2011 Player Rating and Review – Matt Pickens

Name: Matt Pickens

Number: 18

Appearances: 37 (37)

Stats: 88 saves, 1.22 GAA, 45 GA

We love you Pickens, we do…

Matt Pickens has become somewhat of a polarizing figure for

fans. His great play in 2010 showed marked improvement from his former career numbers, and though his flaws were still apparent he looked like he was ready to have a great season for the Rapids in their year of title defense. Unfortunately, the Rapids didn't have quite as good a year this time around and Pickens was frequently the man making mistakes.Certainly he had his moments as any solid veteran keeper does – that match against the LA Galaxy would probably have ended 5-0 if not for some brilliant work on his part – but if he keeps losing momentum like he did this year, he's just not going to be cut out for the starting job on a title contending team.

Of course, the Rapids aren't title contenders anymore, but dog-gonnit they were supposed to be!

The numbers for Pickens aren't terrible upon first glance. His 1.21 Goals Against Average is the 13th lowest among Goalkeepers who started at least 10 games during the regular season, and he did play every game this season, gaining the 'Ironman' award for the team. Looking at some other statistics might change the tune on that song though; it looks like the reason for his even decent season was the defense behind him putting in work more than actual heroics from Matt.

Still, the relatively small number of shots he faced combined with the pathetic Save % that he's got from the 45 GA – a paltry 18th place among keepers with at least 10 games played last season – gives the impression that he was not a strong goalkeeper, but a rather weak one benefiting from having a shot-clearing and shut down defense, which is just what the Rapids had last year. Despite his good moments it's hard to forget the awful flubs that have almost become his trademark every few games. The terrible penalty he forced against New England at home, the rebound off the arm on the weak shot against San Jose, the free kick that he literally jumped out of the way of against Vancouver on the road… it's a very sad menagerie of memories for Pickens in 2011.

He still can't catch the ball either, but that's another story!

PLAYER RATING: 4.5