CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Charlotte’s own Kristijan Kahlina has been announced as the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
Kahlina is the first CLTFC player and Croatian to earn an individual MLS year-end award. He was playing at such a high level that the team extended his contract through the 2026 season back in October.
He wanted to be the best, so that’s what he became.#ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/AAQQ4Unfjo
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) November 12, 2024
Kahlina, the only player on CLTFC to play every minute in 2024, finished the season with 121 saves (3rd in MLS) and 12 shutouts (tied for 1st in MLS). Per American Soccer Analysis, his -10.47 G-xG ranks as the second-best individual goalkeeping season in MLS since 2013. He also finished the season 1st in the MLS in save percentage (75.63%) and 3rd in goals against average (1.09).
CLTFC had a remarkable year with 51 points, its highest tally in franchise history, and made it to the quarterfinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs, farther than they ever have (they lost in a Wild Card match against New York Red Bulls in 2023).
The other finalists for goalkeeper of the award were Hugo Lloris of LAFC and Patrick Schulte of CLB.