Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, July 19, 2023) - Crown Legacy FC Goalkeeper Isaac Walker won the Goalie Wars championship belt Tuesday night in the official return of the event at the 2023 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge.
Walker kicked off the event against Huntsville City FC goalkeeper Ben Martino. The CLFC goalkeeper came out of the gates firing, using a throw technique to earn some early points. As the round was coming to a close, Martino brought it within a point and had a chance to force overtime, but Walker was able to make a diving save to punch his ticket to the final.
Walker would face off against Austin FC II goalkeeper Damian Las in the final, who reached the final via an overtime victory over Houston Dynamo 2's Xavier Valdez. Walker again began the competition earning early points with his pinpoint throws. The Crown Legacy FC goalkeeper had a 2-1 lead in the final seconds, but Las was able to sneak a shot past Walker at the buzzer to force extra time.
In overtime, Las had the opportunity to go first to take an early lead. The Austin FC II goalkeeper hit his half-volley shot just wide, leaving Walker with the ball to win the competition. Sticking with his throw, the Crown Legacy FC goalkeeper fired a rocket past Las and into the top right corner to take the championship belt back to Charlotte.
MLS legend Nick Rimando and original Goalie Wars Champion Joe Cannon presented Walker with the championship belt. Walker then took in the moment in the spotlight with his family, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Charlotte FC Academy defender James Nyandjo, who also participated in All-Star Week via today's MLS NEXT All-Star match.
Walker will now return to Charlotte and prepare for Crown Legacy FC's home match on Sunday, July 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET against New York City FC II at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews.
