Player Profile: (18) Kasey Keller

Born: November 29th, 1969

Hometown: Olympia, Washington

Height: 6′2″

Weight: 190 lbs

Caps: 91 (44 clean sheets)

World Cups: 3

Clubs: Borussia Monchengladbach (2005-present), Tottenham Hotspur (2001-2005), Rayo Vallecano (1999), Leicester City (1996-1999), Millwall (1990-1996)

College: University of Portland

Positions: GK, and nowhere else.

Highlights:

• US Soccer’s Male Athlete Of The Year in 1997, 1999 and 2005
• Won English League Cup (poor man’s FA Cup) with Leicester City in 1997
• After the US beat Brazil 1-0 in 1998 Romario said Keller’s “was the greatest performance I’ve ever seen by a goalkeeper. It was an honor to be on the field with him.”
• Won Gold Cup with USA in 2002, 2005

Lowlights:

• Fell out of favour at Tottenham in the 2004-5 season.
• Didn’t get to play in the 2002 World Cup, thanks to Brad Friedel’s excellent form.

Arena says: “There’s no arguments there (regarding who’s No. 1). Kasey obviously speaks for himself.”

Assessment: Like a reverse Samson, as Keller’s hair slowly recedes his goalkeeping skills slowly increase. Great reflexes, great in the air, great positioning, plenty experience. After all those years in Friedel’s shadow, Keller seems to be at the peak of his career. With the World Cup being in familiar territory, it’s all set up for him to shine on the biggest stage.