After a stellar performance where he made four saves on his way to a clean sheet and a spot in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, Tim Melia of Sporting Kansas City has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.
The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history.
Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC finished as the runner-up with his game winning goal from the penalty spot on the road against the Seattle Sounders FC, and Melia’s Sporting KC teammate and goalscorer Johnny Russell finished third.
Melia’s four saves against USL side Indy Eleven came spread out as it seemed every time they had possession, they pushed forward quickly to try and test the 38-year-old.
Melia now has two straight games with at least four saves, the other match being against FC Dallas in the Quarterfinals where he made seven saves including a late diving save in the 122nd minute on a close range Sebastian Llegget shot that would have been the equalizer.
TheCup.us has been awarding a Player of the Round award since 2006. During that time, Melia has won the award three times, which is more than anyone during that span. Melia has won this award two times (2015 Final, 2017 Final) during his time at Sporting KC, and once as a member of the Charleston Battery in 2010.
In addition, he also won TheCup.us Player of the Tournament in 2017 where he led his club to their fourth US Open Cup title where they defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the Final. He kept three shutouts en route to the title, only allowing two goals in five matches.
Melia’s road to this stage has been arduous. Before arriving at Sporting KC in 2015 he served as Chivas USA’s backup keeper in 2013. During his time there, he made six appearances where he conceded 11 goals. But when Chivas USA dissolved in 2014, he ended up in the MLS goalkeeper pool, which seemed like a black hole for someone at the age of 28. But in 2015, Sporting KC had a goalkeeper sized hole as all three of their first team keepers were hurt, and Melia took the opportunity as quick as he could and proved he still had it. He went on to win 2015 MLS Comeback Player of the Year along with two US Open Cup titles in 2015 and 2017, along with the latter years MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.
He looks to help bring home Sporting KC’s fifth US Open Cup title on Wednesday September 25 when he faces LAFC in the final, where he will possibly play his last final for the club he spent the majority of his career at.