USL News Release

Thursday, October 29, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today the Portland Timbers 2’s Kharlton Belmar has been voted the 2015 USL Rookie of the Year.

Belmar had a standout rookie season for T2, as he scored 12 goals for the club to finish seventh in the USL. Earlier this week, Belmar was also named to the 2015 USL All-League Second Team.

The 2015 USL Awards were voted on by team management, a nationwide panel of media representatives from all 24 USL markets and an online fan poll.

Selected by the Timbers in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Belmar was one of T2’s first signings. He made history on March 29 as he scored the first goal in club history in a 3-1 win against Real Monarchs SLC, and the former PDL standout with the Timbers U-23s continued to perform strongly throughout the season.

Belmar appeared in every contest for T2, as he led the expansion side to an eighth-place finish in the USL’s Western Conference.

The 2015 USL Awards are being announced throughout this week, and conclude with the unveiling of the 2015 USL Most Valuable Player on Friday.

2015 USL Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year – Brandon Miller, Rochester Rhinos
Defender of the Year – Bryan Burke, Louisville City FC
Coach of the Year – Bob Lilley, Rochester Rhinos
Rookie of the Year – Kharlton Belmar, Portland Timbers 2
Most Valuable Player – Friday, Oct. 30