The United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) announced on Monday that two Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 players have been named to the 2014 All-Western Conference team.
Striker Cody Cook and defender Jordian Farahani, who both played a big part in Vancouver’s season-ending eight-match winning streak, were among the 11 players selected through a vote of Western Conference team management.
Cook, who led the Mount Royal Cougars in scoring last season, was one of the PDL’s most prolific scorers in 2014. The Cranbrook, B.C. native scored 10 regular season goals in 14 appearances, which was tied for fourth best in the league. He also scored twice in Vancouver’s 7-2 playoff win over rival Victoria Highlanders FC, helping the Blue and White reach the Western Conference semifinals.
Farahani, who played for PDL sides Ottawa Fury and Thunder Bay Chill prior to joining Whitecaps FC U-23 in 2014, started all of his 12 regular season appearances, recording a goal and an assist in 1,035 total minutes. The Regina, Saskatchewan native also scored in the playoff victory over Highlanders FC.
The 2014 PDL All-League Team was announced today, while the finalists for the 2014 PDL Awards will be announced on Wednesday. The award winners will be unveiled at Saturday’s Championship Luncheon, as part of the 2014 PDL Championship in Pontiac, Michigan.
Both semifinals and the championship game at the 2014 PDL Championship will be streamed live on the PDL’s YouTube channel, with live updates also available through the league’s official Twitter account (@USLPDL).
PDL All-Western Conference
GK – William Thompson, FC Tucson
D – Ramon Martin Del Campo, San Jose Earthquakes U-23
D – James Kiffe, Ventura County Fusion
D – Cory Keitz, Kitsap Pumas
D – Jordian Farahani, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23
M – Ricardo Velazco, FC Tucson
M – Jose Cuevas, Fresno Fuego
M – Bryan de la Fuente, LA Misioneros
F – Javier Castro, LA Misioneros
F – Cody Cook, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23
F – Kharlton Belmar, Portland Timbers U-23s
