Dayne St. Clair reinforced his position as a top contender for Canada’s top goalkeeper spot by winning the prestigious MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award on Monday. The Minnesota United goalkeeper triumphed over competitors Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in voting conducted by MLS clubs’ technical staff, first-team players, and select media members.
St. Clair secured 29.4% of the total vote, surpassing Freese at 17.32% and Takaoka at 15.49%. Notably, he dominated the media vote with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led the player vote with 20.37% each. Moreover, Freese received the most club votes at 25.93%.
Expressing his gratitude, St. Clair acknowledged this year as his most consistent and best yet, emphasizing his continuous pursuit of improvement. This accolade adds to his achievements, having previously been selected for the MLS all-star team this season.
Hailing from Pickering, Ont., the 28-year-old becomes only the second Canadian to clinch the MLS goalkeeper award, following in the footsteps of Pat Onstad, who won in 2003 and 2005. Notably, Maxime Crepeau and Greg Sutton also made notable finishes in past years’ voting.
Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup, St. Clair remains focused on contributing to the national team’s success. Excited about the prospect of a home World Cup and the unique opportunity it presents, he aims to play a significant role in the team’s journey.
Having earned 17 caps for Canada with an impressive record of eight clean sheets, St. Clair continues to make strides in his career. As the Canadian men’s team concludes their 2025 schedule, St. Clair gears up for the playoffs with Minnesota United, demonstrating his prowess as a key player in the team’s defensive strategy.
Recognized for his outstanding performance this season, St. Clair excelled as a crucial component of Minnesota’s defense, contributing to the team’s record-setting achievements. With a stellar season marked by notable statistics, including high save percentages and shutouts, St. Clair’s impact on the field has been undeniable.
Minnesota United’s successful campaign, culminating in multiple franchise records and a strong playoff run, underscores St. Clair’s instrumental role in the team’s achievements. As the second player from the club to receive the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honor, St. Clair’s dedication and talent continue to shine on the field.
Hailing from a background that saw him transition from an outfield player to a goalkeeper at a young age, St. Clair’s journey to success showcases his unwavering commitment and exceptional skills on the field. With a robust foundation developed through his youth career and collegiate success, St. Clair’s rise to prominence in MLS reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence.
