Manchester City-bound, US men’s goalkeeper Zack Steffen was voted the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Male Player of the Year for 2018 on Tuesday.
With 44% of the votes, Steffen edged out midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, who each received 16% and 38% respectively. Steffen has had a phenomenal year for both his former club Columbus Crew SC and the national team.
He played in six of team USA’s eleven fixtures this year including a 1-1 draw against France in which the 23-year-old heroically saved eight shots. Steffen also kept clean sheets in the wins against Mexico and Paraguay and not to forget the 10 clean sheets he’s had for Columbus Crew this year.
“It’s an honor to be put with those names that have won before me and to have the respect and confidence from teammates, coaches, and staff,” – Steffen said. “I’m thankful for my support system. Without them, I couldn’t have done any of this. It gives me motivation and confidence to keep going and do bigger and better things.”
Steffen is officially the youngest player to ever win the award and only the third goalkeeper since Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard to lift the award.
