Closing out on 2016, having had a holiday bye-week, let's take a look at who your dear authors recognize as the best of the season so far, both here in the City of Five Seasons and around the MASL. We will do this hockey style, and announce the three stars in each category. Without further ado, here they are..
Best Player -
1st Star: Christian Gutierrez - Atletico Baja.
Franck Tayou may lead the league in points per game, but no player is more critical to his team's success than Gutierrez. Without Gutierrez's league leading goal and point totals, Baja is simply not in a playoff position without him. If that wasn't impressive enough, he also is one of the league leaders in blocks on the other end of the field.
2nd Star: Taylor Bond - Chicago Mustangs
When Taylor Bond plays well, the Mustangs win. Period. The big man is a force both passing and scoring when he is on the field, and is a big part of why the Mustangs raced out to a hot start.
3rd Star: Franck Tayou - Soles de Sonora
Very close to another MVP year. It is the defensive work of the above players that puts him here, but what he does is score goals, and do it well. Tied with Gutierrez for league lead for game winners scored.
Best Defender -
1st Star: Stephen Basso - Harrisburg Heat.
Basso is a big part of the reason why Harrisburg has had arguably the biggest turn around in the league. His 22 blocks are second only to Chris Mattingly of St. Louis and Harrisburg has gone from a 1 win team a year ago to challenging for a playoff spot due to this massively improved defense.
2nd Star: Chris Mattingly - St. Louis Ambush
The league leader in blocks is relied on a lot, and has that huge number of blocks to prove it. St. Louis would be looking at an even tougher year without him.
3rd Star: Ernesto Luna - Atletico Baja
His teammate has one more block than he does for third in the league, but what separates Luna is his two way play. His 4 goals and 4 assists make Atletico a dangerous team to try and stretch.
Best Goalkeeper -
1st Star: William Vanzela - Baltimore Blast
The only goalkeeper in the top four in each major goalkeeping category. The champs have the top man in goal.
2nd Star: Chris Toth - San Diego Sockers.
League leader in save percentage, second in goals against average, and solid in goal for another stellar Sockers squad.
3rd Star: Stephen Paterson - Kansas City Comets
The only goalkeeper in the league with both a goal and a shutout, Paterson is right with the other two at the top of the league leaders for goalkeeping categories.
Best Rookie -
1st Star: Brett Petricek - Cedar Rapids Rampage
Among the top five in each of the three main goalkeeping categories, Petricek has been a sometimes spectacular rock in goal ever since his surprise start in the season opener. His consistency is key for this Rampage team.
2nd Star: Hector Eugui Jr. - El Paso Coyotes.
With Five goals and six assists, the son of the El Paso Coyotes manager has proven a bright spot on a capable offense in El Paso.
3rd Star: Jon Pachar - Cedar Rapids Rampage
The midfielder who had a breakout season in the PLA has added a level of hustle and awareness that goes beyond his two goals and three assists on the stat sheet.
Other Awards
Best Playmakers -
1st Star: Leo Gibson - Kansas City Comets
2nd Star: Tony Donatelli - Baltimore Blast
3rd Star: Gordy Gurson - Cedar Rapids Rampage
Best Coach -
1st Star: Hewerton Moreira - Cedar Rapids Rampage
2nd Star: Armando Gamboa - Chicago Mustangs
3rd Star:Denison Cabral - Harrisburg Heat
Best Goal -
1st Star: Ricardo Diegues - Florida Tropics (vs. Kansas City Comets)
2nd Star: Stephen Paterson - Kansas City Comets (vs. St. Louis Ambush)
3rd Star: Pat Kelly - Cedar Rapids Rampage (vs. Milwaukee Wave)
Best Breakout Player -
1st Star: Cameron Brown - Dallas Sidekicks
2nd Star: Ricardo Diegues - Florida Tropics
3rd Star: Hugo da Silva - Harrisburg Heat
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