Tim Melia is to penalty kicks what the '85 Bears were to opposing offenses.
The goalkeeper was a career journeyman who had made all of 6 appearances in 5 seasons before arriving in Kansas City. Beginning in 2015, he's backstopped SKC to two US Open Cup titles and become the winningest goalkeeper in club history.
After serving as a league pool goalkeeper in 2014, he emerged as Peter Vermes' number one in net and was named the MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2015. He was also named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017.
Melia has earned every bit of the love he's received from Sporting Kansas City faithful. Without Melia, there's no 2015 US Open Cup, and that's just scratching the surface of the number of wins he's salvaged with his penalty kick prowess and knack for the electrifying save.
Tim Melia's pink secondary kit was worn on June 19th, 2021 against the Portland Timbers in a 2-1 loss. It features unique Juneteenth numbering that is inscribed with "JUNETEENTH 1865" and "CELEBRATE FREEDOM".
The shirt is clean and has no outwardly visible wear. It was signed by Melia just above the back numbers.
Melia's shirt was purchased from the club's 2021 locker room sale.
It's a foregone conclusion that Tim Melia will one day join the likes of teammates Graham Zusi and Roger Espinoza as Sporting Legends when the three veterans retire.
In the meantime, I think he may have a few more big stops in him.