Very rarely are goalkeepers considered the hero. But as you watch Kristijan Kahlina punch the air in elation after a big save, it’s hard not to consider him as a protagonist for Charlotte FC.
It’s become commonplace to witness an unthinkable save followed by a trademark big celebration, and yet, so many still overlook the 32-year-old Croatian’s dominance in the league. As he reaches 100 appearances for Charlotte FC in all competitions this Sunday, it’s time to put some respect on the name. This season, Kahlina was listed as an option to vote as the 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year.
He shouldn’t just be an option… he should be the favorite.
Kahlina was already a snub in the popularity contest of MLS All-Star selections. Sadly, it was in some ways expected. Khalina isn’t a household name across the world, or even really in the United States of America. He may not be the most well-known goalkeeper in the league, but he has certainly captivated the hearts of the entire Carolinas… and he really should be known (and respected!) far wider.
Kahlina’s popularity across the Carolinas began during the inaugural season, with fans begging for his shirt to be made available in the team store. Once able to purchase, the fans obliged, filling Bank of America Stadium with ‘keeper kits. This representation has continued through year three, with Kahlina’s name visible on the back of jerseys throughout the stands. He’s made the goalkeeper position cooler than ever in Charlotte and beyond.
On the pitch, there's no denying the evolution of Kahli across his three-year spell in the 704. He himself will tell you, “My positioning is better than in the first and second year... as is my perception and reading of the game.” These improvements have led him to have some brilliant saves this season.
There was the top-hand save against the Portland Timbers all the way back in May. It was a save that displayed all of Kahlina’s agility and explosiveness. This moment preserved the first of five consecutive clean sheets - he would go over 450 minutes without conceding a goal.
Against Chicago Fire FC, in the late moments of stoppage time, The Crown’s shot-stopper would again come up massive. In 90+6, he was able to remain focused and quick across his line to make the parry. Chicago Fire’s Carlos Teran looked to the heavens, wondering how he hadn’t found the equalizer - Kahlina so often has opponents asking the same question - HOW? The save would add another clean sheet to the Croatian's tally.
Kahlina, as always, demonstrates his incredible humility when discussing his penalty save in Cincinnati. “That one wasn’t that good… Adilson (Malanda) told me which way to go,” he laughed. Typical Kristijan Kahlina… not wanting to take credit for stopping a former league MVP from 12 yards out. This save prevented FC Cincinnati from equalizing and would be the catalyst to an eventual 3-1 away victory for the Crown. Three more crucial points for the Crown.
More recently, there was the insane phase of play in the CF Montreal away game where Kahlina would fly around his net, making brave block after block. Somehow, heartbreakingly, the ball would still squirm in. But it was a pattern of play that showed the Croatian’s reflexes and mentality. He credits this one as one of his best saves of the year but was clearly disappointed it didn’t lead to a victory.
It’s funny because so often we talk about statistics not living up to the eye test, but this season, the two align perfectly with Kahlina's incredible performances. Goals Added for goalkeepers take into account numerous components of a 'keeper's performance, including shotstopping, handling, claiming and sweeping. This helps find the overall impact of the goalkeeper in a game. Per @AnalysisisEvolved, The Croatian Wall has been ranked 2nd in positive impacts in MLS since 2013. This is backed up by his G-xG, which looks at how many goals Kahlina has prevented this season - he’s 3rd in G-xG amongst individual seasons in MLS in the eleven seasons recorded.
Kahlina is not just ranking as the number one goalkeeper in MLS this season but is one of the best the league has witnessed. Boasting 11 clean sheets, a 75.5% save percentage, and playing every single minute of the season, Kahlina has been a key piece in a historical club-best year for The Crown.
So, to all the MLS pundits out there, if you’re on the fence about where your vote should go for Goalkeeper of the Year… do the right thing. Break down the numbers, watch the highlight reel, and talk to anyone who’s seen Kahlina fly across his net time and time again to preserve a clean sheet. In the words of the Croatian himself, “It would mean a lot to me. I want to be the best here. I am happy to be there with big names... But it would mean a lot for me.” Although he would never say it, Kristijan Kahlina should be considered a big name amongst goalkeepers… and he should be Major League Soccer’s Goalkeeper of the Year - it’s not even close.
