The season is entering the final weeks as our Strikers are making a push for a top playoff spot. It is also time for another tradition as the season is winding down. It is time to exercise your right to vote for the Ultras Player of the Year.
As things stand now Martyn Lancaster is in first place, a favorite of the Ultras. No matter the result he will always find time for the fans. He had a great play clearing the ball off the goal line against Montreal preserving a tie and a great first goal for the rebranded Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Close behind in the voting is goalkeeper Matt Glaeser. The tallest player on the club also stands tall in the net. Normaly soft spoken, his control as the last line of defense and the restart of the attack speaks volumes. He also does an impressive Sean Connery impression, I heard.
Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet leads the team in goals scored. As a vocal leader he is a favorite player of our Argentinian fan base. He is money in the bank from the PK spot and dangerous on free kicks.
Brian Shriver has elevated his level of play over last year. During the Ultras radio show, Miami Ultras Alive, special guest Big O mentioned that Shriver would be his pick. Brian is also the only member of the Strikers to have a multi goal game. He has accomplished this twice, netting two goals both times.
Aaron Hohlbein was the team captain before the injury bug hit. Has he made enough of an impact to earn your vote.
Players who have scored important goals to salvage victories or ties like Matin Nunez, Mike Palacio, Abe Thompson or Gerson Mayen who scored what most likely is the most important goal of the year might be considered.
Defensive players usually do not get the recognition they deserve. Are there any votes for Christian Arrieta, Lance Laing, Tony Stahl or Bryan Arguez?
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History of the Miami Ultras Player of the Year is the brainchild of Miami Ultras founder Pieter Brown, the cup was first awarded in 2008 to #9 Alex “The Fonz” Afonso. Alex was a unanimous choice as he was one of very few bright spots as the Miami FC Blues ended the season tied for 10th place with a record of 8 wins, 10 ties and 12 losses. His 15 goals edged out Sebastien LeToux of the Seattle Sounders total of 14. It is the only time a Miami FC player won the goal scorers title outright. In 2006 (our inaugural season) Romario tied with Cam Weaver with 18 goals although Romario played in less games. To show how impressive Afonso’s total was, his 15 goals were over half the teams total 28. The award was presented at Tropical Park.
2009 the Miami FC Blues split playing time between FIU and Lockhart Stadium. The award went to #3 Zach “Beowulf” Kirby and was presented at Lockhart Stadium. This is the only year an attacking player did not receive the award. Zach is also the only winner to not leave the team at the end of the season.
In 2010 the award went to attacking midfielder #10 Christian “Gomito” Gomez. Goalkeeper caleb Patterson #40 and defender #27 Martyn Lancaster finished in second and third respectfully. The was was again presented at Lockhart Stadium.
The Sports Illustrated cover jinx is well known but the Ultras Player of the Year award also might have a jinx. As stated prior 2 out of 3 winners did not return to play for our club. Zach, the lone returnee’s career was cut short due to injuries. Also none of the 3 winners ever played a playoff game for our club, a tradition we hope to end.