Matt VanOekel Receives NASL Golden Glove Award
Matt VanOekel has been awarded the NASL Golden Glove after leading the league with 16 shutouts and posting a goals against average of 0.55. The Eddies entered the NASL playoffs as the No. 3 seed, but fell to Indy Eleven over the weekend.
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NASL Soccer News: FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has received the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) Golden Glove after a standout year, which saw the Eddies claim the No. 3 seed during the postseason.
“It’s a nice personal accolade that I’ll get to have on the shelf for many years to come, and I’ll be able to show my kids and grandkids,” VanOekel said.
In 2016, the Eddies conceded a league-low 21 goals in 32 matches. In the campaign, VanOekel set a number of NASL records – earning 16 shutouts and posting a goals against average of 0.55. He only conceded 16 of the Eddies’ 21 allowed goals over the course of the entire season, making 29 starts and tallying 2,610 minutes of play.
The Chesapeake, Va., native is also the NASL Modern Era leader in career goalkeeper wins (48) and saves (334). VanOekel, 30, has played in the NASL since 2011 and finishes his second year with the Eddies.
“The keys to success this year were really getting confidence early in the season, making the saves I know I’m capable of making, and coming in a little bit fitter than I was last year,” VanOekel added.
Previous Winners
2011: Evan Bush (Montreal Impact, 0. 76 GAA)
2012: Daryl Sattler (San Antonio Scorpions, (0.80 GAA)
2013: Kyle Reynish (New York Cosmos, 0.92 GAA)
2014: John Smits (FC Edmonton, 0.90 GAA)
2015: Romuald Peiser (Ottawa Fury FC, 0.76 GAA)
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
