USL PRO 2011 League Awards Ceremony Hosted By Orlando City Ahead Of Championship Decider
Ahead of tomorrow’s USL PRO Championship Game between Orlando City and Harrisburg City Islanders came the USL PRO League Awards Ceremony in Orlando this afternoon. The event included speeches by USL President Tim Holt, Orlando City Owner / President Phil Rawlins, Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath (pictured above left) and Harrisburg City Islanders Head Coach Bill Becher (pictured above right.)
In a prelude to the game, both coaches remained cautiously upbeat about their chances of taking home the title in the season’s final game. Harrisburg Coach Becher said: “We know it will be very difficult and we look forward to the challenge… hopefully we can rise to that challenge tomorrow night.” In the other corner, Orlando coach Heath was careful to pay his respects to the Islanders: “We know it will be a very very difficult game tomorrow night. We hope we can play in the same vein and maintain the form we have shown in the last few months and if we can, we know we will give ourselves a good chance … but we’ll make sure we give Harrisburg the respect they deserve.”
Awards for the Leagues Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year were also given out and Orlando City players and staff took the top honors as league coaches and managers voted for the top performers.
Most Valuable Player – Yordany Alvarez, Orlando City
Not known for his scoring prowess and not a flashy player, Cuban-born Alvarez (pictured above) earned the respect of his peers and his opponents as Orlando City’s leader in the central midfield. Opponents needed to get through Alvarez first if they wanted to break down Orlando City’s defense, and it did not happen often as the Lions allowed the fewest goals against with only 16 in 24 games.
Rookie of the Year – Luke Mulholland, Wilmington Hammerheads
Also an MVP finalist, Mulholland turned in a remarkable first professional season, finishing tied for second in USL PRO in points (23) and tied for third in goals (9). The 2010 Wingate University graduate led the Hammerheads to the second best record in the league.
Coach of the Year – Adrian Heath, Orlando City
It would be hard to argue against Heath, the former Everton star who led Orlando City to the top of the standings early, where the squad remained for the entire season. Orlando City, which reached the USL PRO Championship game via 3-1 and 3-0 playoff wins, suffered only one loss at the Florida Citrus Bowl this season while also producing the top road record.
Defender of the Year – Rob Valentino, Orlando City
The leader of the league’s stingiest defensive corps, Valentino (pictured above) patrolled the back line for 20 games this season, dominating in the air and seeing more minutes than all other field players except Alvarez and Lawrence Olum. A four-year captain at the University of San Francisco, the former New England Revolution draft choice scored the winner in Orlando City’s 1-0 victory at Charlotte in April.
Goalkeeper of the Year – Miguel Gallardo, Orlando City
As the 2011 USL PRO leader in shutouts (11) and goals-against average (.681), Gallardo (pictured above) proved to be nearly impenetrable throughout the season for those who found their way through Orlando City’s formidable defense. The 2008 USL PDL Goalkeeper of the Year, Gallardo also finished tied for the league lead in wins with 12.
Also honored were Lions midfielders Lewis Neal and Jamie Watson (above left) who picked up USL PRO All League – Second Team honors while Alvarez, Gallardo, Valentino and forward Maxwell Griffin (above right) picked up First Team awards.
The 2011 USL PRO Championship Game kicks off at 7 p.m. tomorrow night and history could be made as Orlando as a city has not won a professional sports championship in a decade. Tickets are still available for this historic match and start at just $12. To order tickets, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489). Tickets will also be available at the Citrus Bowl box office beginning at 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
More photo’s here.
Here’s some video from the event:
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