The Vancouver Whitecaps announced their team awards on Tuesday night, and they are less than surprising. Of those that won awards, defensive stalwart Kendall Waston and rookie sensation Jake Nerwinski walked away with silverware.
Vancouver Whitecaps Awards Recap
Youth Soccer Player – Jordyn Huitema & Ali Zohar
The Whitecaps named both a male and a female for the Youth Soccer Player of the Year on Tuesday night.
Jordyn Huitema, a name already being noticed, is a very exciting talent, to say the least. The tall, athletic, and technically-gifted forward has already made here appearance for the Canada Women’s National Team, and scored her first senior goal as well.
If you don’t know about her somehow, just go to YouTube. You won’t be disappointed.
Ali Zohar was named the Youth Soccer Player of the Year on the boy’s side. Zohar has proven he is talented both on and off the field. Currently with the Whitecaps Residency, he has proven to be a very exciting talent for the future.
Whitecaps FC 2 Player of the Year – David Norman Jr.
Norman Jr., 19, was a difference maker in the midfield for WFC2 this season, his first as a professional. Per the Whitecaps website, he led WFC2 in assists (three), chances created (38), and duels won (144).
His play in the midfield was an important part of the way WFC2 played, and he is more than deserving for the award.
Humanitarian of the Year – Russell Teibert
In his multiple endeavors to help both the club and community, Teibert has exemplified what the Whitecaps and MLS look for in their players. He partnered up with Covenant House in Vancouver and organized multiple other charitable events.
Most Promising Player – Jake Nerwinski & Jordyn Huitema
Not much else can be said about Huitema. She’s destined to be the next big name for Women’s Soccer in Canada. If you still don’t know about her, you will very soon.
Unsurprisingly, Nerwinski was named as the most promising men’s player. He started off slow this season, but when he got his chance he hit the ground running. He has been fantastic in every aspect of his play, and his crossing ability has created multiple scoring chances for the likes of Yordy Reyna, Fredy Montero and Co.
Jake Nerwinski has to be a finalist for @MLS Rookie of the Year. Now five assists (fourth among all defenders) in 18 starts. #VWFC #VANvSJ
— Farhan Devji (@farhandevji) October 16, 2017
Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero – Tim Parker
If you are around Whitecaps fans or media even slightly, it’s hard to think of Parker as an unsung hero in Vancouver. He is loved and adored by everyone who pays even the slightest bit of attention to the Whitecaps, and rightly so.
He does, however, deserve this award. When you’re playing next to someone like Kendall Waston it’s easy to be overshadowed sometimes. Parker did a fantastic job of matching the defensive efforts of Waston and deserves all the praises going his way.
Player of the Year – Kendall Waston
This was surely the hardest decision to make of the awards handed out on Tuesday night. However, Waston is deserving of this.
He is a towering defender that imposes his will on the opposition, and he makes the life of everyone around him that much easier. His strong tackling ability, impeccable positioning and veteran composure on the back line makes this a well-deserved award.
