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10 Best Signings of the 2016 Major League Soccer Season

By Matthew Nelson

Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme (37) in overtime against the Colorado Rapids at Dick
Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme (37) in overtime against the Colorado Rapids at Dick /
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#8 Jake Gleeson

May 7, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson (90) stops a shot on net by the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson (90) stops a shot on net by the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Okay this one might be cheating a little bit. Gleeson technically signed with the Portland Timbers in 2011, but had only played 4 games prior to this 2016 season. First choice goalkeeper Kwarasey was injured in a home game against the San Jose Earthquakes and Jake Gleeson stepped up to the plate and did nothing but impress. He did so well, in fact, that once Kwarasey was healthy again the Timbers transfered him to Rosenborg BK in Norway.

In his 28 appearances for the Timbers, Gleeson faced 160 shots, saving 118 of them, good enough for the most saves of the season. This includes a series of incredible saves Gleeson had against Toronto FC, a game that really cemented his place as the number one Timbers goalkeeper. One of those saves was this ridiculous save off a point blank header from Toronto’s Drew Moor:

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