2022 USL League One Awards Finalists Unveiled
October 27, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the finalists for the 2022 USL League One Awards, with the leading performers in six categories earning nominations following the league’s fourth campaign. The award winners will be announced between Monday, Oct. 31 and Friday, Nov. 4.
The 2022 USL League One Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives.
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Winner announced Monday, Oct. 31
2022 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Paul Christensen, Greenville Triumph SC: In his first full professional season with Greenville, Christensen’s 10 clean sheets led the league and is tied for the second-most in a single regular season in league history. The 26-year-old ‘keeper finished fifth in the Golden Boot race with a 1.27 goals-against average mark and finished third amongst goalkeepers with 75 saves.
Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: The reigning Goalkeeper of the Year and 2022 All-League Second Team selection faced the most shots and most shots on target in a single season in league history. In response, Fitzgerald recorded the most saves in a single season in league history with 105 and recorded a save percentage of 0.75
Rashid Nuhu, Union Omaha: The back-to-back Golden Glove winner and 2022 All-League First Team selection helped Omaha to another special season. The Ghanaian led the league with a 0.98 goals-against average and helped Omaha to the fewest goals conceded during the season (33).
Defender of the Year Finalists
Winner announced Tuesday, Nov. 1
2022 USL League One Defender of the Year Finalists
Jalen Crisler, Richmond Kickers: Crisler earned his first All-League honor in his third season in League One and second in Richmond. The 28-year-old defender finished second in league history with his 154 clearances in a single season and led the Kickers in duels won with 138, blocks with 25 and possessions won in the defensive third with 106.
Daniel Navarro, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Despite missing half of the regular season, Navarro helped Chattanooga to a strong second half of the campaign which saw the Red Wolves pick up 1.66 points per match and register a +10 goal differential in matches that Navarro played in compared to just 1.13 points per match and a +4 goal differential when the defender was absent.
Arthur Rogers, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC: Even with his strong defensive play, Rogers set a new single-season league record with 80 chances created in an incredibly productive first season in Windsor. The 26-year-old Englishman’s nine assists were the second-most on the season and most by a defender in a single season in league history.
Young Player of the Year Finalists
Winner announced Wednesday, Nov. 2
2022 USL League One Young Player of the Year Finalists
Ethan Bryant, Richmond Kickers: Just 21 years old, the San Antonio FC academy product completed his fifth professional season and first full campaign with the Kickers. In his most productive season to date, Bryant broke out with six assists, three goals and 30 chances created.
Omar Ciss, Charlotte Independence: The 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder and 2022 All-League First Team selection enjoyed a breakout campaign after a pair of seasons in the USL Championship to begin his professional career. Ciss tallied three goals, one of which was a game-winner, and two assists to go along with a team-high 33 tackles won and 140 duels won.
Ryen Jiba, Union Omaha: One of a handful of incredibly impactful first-year Owls, the South Sudanese midfielder made his professional debut in 2022 after developing at Salt Lake Community College and USL League Two’s Park City Red Wolves SC. Jiba racked up three assists, 37 interceptions and 16 chances created in 28 appearances for Omaha.
Comeback Player of the Year presented by Shift4 Finalists
Winner announced Wednesday, Nov. 2
2022 USL League One Comeback Player of the Year presented by Shift4
Adrian Billhardt, South Georgia Tormenta FC: After sustaining a season-ending knee injury in May 2021, Billhardt went on to miss 24 matches of his first season as a professional during his recovery period. Recovering in time to start the 2022 season, the 1. FC Union Berlin youth product finished with the most assists (5) and chances created (49) on the team to go along with a career-best five goals in 30 matches.
Daniel Navarro, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Despite missing the entire preseason and first half of the regular season recovering from hernia surgery, Navarro was named to the All-League First Team for his impact on the Red Wolves’ backline. The 31-year-old veteran recorded his first professional goal to go along with 12 blocks and an 88% passing accuracy.
Nate Shultz, Greenville Triumph SC: Following a standout collegiate career at Akron, Shultz was drafted 48th overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy. Shultz made 57 total appearances for LA Galaxy II between 2018 and 2019 before a pause in his career. A successful trial with Greenville saw the 26-year-old defender resume his career in 2022, and Shultz finished second in the league with 49 interceptions and registered three assists.
Coach of the Year Finalists
Winner announced Thursday, Nov. 3
Ian Cameron, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Following an 11th-place finish a season ago, Ian Cameron propelled Tormenta FC to its best-ever regular season finish and first postseason appearance with a 12-9-9 record in his third season at the helm. The eight-spot shift in the table from 2021 to 2022 serves as the largest turnaround in league history.
Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers: Operating with a lethal offense and stout defense, Darren Sawatzky picked up the second-most regular season points and wins in a stellar 14-7-9 season that saw Richmond finish atop the League One table in its best finish since 2013. What’s more, Richmond’s 21 points gained from a losing position and 54 goals were the most in a regular season in league history.
Jimmy Weekley, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Taking over head coaching duties midway through the 2022 campaign, Weekley helped lead the Red Wolves to a home playoff match with a 6-3-5 record. Chattanooga earned 1.64 points per match and scored 1.79 goals per match with Weekley at the helm compared to just 1.25 points and 1.69 goals in matches without his lead.
Most Valuable Player Finalists
Winner announced Friday, Nov. 4
2022 USL League One Most Valuable Player Finalists
Jonathan Bolanos, Richmond Kickers: Forced to sit out a third of the season due to injury, the 2022 Assists Champion and All-League First Team selection still set the single-season league record for assists with 11 to help the Richmond Kickers to their best regular-season finish in nearly a decade. Bolanos also posted an individual single-season high with six goals.
Arthur Rogers, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC: Just the third defender to be nominated for MVP in league history, Rogers set a new single-season league record with 80 chances created in an incredibly productive inaugural season for the Hailstorm. The First Team All-League defender’s nine assists were the second-most on the season and most by a defender in a single season in league history.
Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers: The three-time Golden Boot winner and reigning back-to-back MVP became the first player in league history to score 10-plus goals in three or more seasons. Terzaghi’s 17 goals were the second-most scored in a single season behind the Argentine’s own record of 18 set a season ago.
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