Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced their annual team awards on Saturday, with striker Camilo named as the club's 2011 'Player of the Year'. Prior to today’s match, the Brazilian forward has recorded 12 goals and three assists this MLS regular season, while adding one goal in the 2011 Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Additionally, first-year midfielder Gershon Koffie captured the 2011 "Most Promising Player' award after an impressive first season in MLS. The ‘Caps also selected rookie defender Jeb Brovsky as the 2011 "Whitecaps Foundation Humanitarian of the Year', while Canadian-born Swiss international Alain Rochat was named the recipient of the 2011 'Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award'.
Whitecaps FC will honour the 2011 Award Winners in a pre-game ceremony prior to Vancouver’s final regular season match against Colorado Rapids on Bell Pitch at BC Place this Saturday afternoon.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Camilo
The 2011 'Player of the Year' honour was awarded to Camilo after supporters selected the South American for his efforts throughout the 2011 MLS campaign. Prior to today’s match, Camilo scored 12 goals and added three assists in 31 appearances after he joined Whitecaps FC on March 17 following an impressive preseason trial. Camilo was named MLS ‘Player of the Week’ in Week Three after a memorable first start for the Blue and White on April 2, where he scored two goals and one assist in a 3-3 comeback draw against Sporting Kansas City. Camilo also scored Vancouver's only goal in a 2-1 friendly defeat at home to English Premier League giants Manchester City FC in the Herbalife World Football Challenge on July 18. His final accomplishment was highlighted in the first goal scored in the 2-1 home win over D.C. United on October 12 that helped the Brazilian earn a place in the MLSsoccer.com 'Team of the Week' for Week 31.
MOST PROMISING PLAYER - Gershon Koffie
The 2011 'Most Promising Player' award was presented to Gershon Koffie, with the honour selecting a younger player from either Whitecaps FC or Whitecaps FC Residency program that exemplifies noticeable development throughout an individual season. Koffie scored one goal in 28 appearances this season after he joined Whitecaps FC's inaugural Major League Soccer roster on February 9, becoming one of the first players to be signed to an international roster spot. A product of the lower divisions in his native Ghana, Koffie scored his first MLS goal during Whitecaps FC's 4-2 home win over Chicago Fire on August 7. Koffie also took home two MLSsoccer.com 'Team of the Week' awards during Weeks 24 and 26 following impressive performances against Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls.
JOCK MACDONALD UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Alain Rochat
The 2011 'Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award' was awarded to Alain Rochat in memory of Jock MacDonald's dedication to Whitecaps FC. Jock was a founding member of Vancouver 86ers and a key to resurrecting professional soccer in the Lower Mainland. His gracious personality and contributions were an important part of the club’s success. Rochat’s dedication this season saw the Swiss international defender score two goals in 27 appearances and also captained the 'Caps during the injury absence of Jay DeMerit this season. Rochat joined Whitecaps FC’s Major League Soccer roster from Swiss club FC Zürich on January 21, 2011 and earned a spot in the MLSsoccer.com 'Team of the Week' in Week 24.
WHITECAPS FOUNDATION HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR - Jeb Brovsky
The 2011 'Whitecaps Foundation Humanitarian of the Year' was awarded to Jeb Brovsky, which highlights a player that has shown an active willingness to give back to the community by volunteering and participating in club and community initiatives beyond the regular call of duty. In July, Brovsky was named MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month. A community leader and an ambitious agent of social change, Brovsky combined his passions to create his non-profit foundation, Peace Pandemic, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. Peace Pandemic aims to disband social stereotypes and connect children around the world through the commonality of playing soccer. As a player, Brovsky joined Whitecaps FC after being selected as the first pick in the second round (19th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft on January 13. This season, Brovsky has made 23 appearances and registered one assist.
DOMENIC MOBILIO GOLDEN BOOT - Camilo
Not only was Camilo the Whitecaps FC Player of the Year, he was also the top goalscorer on the team with 12 goals. The award is named in honour of Domenic Mobilio, who in 15 seasons with Vancouver 86ers scored 170 goals, more than double the club's next leading scorer. In memory of his great accomplishments, the Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot - a bronzed trophy made from one of Domenic's left boots - is awarded annually by the Mobilio family to the Whitecaps FC men's player, who scores the most goals in a single season.
