CARSON, Calif. – Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo has been a major cog in the LA Galaxy’s second half resurgence and if they are to defend their MLS Cup for a third consecutive time, they’ll likely need to lean on their Panamanian shot stopper.
Penedo will make his debut in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday after a stellar season since being signed in August. Penedo ended the regular season with 24 saves, a goals against average of 0.78 and four shutouts in nine appearances.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper has plenty of playoff experience with Guatemalan side Municipal and his national team, but the tension of the MLS Cup playoffs will be a new test for Penedo, but one that he feels confident that he can overcome.
“I’m very blessed to be in this situation having just joined the team and having been able to be a part of the group is something that is really good,” Penedo told LA Galaxy Insider. “I would just like to keep it simple, the way I see it is we have five games to go for MLS Cup and we’re going to take it one at a time. . [Against Real Salt Lake] either going to be a game where it’s very open or very tight and that’s what we’ll have to deal with.”
In his first postseason performance, he’ll face veteran RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. In 2013, Rimando once again put forth a goalkeeper of the year type of season with 82 saves and a goals against average of 1.04 in 27 appearances.
Although Rimando may be new to the league, he’s excited for the opportunity to test himself against Rimando.
“I got the chance to play against him in the Gold Cup final,” said Penedo. “He’s a goalkeeper who’s not very tall but he’s very agile with his feet. I don’t know him personally but it looks like he’s a very confident goalkeeper.”
