RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, October 19, 2016) – The United Soccer League announced the finalists for the 2016 USL Awards with Richmond Kickers defender Hugh Roberts nominated as a Defender of the Year Finalist.
One of only two players in the USL to play every minute of the 2016 regular season, Roberts was named to the USL All-League Team after anchoring the Kickers backline to the third best defensive record in the USL Eastern Conference. Conceding just 28 goals and posting 13 shutouts overall en route to a USL Eastern Conference finish, he also contributed offensively when he added a goal during the Kickers US Open Cup First Round match in May and his last-gasp equalizer against FC Cincinnati in June led the Kickers to a 1-1 draw.
Leading the league with 2,700 minutes during the 2016 campaign, he has amassed over 6,000 minutes over three seasons in Richmond. The native of Olney, Maryland was discovered at the Kickers’ 2014 Pro Tryouts after making 69 appearances at George Mason University.
The USL Awards were voted on by team management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market. The winners will be recognized during USL Awards Week with the Defender of the Year Award winner announced on Tuesday, November 1.
2016 USL Award Finalists
2016 Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Monday, Oct. 31
Tomas Gomez, Rochester Rhinos
Devala Gorrick, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Mitch Hildebrandt, FC Cincinnati
2016 Defender of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Tuesday, Nov. 1
Amer Didic, Swope Park Rangers
Aaron Long, New York Red Bulls II
Hugh Roberts, Richmond Kickers
2016 Coach of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Wednesday, Nov. 2
Marc Dos Santos, Swope Park Rangers
John Harkes, FC Cincinnati
John Wolyniec, New York Red Bulls II
2016 Rookie of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Thursday, Nov. 3
Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls II
Alphonso Davies, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Joe Farrell, Rochester Rhinos
2016 Most Valuable Player Finalists – Winner announced Friday, Nov. 4
Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls II
Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence
Sean Okoli, FC Cincinnati
