Dayne St. Clair bolstered his bid to be Canada’s top goalkeeper by clinching the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year title on Monday. The Minnesota United goalkeeper triumphed over Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in voting conducted by MLS clubs’ technical staff, players, and selected media.
St. Clair secured 29.4% of the total vote, with Freese at 17.32% and Takaoka at 15.49%. He dominated the media vote with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led in the player vote at 20.37% each. In the club vote, Freese had 25.93%, ahead of St. Clair at 22.22% and Takaoka at 14.81%.
Reflecting on his achievement, St. Clair expressed satisfaction with his performance in what he described as his most consistent and best year so far. He acknowledged room for improvement and his ambition to reach greater heights in his career.
This accolade adds to St. Clair’s recognition after being selected for the MLS all-star team this season. The 28-year-old from Pickering, Ontario, joins Pat Onstad as the only Canadian to claim the MLS goalkeeper award. Onstad, now serving as the Houston Dynamo’s president of soccer, clinched the award in 2003 and 2005 as part of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, St. Clair emphasized staying focused on the national team’s upcoming campaign. With aspirations to compete in the 2026 World Cup, particularly the opening match in his hometown Toronto, he recognizes the significance of his current form in determining his role in the team.
Having represented Canada in 17 matches and earned eight clean sheets, St. Clair eyes further contributions to the national squad’s success. The Canadian men’s team, currently ranked 28th, will conclude their 2025 fixtures against Ecuador and Venezuela.
In the ongoing playoffs, St. Clair and Minnesota United face Seattle Sounders in a crucial match following their victory in the playoff opener. St. Clair’s standout season was marked by exceptional performances, including setting personal records in saves, shutouts, and wins, showcasing his prowess as a top goalkeeper in the league.
Minnesota United achieved remarkable milestones in the season, setting records for wins, points, and defensive prowess. St. Clair’s exceptional form and contributions have been vital to the team’s success, earning him recognition as the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.