In his first season as a full-time starter, Andy Gruenebaum has stormed onto the Major League Soccer scene as one of the League's top goalkeepers. Gruenebaum has stepped up in the absence of of injured netminder William Hesmer to bolster the Crew's backline in 2012. Additionally, Gruenebaum ranks near the top of almost every MLS goalkeeping statistical category. His numbers speak for themselves:
- 124 Saves (Ranks 1st in MLS)
- 0.75 Save Percentage (Ranks 5th in MLS)
- 2920 Minutes Played (Ranks 5th in MLS)
- 8 shutouts (Tied for 4th in MLS)
At the club level Gruenebaum has already taken home the 2012 Barbasol MVP Award (see above), Breakout Performance and Defender of the Year. With the MLS postseason awards voting underway, the Crew goalkeeper is primed for the national spotlight following a stellar 2012 campaign.
What others are saying:
"Gruenebaum has been outstanding as the Crew's starting netminder this year after spending his first six seasons as a reserve." - Brian Straus, The Sporting News
“The first 30-35 minutes, we were excellent and could have been 3-nil up. [Gruenebaum] was excellent and kept them in it" - San Jose Head Coach Frank Yallop after a 1-1 road draw on May 19
"Gruenebaum is a guy that's got in games before, and he's always looked good for the Crew. You've always felt he's had the talent to be a starting 'keeper, but didn't ever really get the chance. Now, he's got the chance and he's making the most of it." - MLSsoccer.com Analyst Matthew Doyle
