Before we fully say goodbye to the 2024 FC Dallas season, we’re taking a look back at some of its best moments. Here are 10 of the best saves of 2024, courtesy of goalkeepers Maarten Paes and Jimmy Maurer.
Maarten Paes vs. St. Louis
Maarten Paes starts us off with an impressive reflex save down to his right to deny a volley from STL’s Anthony Marcanich. The save was one of seven Paes made to earn a shutout on the road.
Maarten Paes vs. St. Louis
Paes had one of his most eye-catching perforamces in St. Louis, including this save to stop João Klauss from opening the scoring. Although his momentum was going in the opposite direction, Paes adjusts in time to swipe the effort away with his right hand.
Maarten Paes vs. Colorado
Colorado’s Rafael Navarro did everything right to create space for his left-footed shot only to see Paes deny him with a strong right hand to keep the score level.
Maarten Paes vs. Houston
Houston’s Hector Herrera attempted to ‘round the goalkeeper with some fancy footwork but Paes, unfazed, slapped the ball away with his right hand and reacted quickly to deny the rebound shot as well. In a situation where many goalkeeper’s would concede a penalty, Paes defied the odds.
Jimmy Maurer vs. Vancouver
Jimmy Maurer only played four games this year but earned a spot on MLS's Team of the Week twice thanks to some outstanding saves. Among them is this unbelievable reflex save to earn a point for Dallas on the road in Vancouver. In the dying minutes, the Whitecaps created chaos in the six-yard box before Déiber Caicedo fired a shot at goal only to see Maurer claw it away with is right hand. Caicedo’s hands-on-head reaction says it all.
Maarten Paes vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Dallas’ Open Cup game against Tampa Bay Rowdies saw Paes register one of the best goalkeeping performances in club history. He made eight saves including this absurd stop down to his right to deny a close-range header, a notoriously difficult shot for a goalkeeper.
Maarten Paes vs. LA Galaxy
Paes’ double save against Gabriel Pec’s penalty attempt was named MLS’s 2024 Save of the Year. Not only does he block the initial attempt (which happens less than 20% of the time), Paes scrambled to his feet in time to stop Pec’s rebound shot. Although the Galaxy put the ball in the net at the third attempt, the referee ruled it out for offside.
Maarten Paes vs. LAFC
An unorthodox attempt from LAFC’s Denis Bouanga led to an unorthodox save from Paes. The shot-stopper had to elevate quickly to parry Bouanga’s unexpected shot away from goal. This save looks even better from the second angle.
Maarten Paes vs. Minnesota
Minnesota’s Wil Trapp thought he’d scored a worldie with a first-time volley until Paes flew across his goal to block the shot headed right for the top corner. To make it even more impressive, Paes’ view was partially blocked by a crowded penalty area.
Maarten Paes vs. St. Louis
One of Paes’ best traits is his lateral save ability. He shows off that skill on this fingertip save to deny St. Louis’ João Klauss on his way to earning a shutout.
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