Rimando Earns Praise For Career After Loss To Sounders
Oct 23, 2019, 10:43 PM | Updated: Oct 24, 2019, 1:02 am
SEATTLE, Washington – Even though Real Salt Lake finished their 2019 season Wednesday night in Seattle, Nick Rimando did not go out without a fight. The goalkeeper earned high praise for his effort, and his career, from the Fox Sports broadcast crew.
The team of John Strong and Stu Holden consistently heaped compliments on Rimando, especially toward the end of the match when it became clear the result was inevitable.
“One of the greatest careers in American soccer history, that of Nick Rimando,” Strong said in the 86th minute, right before a Rimando save. The RSL keeper finished the match with seven saves on 20 shots from the Sounders.
The Big Names React
With the loss, Rimando played his last game in an RSL uniform, having announced his retirement at the end of the 2019 season.
Soccer insiders, both local and national, had nothing but great things to type about the GOAT after the match as well.
Pure class. Will be missed terribly on & off the field. Congratulations @NickRimando on a career th st was remarkable in content and grace.
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) October 24, 2019
The League would not be what it is, without the historic contributions of Nick Rimando. He bridged @MLS from when it was in diapers to what we see today, one that is a flourishing adult. Thank You my friend. @NickRimando
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) October 24, 2019
Rimando to Beckerman the RSL version of Stockton to Malone. @realsaltlake @utahjazz #Legends #RSL
— Coach Maas (@GregMaas11) October 24, 2019
Rimando’s Own Words
After the match, Rimando was emotional about the 2-0 result and what it meant for his career.
“It’s hard to put it in words,” Rimando told Fox Sports’ Katie Witham after the match. “I gave so much to this sport. And to see it go, I’m just grateful for everything it’s given me.”
Rimando also kept RSL fans in mind after the match as well, apologizing for the result and the heartbreaking end to the season.
“I’m so grateful for everybody that was involved in my career, everybody that supported me. Real Salt Lake, the fans, sorry we couldn’t get this one for you.”
“I gave so much to this sport. And to see it go… I’m just so grateful for everything it’s given me." ❤️@NickRimando says goodbye after finishing his career as the all-time @MLS appearance leader with 553 games. pic.twitter.com/e1xeyOH1uA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 24, 2019
