Mitch Hildebrandt Named USL Goalkeeper of the Year
FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt has been named 2016 USL Goalkeeper of the Year after his side finished tied for fourth-fewest goals conceded in the Eastern Conference. Hildebrandt led Cincinnati to nine clean sheets during its inaugural season as he adds the honor to his 2011 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year award with the Michigan Bucks.
USL Soccer News: The United Soccer League announced FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt has received 2016 USL Goalkeeper of the Year honors after leading his team to an outstanding inaugural season in the USL.
The 2016 USL Awards are voted on by team management and a league-wide media panel that includes representation from every USL market. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2016 USL regular season.
“Obviously it’s a great honor when you’re given this reputation, but as a goalkeeper there are a lot of things to be grateful for, and one thing is my back line,” Hildebrandt said. “Those guys were solid, and they made the game easy for me a lot of the times. It’s nice to receive the recognition, and I’m striving to get better.”
Named to the USL All-League First Team, Hildebrandt was among the first signings unveiled by FC Cincinnati ahead of its inaugural season. A former member of Minnesota United FC, the 27-year-old recorded a number of highlight-reel saves throughout the season, including a double-save against Toronto FC II that earned the No. 3 position on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10.
Hildebrandt led all goalkeepers in minutes played during the regular season, and posted a goals-against average of 0.86 as Cincinnati finished tied for fourth-fewest goals conceded in the Eastern Conference. He also recorded nine clean sheets.
Hildebrandt adds the honor to his 2011 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year award with the Michigan Bucks.
2016 USL Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year: Mitch Hildebrandt, FC Cincinnati
Defender of the Year: Announced November 1
Coach of the Year: Announced November 2
Rookie of the Year: Announced November 3
Most Valuable Player: Announced November 4
Photo Credit: United Soccer League
