Dayne St. Clair solidified his position as a top contender for Canada’s number one goalkeeper spot by clinching the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award on Monday. The Minnesota United goalie outperformed Matt Freese from New York City FC and Yohei Takaoka from the Vancouver Whitecaps in voting conducted by MLS clubs’ technical staff, players, and select media.
With 29.4% of the total vote, St. Clair emerged as the clear winner, surpassing Freese at 17.32% and Takaoka at 15.49%. Notably, in the media segment of the voting, St. Clair dominated with 47.46%, while Freese and Takaoka led in the player vote. St. Clair expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating that this has been his most consistent and best year yet, although he believes there is still room for improvement.
This accolade adds to St. Clair’s achievements, having previously been named to the MLS all-star team. Hailing from Pickering, Ontario, the 28-year-old now joins Pat Onstad as the only Canadian to secure the MLS goalkeeper award. Looking forward, St. Clair has his sights set on the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing the significance of his current form leading up to the tournament.
St. Clair, who garnered 17 caps for Canada and maintained eight clean sheets, is gearing up for the World Cup after serving as a backup at the 2022 edition in Qatar. The Canadian national team, ranked 28th globally, will conclude their 2025 schedule with matches against Ecuador and Venezuela. Meanwhile, St. Clair and Minnesota United are preparing for a crucial playoff clash against Seattle after a successful season where he showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills.
Playing a pivotal role behind Minnesota’s solid defense, St. Clair achieved season-high statistics in saves, shutouts, and wins. His remarkable performance led the team to set multiple records in the 2025 season, underscoring his instrumental contribution to their success. St. Clair’s journey from a Canadian youth prospect to a standout MLS goalkeeper reflects his dedication and talent, with his latest achievement marking a significant milestone in his career.