USL News Release
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
TAMPA, FL - United Soccer Leagues announced the top W-League honors for the 2009 season Wednesday, honoring the U19 Player of the Year, Defender of the Year, Coach of the Year and Most Valuable Player as voted on by the league’s coaches and general managers.
Most Valuable Player – Angelika Johannson (Hudson Valley)
Johannson was a menace to opposing defenders this season, guiding the Lady Blues to an undefeated 12-0-2 record and the league’s Regular Season Championship.
A junior at Franklin Pierce University, Johannson finished second in the W-League scoring table with 36 points, recording 14 goals and eight assists in 2009. The striker showed her consistency, tallying a goal or assist in 11 of her 14 appearances for the Lady Blues.
“Angelika fulfilled all the high hopes we had for her this season,” said Quickstrike head coach Jesse Kolmel. “Just when other teams thought they had shut her down, she would come through with moments of brilliance. She has been one of the best I’ve ever had the honor of coaching.”
A tireless worker on the park, the native of Falkenberg, Sweden was named to the Team of the Week three times in 2009, along with being named Player of the Week on June 3 (Week 6).
Defender of the Year – Brittany Taylor (Hudson Valley)
A longtime member of the Quickstrike youth setup, the former U.S. U-20 international captained the team to an undefeated 12-0-2 record and their first ever W-League Regular Season championship in 2009.
“Brittany has been an unbelievable leader for us this season,” said Komel. “She showed excellent versatility this season, being able to play in the center and on the right as well as going forward into the attack.”
The University of Connecticut senior appeared in 10 games during the regular season, tallying three goals and one assist, while leading the backline to one of the top defensive records in the W-League.
U-19 Player of the Year – Chante Sandiford (Washington Freedom)
Chante Sandiford was a revelation for the Washington Freedom this year. The UCLA netminder finished the regular season with a 7-0-1 record, earning four shutouts, while surrendering only four goals in eight matches. Sandiford has backstopped the Freedom to the W-League championship, helping to defeat Tampa Bay and Charlotte, 2-1, before earning the shutout in a 0-0 draw with the Ottawa Fury in last week’s national semi-final. Sandiford made two saves in the shootout to send the Freedom to Saturday night’s championship match against Pali Blues.
"Chante has been a tremendous player for our club, both on and off the field," said Freedom assistant coach Win Puffer. "She's one of the most focused and athletic goalkeepers that we've seen."
Coach of the Year – Fabien Cottin (Quebec City Amiral)
A solid presence on the bench for the first year club from Quebec City, Amiral head coach Fabien Cottin had his work cut out for him. Competing in the Great Lakes Division, Cottin steered the Amiral ship to a 9-4-1 record and a playoff berth in the club’s rookie W-League campaign.
