Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has been named MLS goalkeeper of the year. Why it matters: Kahlina played a key role in Charlotte FC's historic 2024 season. The big picture: Kahlina is Charlotte FC's first player to earn an individual MLS year-end award.

Kristijan Kahlina has become Charlotte FC's penalty shootout savant. And he could help his team exploit an entirely forseeable weakness in the MLS Cup Playoff format.

Charlotte’s own Kristijan Kahlina has been announced as the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Kahlina is the first CLTFC player and Croatian to earn an individual MLS year-end award. He was playing at such a high level that the team extended his contract through the 2026 season back in October.

Kristijan Kahlina made two saves in a 3-1 shootout after the teams played to a scoreless draw in regulation, and Charlotte beat Orlando for its first-ever MLS Cup playoff win.

Kristijan Kahlina is one of the few players on the current roster who was also on Charlotte FC’s inaugural squad. His league honor represents how far the club has come.