With a higher than expected turnout, the 1st ever PasionNaranja Islanders Fan Awards accomplished what was originally intended – to involve a large number of ‘Tropa Naranja’ fans in selecting the players to receive honors for their accomplishments throughout the season. While some categories were very close calls, others were won by landslide votes. It is important to note that the fans are appreciative of the efforts of all our players and that these awards are simply a way to recognize outstanding performances and to encourage even more such performances in the future. Our hope is that these fan awards will become a yearly tradition in the Islanders fan community.
Now, to announce the winners:
Rookie of the Year – Nicholas Addlery
62% of participants had little trouble in choosing the Jamaican international as rookie of the year. Coming from the Vancouver Whitecaps, Addlery immediately made a positive impact in both the USL and the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL).
Most Improved Player – Scott Jones
In the closest results of the awards, Scott Jones was chosen as the most improved player on the team this year with 22% of the vote. Jones’ improvement has been marked since the beginning of this season. While he was a fairly unnoticed player last year, this season has seen him become an essential player on the team with his physical ability and passion.
Defensive Player of the Year – Cristian Arrieta
Arrieta, defensive player of the year in the USL-1 for 2008 earned the same title but from the Islanders’ fans with 50% of the vote. Since his arrival on the team, Cristian Arrieta has been a key defensive player as well as often adding to the team’s offense.
Offensive Player of the Year – Nicholas Addlery
Showing how important his contribution has been this year, Nicholas Addlery easily earned ‘offensive player of the year’ honors with 49% of the vote.
Most Valuable Player – Bill Gaudette
In the most popular category of the awards, 60% of the voters chose Islanders goalkeeper Bill Gaudette as the team’s most valuable player. Gaudette returned to Puerto Rico for his second year with the team and has proved to be a key figure on the field. And a fan favorite for his spectacular saves.
Franchise Player – Noah Delgado
The category of franchise player was decided by Puerto Rico and US based media, journalists, and bloggers who follow the Islanders. Noah Delgado was chosen as the player to best demonstrate leadership and passion in and out of the field. Since his arrival on the team, Delgado has continued improving and developing as a player and a leader.
*We would like to thank the following people for participating in the franchise player vote:
Eduardo Cantore – Editor of Islandersfc.net
Esteban Pagan – Journalist, Primera Hora
Vicente Hernandez – OneLink commentator
Sergio Castro – Soccer TV, and FBTV commentator and Islanders U-17 coach
Luis Santiago Arce – Journalist, El Nuevo Dia
Jose Carrillo – Editor of Islanders page at TheOffside
Julio Ortega – Columnist at Islandersfc.net
Kartik Krishnaiyer – Editor of MLS Talk and The Kartik Report
Edwin Jusino – FutbolBoricua.net
