Only eight weeks remain in the Super League’s inaugural regular season, and it’s coming down to the wire as teams compete for a spot in the postseason. The top four teams are separated by just five points, with Tampa Bay Sun FC and Spokane Zephyr FC still in the playoff picture.
The end of the season also means end-of-year awards, which the Super League recently announced along with the dates for the inaugural USL Super League Playoffs. Here’s who we think the favorites are for the five major awards as the teams look to close out their campaigns on a high note.
Player of the Year: Addie McCain, Fort Lauderdale United FC
Among the top four teams in the league, no single player has as much of an impact on their team’s success than Addie McCain. Tied for first in the Golden Boot race, McCain also leads FTL UTD in minutes played, tackles won, duels won, interceptions, chances created and is second in assists and third in shots. She makes her teammates better and will be the key to Fort Lauderdale finishing the regular season above the playoff line.
Also in contention: Chioma Ubogagu, Dallas Trinity FC; Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC
Young Player of the Year: Sealey Strawn, Dallas Trinity FC
Ever since Sealey Strawn came in as a substitute and scored the game-winner in her third appearance for Trinity against FTL UTD in November, it was clear she would be a major asset for Dallas going forward. The 17-year-old has two goals and two assists in four starts and 13 appearances and would likely have more, if not for her being called up to the USYNT U-18s camp last month.
Also in contention: Taylor Smith, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Emma Johnson, Lexington SC
Coach of the Year: Philip Poole, Carolina Ascent FC
The Super League’s first announced Head Coach has led Carolina Ascent FC to a remarkable inaugural campaign. Poole guided the Ascent to what will likely be the league’s longest unbeaten run of the season, going its opening 11 matches without a loss. The team has never fallen below fourth on the table and is a favorite to win the first Players’ Shield.
Also in contention: Tyrone Mears, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Pauline MacDonald, Dallas Trinity FC
Defender of the Year: Brooke Hendrix, Tampa Bay Sun FC
The contest for Defender of the Year is one of the toughest to predict, as nearly every club has at least one outstanding center back leading its defense. Brooke Hendrix is first among defenders in clearances (114) and blocks (19) with an 88% tackle success rate. On the other hand, Brooklyn’s Allison Pantuso leads the league in tackles (60) and duels won (149) and ranks second in recoveries (135) behind her teammate Kelsey Hill, while also playing all 1,980 minutes. However, Brooklyn’s 16 goals conceded this spring compared to Tampa Bay’s nine puts the odds in Hendrix’s favor.
Also in contention: Allison Pantuso, Brooklyn FC; Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC; Hannah Davison, Dallas Trinity FC
Goalkeeper of the Year: Madison White, Dallas Trinity FC
Goalkeeper of the Year is another award that might be too early to call. As of now, Brooklyn’s Sydney Martinez leads the league in save percentage (80.5%), goals conceded (8) and goals-against average (0.76), but her battle for a starting spot with teammate Neeku Purcell might prevent her from claiming this award. It’s opened the door for Dallas’ Madison White, who now leads the league in shutouts (9) and is second in saves (46) and GAA (0.83) with the most minutes played among goalkeepers.
Also in contention: Sydney Martinez, Brooklyn FC; Cosette Morché, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC