From Last Word on Soccer, by Joseph Godstein
2016 LWOS New York Red Bulls Team Awards
The 2016 MLS season is in the books, so it’s time to give some team awards for the New York Red Bulls. Voting was held between a number of writers/experts for LastWordOnSoccer.com. The results of which have been tabulated here. Without further adieu, here are the awards:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bradley Wright-Phillips
Mr. Golden Boot takes home this year’s award. His 24 goals lead the league, and chipping in five assists helps cement his place at the top. It is crazy to think that he had not scored at all for two months to start the season. If his form had started in March, he would easily have 30 goals on the year.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Aurelien Collin
Collin joined the Red Bulls after a horrid start to the season. The big Frenchman added missing grit to the troubled backline, and helped play calmly out of the back. His inclusion helped take some of the pressure off of the midfield and allowed the trio to play further up the pitch. Okay, you need stats? Before Collin, the Red Bulls averaged 1.89 GAA. After he joined, that number dropped to 1.08.
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex Muyl
Arguably, the most impressive young player this year was Sean Davis, in his limited time on the pitch. Alex Muyl gets the nod here because he displaced a hugely talented veteran in Lloyd Sam. Muyl may not be the flashiest player, or the most skilled player, but he plays with a lot of grit and determination. Muyl’s defensive work certainly eased some of the burden on the right back imposed by opposition wingers. The team has not lost a match this season since Muyl officially took over the starting job.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Chris Duvall
Duvall came into the season off of a season-ending injury against the Cosmos. While the early goings showed that Sal Zizzo would be the regular starter, Duvall forced his way back into the lineup. Duvall logged his most minutes since turning pro in 2014, putting up career numbers in clearances, total passes, and aerials won. If Lade had remained healthy, this award was made for him. There’s always next year.
MVP
Sacha Kljestan
Kljestan’s second year with the Red Bulls continued a wonderful trend from last season. Sacha created the most chances in the league by far, and became just the second player in league history to reach 20 assists. His vision and passing was integral to the Red Bulls, especially on set pieces. Kljestan has embraced the role of playmaker for NY, and the Red Bulls are reaping the rewards.
GOAL OF THE YEAR
Felipe wins it late v. Houston
The wheels had come off. Red Bull were in the midst of their terrible start. Hope returned with Gonzalo Veron starting, and the second year winger assisted Sacha Kljestan’s goal. It was the first goal of the season for NY, and it seemed things may have turned a corner for the Red Bulls. Veron and Baah left the game before halftime. Houston took the lead from two bad defensive errors, and all seemed lost again. After the half, NY lost Ronald Zubar to another hamstring injury, and with less than 30 minutes left, the game seemed out of reach.
The Red Bulls came from behind twice to tie it and with less than five minutes to play, Felipe stepped up to take a free kick in a dangerous spot. Having scored a beautiful, curling effort moments before, the stadium buzzed as he stepped up to the kick. Once again that night, Felipe made magic with a curler from distance. The elated fan base took solace in the result.
MOMENT OF THE YEAR
NY defeat NYC away 7-0
There are no words to describe this. The highlights will have to suffice.
