When you are 5ft 9in and you tell someone you are a soccer player, they accept it. When you tell them you are a goalkeeper, and one of the best, serious doubts creep into their mind.
Over the years, soccer has seen the net taken over by the six foot plus crowd. Being taller gives the understandable advantage on high balls and the extra length allows for one to reach more shots. Even though the taller keepers are in vogue, it does not mean the smaller keepers do not still exist, or that they cannot excel.
Nick Rimando is the exception to the rule.