USL Awards Week Roundup

Friday, October 30, 2015

The USL announced all of the 2015 USL Awards Winners over the course of the past  week. Take a look back at the award-winners, as the top performers from around the USL were honored.

USL ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS

The United Soccer League announced its 2015 USL All-League Teams on Monday, honoring the top performers from the 2015 USL Regular Season. The Rochester Rhinos led the way with three selections to the All-League First Team after claiming both the USL regular season title and 2015 USL Championship.

The 2015 USL All-League Team was voted on by team management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Brandon Miller, Rochester Rhinos

The United Soccer League announced on Monday the Rochester Rhinos’ Brandon Miller had been voted the USL Goalkeeper of the Year.

Miller had a record-setting season for the Rhinos, as he set USL records in both shutouts (13) and goals-against average (0.54). Miller is the third Rhinos goalkeeper to claim the award in the past four seasons, following Kristian Nicht in 2012 and John McCarthy in 2014.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Bryan Burke, Louisville City FC

The United Soccer League announced on Tuesday Louisville City FC’s Bryan Burke had been voted the 2015 USL Defender of the Year.

Joining expansion Louisville City FC for its inaugural season, Burke played a key role at both ends of the field as he led the USL with 10 assists, and also contributed to a defense that conceded only 35 goals in 28 regular-season games.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Bob Lilley, Rochester Rhinos

The United Soccer League announced on Wednesday the Rochester Rhinos’ Bob Lilley had been voted the 2015 USL Coach of the Year.

Lilley led the Rhinos to both the USL Regular Season Championship, and the 2015 USL Championship as the club became just the second in the league’s five-year history to achieve that feat.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Kharlton Belmar, Portland Timbers 2

The United Soccer League announced on Thursday the Portland Timbers 2’s Kharlton Belmar had 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.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Matt Fondy, Louisville City FC

 The United Soccer League announced on Friday Louisville City FC’s Matt Fondy had been voted the 2015 USL Most Valuable Player.

One of the first signings in Louisville’s history, Fondy had a record-setting season in front of goal in the club’s inaugural season.