rimando-best-penalty-kick-stopper-mls-history
  23. https://www.dcunited.com/news/dc-united-honor-2004-championship-team
  24. https://fan-insider.com/a-soccer-legend-an-ode-to-nick-rimando/
  25. https://www.ksl.com/article/923649/real-salt-lake-re-acquires-gk-nick-rimando
  26. https://www.sltrib.com/ci_4823876
  27. https://www.rsl.com/news/conceptualizing-nick-rimandos-incredible-career
  28. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nick-rimando-hopes-hold-retirement-against-sounders-audi-mls-cup-playoffs
  29. https://www.transfermarkt.us/nick-rimando/erfolge/spieler/39434
  30. https://www.si.com/soccer/the-15-best-mls-players-of-all-time-ranked
  31. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-tops-dc-united-3-2-nick-rimandos-200th-win
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2253007/2020/12/10/nick-rimando-penalty-secret/
  33. https://www.rsl.com/news/recap-rsl-1-0-la-galaxy
  34. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-legend-nick-rimando-added-to-america-first-field-ring-of-honor-saturday-v-d-c-united
  35. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lakes-nick-rimando-retire-after-2019
  36. https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/usnt-results/usmnt-results/usmnt-results-2000-2004/
  37. https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/usmnt/usmnt-unique-numbers
  38. https://www.ussoccer.com/usmnt-stats/2017
  39. https://www.si.com/soccer/2014/04/01/nick-rimando-usa-world-cup-real-salt-lake-usmnt
  40. https://www.rsl.com/news/nick-rimando-back-and-ready-pick-where-he-left-2014
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEE03YjLhrY
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/29/sports/soccer/player-ratings-us-1-vs-panama-o.html
  43. https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/10/13/nick-rimando-usa-mexico-concacaf-cup-jurgen-klinsmann-pks
  44. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-academy-announces-coaching-staff
  45. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lake-legend-nick-rimando-returns-to-club-as-academy-coach
  46. https://kslsports.com/mls/real-salt-lake/real-salt-lake-great-nick-rimando-rejoins-club-as-academy-coach/457974
  47. https://www.rsl.com/news/nick-rimando-elucidating-greatness
  48. https://www.rsl.com/monarchs/news/real-monarchs-announce-goalkeeper-coach
  49. https://townlift.com/2025/06/real-salt-lake-goalkeeper-nick-rimando-added-to-soccer-stadiums-ring-of-honor/
  50. https://sports.yahoo.com/video/nick-rimando-on-usmnts-top-keeper-freese-may-be-no-1-but-dont-count-out-turner-221904623.html
  51. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQIeNz2DHLH/
  52. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMxx9i9u08c/
  53. https://www.facebook.com/officialussoccer/posts/congratulations-to-chris-armas-and-nick-rimando-who-will-be-inducted-today-as-me/1073664624790705/
  54. https://www.riseathleticsfoundation.org/about
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aJa-0zp9cA
  56. https://www.abc4.com/sports/local-sports/nick-rimando-real-salt-lake-ring-honor/
  57. https://vault.si.com/vault/2009/11/30/the-real-deal
  58. https://www.deseret.com/2019/9/27/20886237/real-salt-lakes-nick-rimando-reflects-on-lengthy-mls-career-as-he-prepares-for-final-home-match/
  59. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/rsl-goalkeeper-nick-rimando-shows-how-hes-livin
  60. https://www.utahstyleanddesign.com/rimando-for-the-save/
  61. https://www.facebook.com/officialussoccer/posts/happy-birthday-to-former-usmnt-keeper-and-2025-national-soccer-hall-of-fame-indu/1107315034758997/
  62. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2024/07/07/utah-city-learned-soccer/
  63. https://www.fox13now.com/good-day-utah/how-a-salt-lake-soccer-legend-is-helping-get-more-kids-involved-in-the-sport
  64. https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/9/20/22680294/nick-rimando-haloti-ngata-among-inductees-honored-at-2021-utah-sports-hall-of-fame-induction
  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPXdTHwDcWA/
  66. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2021-all-star-week-kicks-off-with-mls-works-day-of-service-pres-by-wells-fargo
  67. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/community-outreach-events-during-mls-all-star-week
  68. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nick-rimando-sets-mls-all-time-record-181-wins
  69. https://kslsports.com/mls/real-salt-lake/nick-rimando/550021
  70. https://www.transfermarkt.us/nick-rimando/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/39434/wettbewerb/POUS
  71. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/02/mnt-by-the-numbers-2017-january-camp
  72. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/06/usa-records-win-for-the-history-books-with-4-3-victory-against-netherlands
  73. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lakes-long-and-storied-playoff-history
  74. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/galaxy-downed-pks-mls-cup-09
  75. https://www.rsl.com/news/nick-rimando-earns-seventh-consecutive-all-star-selection
  76. https://kslsports.com/mls/real-salt-lake/rsl-gk-nick-rimando-earns-eighth-mls-all-star-selection/412080
  77. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/rsl-s-rimando-wins-2012-mls-save-of-the-year-227250
  78. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lakes-nick-rimando-wins-second-straight-save-year-award
  79. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nick-rimando-wins-mls-save-of-the-year-presented-by-allstate-400129
  80. https://www.rsl.com/news/rimando-wins-mls-save-week
  81. https://sbisoccer.com/2015/09/sbi-mls-save-the-week-nick-rimando
  82. https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/9/20/22680294/nick-rimando-haloti-ngata-among-inductees-honored-at-2021-utah-sports-hall-of-fame-induction/
  83. https://www.nationalsoccerhof.com/news/2024/12/national-soccer-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025.html
  84. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nick-rimando-real-salt-lake-wins-all-time-best-mls-goalkeeper-bracket
  85. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37485978/tim-howard-calls-nick-rimando-greatest-goalkeeper-mls-history
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