USYSA Save of the Year Nomination
USYSA Save of the Year Nomination
There are around 4 million soccer players register with US Youth Soccer (USYSA). Every year, the USYSA holds a competition for the best save. Videos are submitted from every corner of the United States in hopes of being selected to be one of five finalists. It was of great surprise when Mason Kealy, the 2000 Boys Gold team goalkeeper was notified he had been selected as one of the finalist for Save of the Year.
“I was very surprised to get nominated in the top 5” Mason Kealy explains “I didn’t even submit the video! A mom on my team did so shout out to Joanna Steward. It was a pleasant surprise.”
The save came during a tight game, the equally impressive shot came after a corner kick from the opposition. “The game was close” Mason’s coach Jason Conway recalls. “The opposition were having a spell of possession around our box. The player made a very athletic and unexpected attempt with a bicycle kick.”
The shot was destined for goal, but with almost no time to react, Mason was equal to the test. “The cross was too fast for me to go out and meet the ball, and then I saw a player attempt a bicycle kick” Mason describes. “I reacted to the ball traveling to my left and parried it wide.”
Both teams were in disbelief, one acrobatic shot matched by a fully extended reaction save. “He was pumped about the save as were his team mates.” Coach Conway remembers. “Mason’s reaction save was equally as athletic as the shot and showed incredible reactions which I think is one of Mason’s best attributes.”
Being nominated for the Save of the Year honor was not the only reason why this save was so special to Mason and his teammates. Weeks prior Mason had suffered a collapsed lung which kept him on the sideline, this was his first game back. In a game where many would have struggled to find their past confidence and form, Mason shined. “The key to Mason is that he always stays positive” coach Conway said. “He is a born competitor as a GK and it fuels his desire to win.”