WINDSOR, Colo. – USL League One announced today that goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda has won League One Save of the Year.
The save came in the July 17 match against the Charlotte Independence at Canvas Stadium.
Thomas Olsen started the game in net for the Hailstorm. Charlotte was awarded a penalty kick and Olsen stood on his line to defend it. However, the officials called Olsen for stepping off his line too soon, assessing him an automatic yellow card. He lined up again, and the referee made the same call again – meaning Olsen had two automatic yellow cards adding up to a red card.
Olsen had to leave the game. Peñaranda was ready.
“I remember coming in. I was warmed up,” he said. “I was ready just in case.”
While he wasn’t able to save the ensuing penalty shot, Peñaranda had a notable save up his sleeve. The Save of the Year came in the 71st minute of the game.
“What I remember from that play … it was a very good ball by the right back I believe,” Peñaranda said. “I knew my defenders weren’t going to be able to get there and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get there. I checked my shoulder and I saw the striker wide open and I just dropped to my line, trying to give myself the most time to react and make a play. And thankfully I did.”
Defender Brecc Evans was there to help Peñaranda defend the rebound shot.
“[Brecc] helped me out a lot on that save,” Peñaranda said. “There was a rebound there and he did his job as well. He played a big part in that save being made.”
The role of starting goalkeeper hadn’t been entirely consistent for Northern Colorado up to that point in the season. Olsen had started 12 games, including the Open Cup matches against Real Salt Lake and Union Omaha. Peñaranda had started five games.
After Peñaranda came in in relief and made this showstopping save, he would start the next 10 matches in a row.
“Coming off the bench that game, it was very meaningful,” Peñaranda said. “It helped change my trajectory throughout the season.”
While he said he was mostly happy with the fact that the save helped the Hailstorm win the game, Peñaranda is also grateful for the recognition it’s received since. The save won Save of the Week, Save of the Month and now Save of the Year.
“It’s a big accomplishment for me,” he said. “It’s a big honor.”
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