MLS Clean Sheet Leaders: Goalkeeper Records, Trends, and Defensive Excellence
Current MLS Clean Sheet Leaders (Last Updated: August 2025)
- Andre Blake — 11 clean sheets (MLSsoccer.com)
- Stefan Frei — 10 clean sheets (MLSsoccer.com)
- Sean Johnson — 9 clean sheets (MLSsoccer.com)
See the full, live leaderboard on MLSsoccer.com – Official Stats or dive deeper with keeper metrics on FBRef – MLS Goalkeeping.
In a league where attacking talent often grabs the spotlight, the best goalkeepers and defensive units quietly win championships. One of the most telling stats for a goalkeeper is the clean sheet — a match where no goals are conceded. This guide dives into the history of MLS clean sheet leaders, explains how the stat is recorded, highlights notable seasons, and explores the trends that shape goalkeeping success in the league.
We’ve structured this to be evergreen, so it stays relevant season after season. For up-to-date leaderboards, use the official sources linked throughout.
How MLS Tracks Clean Sheets
In MLS, a clean sheet is officially awarded to a goalkeeper who plays the full 90 minutes (or full match duration) without conceding a goal. If a keeper is substituted during a game in which no goals are conceded, they typically share the credit in certain record-keeping databases, but official MLS statistics award the clean sheet to the goalkeeper(s) who played without conceding during their time on the field.
Key points:
- Regular season vs. playoffs: Most leaderboards track regular season clean sheets separately from playoff stats.
- Tiebreakers: When multiple goalkeepers have the same clean sheet total, some records list save percentage or goals-against average (GAA) as a secondary metric.
For the official stat definitions, visit MLSsoccer.com – Stats and FBRef – MLS Goalkeeping.
Historic MLS Clean Sheet Leaders
Some keepers have made a lasting impact with consistent defensive performances over multiple seasons:
- Nick Rimando – The all-time MLS leader in clean sheets, with over 150 across his career, primarily with Real Salt Lake.
- Kevin Hartman – A stalwart presence with LA Galaxy, Kansas City, and FC Dallas, amassing well over 100 clean sheets.
- Zach Thornton – Key figure in Chicago Fire’s early success.
For complete career leaderboards, see Wikipedia – MLS Career Clean Sheet Leaders and Transfermarkt – MLS Clean Sheets.
Notable Recent Clean Sheet Seasons
- Andre Blake – Multiple double-digit clean sheet seasons for Philadelphia Union, pairing elite shot-stopping with command of the box (FBRef Profile).
- Stefan Frei – Seattle Sounders’ veteran keeper with consistent top-tier performances, including deep playoff runs (FBRef Profile).
- Sean Johnson – Dependable presence for NYCFC and Toronto FC, with clean sheets across multiple competitive campaigns (FBRef Profile).
Trends in MLS Goalkeeping
MLS goalkeeping has evolved significantly since the league’s launch in 1996:
- Ball-playing keepers: Modern MLS demands goalkeepers who can initiate attacks with accurate distribution, complementing defensive solidity.
- Defensive systems: Teams with organized back lines and strong midfield protection consistently produce higher clean sheet totals.
- Shot quality faced: Data from FBRef – Advanced Goalkeeping shows that expected goals on shots faced (xGOT) can vary greatly by team style.
Factors That Drive Clean Sheet Records
- Save percentage: High save rates are critical, especially in low-margin games (leaderboards at FBRef).
- Defensive coordination: A settled backline helps goalkeepers maintain clean sheets.
- Home field advantage: Teams often defend better in familiar conditions, impacting shutout totals.
- Fixture congestion: Rotation and travel can affect defensive chemistry.
How to Track MLS Clean Sheet Leaders (Live)
For current season leaders and historical comparisons:
Conclusion
While strikers and playmakers often dominate the headlines, clean sheet leaders are the backbone of successful MLS teams. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, goalkeepers who consistently keep opponents off the scoresheet give their teams the best chance at lifting trophies. Track the latest clean sheet stats on the official resources above, and check back with MLSS/U for deep dives into the league’s top defensive performances.