Fans & Media To Decide Annual NASL Awards In October
Soccer News: With the postseason race in full swing in the North American Soccer League (NASL), now is the time when the league’s top players rise to the occasion and show why they are stars. As is the case at the end of every season, many of these top performers will be recognized by the league through its annual awards, and fans and media are going to have their say on who receives several of the honors.
“The 2015 NASL season has been so competitive and so entertaining,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “We’ve had so many special performances from a wide range of players this year, and it’s going to be difficult to determine the best. I’m happy the media and fans are in control of the voting.”
The league will be giving out nine awards this season: Golden Ball (MVP), Golden Boot (Top Scorer), Golden Glove (Top Goalkeeper), Coach of the Year, Goal of the Year, Best XI, Young Player of the Year, Fair Play Award, and Humanitarian of the Year. Of those honors, media and fans will be able to vote on four, which are listed below:
GOLDEN BALL
The NASL Golden Ball award is given to the league’s most valuable player (MVP) for his play over the course of the Spring and Fall Seasons.
Voting period: Tuesday, October 13 (5 p.m. ET) – Tuesday, October 27 (5 p.m. ET)
Media submit vote to NASL PR Department
Fans click here to vote
COACH OF THE YEAR
The NASL Coach of the Year award is given to the most outstanding coach from the 2015 season. All 11 NASL coaches are eligible for the award. Last years winner was Minnesota United head coach Manny Lagos.
Voting period: Tuesday, October 13 (5 p.m. ET) – Tuesday, October 27 (5 p.m. ET)
Media submit vote to NASL PR Department
Fans click here to vote
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The NASL Young Player of the Year award is given to the top player aged 23 years and under for his play over the course of the Spring and Fall Seasons. Last year winner was Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez.
Voting period: Tuesday, October 13 (5 p.m. ET) – Tuesday, October 27 (5 p.m. ET)
Media submit vote to NASL PR Department
Fans click here to vote
GOAL OF THE YEAR
Voting period: Sunday, November 1 (7 p.m. ET) – Tuesday, November 3 (7 p.m. ET)
Fans can submit their vote on NASL.com starting November 1st
The votes submitted by the media and fans will be compiled at the end of the voting period, and the winner will be determined. Several of the other awards are voted on by the league’s coaches, determined internally at the league level, or based entirely on statistics.
The award winners will be recognized at a press event the day before The Championship Final, as well as on the field at halftime of the game. The Championship Final will be played the weekend of November 14-15.
