ZACH THORNTON

(chicago.fire.mlsnet.com)

One of MLS' most consistent goalkeepers since that breakout 1998 season, Zach Thornton ends his second sting in Chicago and heads to Denver. Zach was a top collegiate keeper when at Loyola of Maryland leading the nation in goals against average and shutouts. He spent two seasons in NY/NJ behind former US World Cup keeper Tony Meola while he was at NY/NJ.

Taken in the expansion draft by Chicago to back up newly acquired Mexican superstar Jorge Campos, Zach was handed the starting spot when Campos went to represent Mexico at the 1998 World Cup and didn't give it up until he went to Portugal. Not only was he the best keeper in Chicago during the 1998 season, he was MLS' Goalkeeper of the Year. His huge frame and agility has earned him appearances with the National Team, past Brother Emeritus status in Chi town and a spot on GolNoir's All Time MLS Best Black 11.

He's not a GK that will yell at his defenders. You won't seem him fly out his penalty box to make plays either. He has great positional sense so he is rarely scrambling. But he can pull off an incredible diving save if necessary.

After a brief sting with Benfica in Portugal he went back to Chicago but was dealt to Colorado a month before the start of the 2007 season.

PHOTOS

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Zach collects as former player Ali Curtis decides to get out of his way(AP)

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