Clint Irwin’s rise to a starting job in goal for the Colorado Rapids is a rag to riches story, if there ever was one.
Irwin played with third division side Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) in 2012, and in the very same year, the Rapids’ starting keeper, Matt Pickens, was named the team’s MVP.
Hard to see a third string keeper with no MLS experience overtake a league veteran in goal, but when a broken left arm in Colorado’s third game of the year forced Pickens to the injury list, Irwin stepped in against RSL, helping his team earn a point in a 1-1 draw.
Since then, Irwin has stepped up, playing every single game for the team from the Mile High State. He’s amassed a 5-5-5 record, with five shutouts in his first 10 career starts, and just 16 goals against in 15 matches. Of the 16 goals he’s allowed, five have been from the penalty spot.
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The Rapids have struggled of late with three consecutive losses, in a season riddled with injuries to high profile players, but they still remain in the playoff hunt with 20 points, just two behind Vancouver for the final postseason berth, thanks in large part to the work of Irwin in goal.
He won Save of the Week for a penalty stop versus RSL in week 6 and was nominated on another two occasions.
With Pickens returning from injury, could the improbable run by Irwin leave the MLS veteran watching from the bench this Saturday?
