Tim Melia signs contract extension through 2022 with Sporting KC

Sporting Kansas City announced that Tim Melia has signed a contract extension through 2022. Melia has been the starting keeper since 2015 leading Sporting KC to two U.S. Open Cup titles, four playoffs appearances while cementing himself as one of the best keepers in the league.

Melia (33) went from a backup at Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA to league pool keeper before committing to Kansas City in 2014 for an emergency call up. He signed with SKC for the 2015 season and quickly won the starters job. In that time, he leads most of Sporting KC’s goalkeeping stats and is near the top for the league as well. During his five seasons with SKC, he leads MLS with 10 saved penalty kicks, is third in shutouts (45), third in wins (62), fourth in saves (456) and fifth in save percentage (71.5%).

His best season may have been in 2017 when he earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and had an amazing season with an Open Cup trophy to show for it. While that may have been his best season, there have been few lows from Melia.

“I could not be more excited to extend my contract with a club that has given me so much,” Melia said via press release. “To play any length of time at such a special and supportive club is something all athletes dream of. I only hope to help contribute in bringing our owners, technical staff, players and fans the rewards that Sporting deserves.”

With a contract through 2022, Melia will have three seasons to cement his leadership in Sporting KC stats. He already is at the top for his club with in competitive appearances and starts (170 each), games won (74) and clean sheets (53). In regular season play, he ranks first among Sporting goalkeepers in career minutes and saved penalties, second in saves and save percentage and third in goals against average.