VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the club's 2021 BMO Player Awards on Sunday, following the final regular season match at BC Place.
Player of the Year: Maxime Crépeau
In his third year with Whitecaps FC, Maxime Crépeau has played 28 matches in all competitions for the 'Caps this season, recording a new career-best for MLS starts in a season with 27.
At the time of writing, the Canadian international has tallied the third best save percentage (76.9) and the sixth best goals against average (1.15), both amongst keepers with more than 20 games played this season. Crépeau also registered a career-best six clean sheets to place him third in the Western Conference and his first MLS penalty kick save on September 25 to help the 'Caps claim a crucial 1-0 victory at BC Place over FC Dallas.
Crépeau was voted the 2021 Player of the Year by fans through an online poll on whitecapsfc.com.
Most Promising Male Player: Déiber Caicedo
The 21-year-old Colombian joined the club this season from Colombian first division side Deportivo Cali, tallying five goals and a team-leading seven assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.
Throughout the season, Caicedo has come up big for the 'Caps to help overturn deficits, scoring three and assisting four in matches where the 'Caps have gone on to gain points from losing positions. The young winger was also ranked 21st in MLS' annual 22-Under-22 list, amassing the third most goal contributions this season amongst all players on the list.
The club's technical staff selected Caicedo for the honour.
Most Promising Female Player / BMO RESP Academy Female Player: Ava Wright
A rising prospect from the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Super REX program in partnership with BC Soccer. Ava Wright - a native of Coldstream, BC - is a strong leader on and off the field, technically astute, and has grown tremendously through her time at the club. Wright is one to watch for the future.
BMO also presented a $1,000 Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to Wright for her outstanding efforts on pitch and in the classroom.
The club’s Girls Elite REX staff chose Wright for both honours.
BMO RESP Academy Male Player: Max Anchor
A highly-rated goalkeeper from Burnaby, BC, Max Anchor joined the Whitecaps FC MLS Academy program in August 2017 after previously playing with Mountain United FC in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League.
His hard work and character has shown both on the pitch, where he has represented the club in the academy league, and in the classroom where he has continued to excel.
BMO presented a $1,000 RESP to Anchor for achieving excellence on and off the field. The club’s MLS Academy staff chose Anchor for the honour.
Humanitarian of the Year: Tosaint Ricketts
Tosaint Ricketts has exemplified the values of Whitecaps FC and MLS WORKS both on and off the pitch throughout the season, leading with his values and heart to take home the club's Humanitarian of the Year for a second straight season.
Ricketts is a member of Black Players for Change and consistently uses his voice to denounce hate and marginalization. At every opportunity, he uses his elevated platform to advocate for concrete actions that advance anti-racism, equity, and social justice, as well as using his passion for driving transformative change to take part in numerous initiatives throughout the season.
He is also an active staff member of Whitecaps FC’s Diversity, Inclusion & Community department, putting forward his perspectives and ideas to enrich and elevate community initiatives. He doesn’t do it alone – inspiring his teammates to join him, as well as supporters and working with partners to lift the most vulnerable in our community.
For all the contributions mentioned above, and for his passion for giving back, Whitecaps FC’s Diversity, Inclusion & Community staff select Tosaint Ricketts as the 2021 Humanitarian of the Year.
Jock MacDonald Unsung Heroes: Soccer Operations - Ed Georgica, Martin McDermott, Sandy Petinakis/Ken Biffi, Cortlin Tonn
The Jock MacDonald Unsung Heroes award has been presented to Soccer Operations, including director of operations and facilities Ed Georgica, first team operations coordinator Sandy Petinakis/Ken Biffi, equipment manager Martin McDermott, and assistant equipment manager Cortlin Tonn.
The group was responsible for setting up the club's stay in Utah during the first half of the season, as well as the club's move back to Vancouver at the end of July. With roughly 90 players and staff living in Draper, Herriman, Salt Lake City, and Sandy for four months, the group helped set up equipment, housing, transportation and ultimately ensured the upmost safety for the entire travelling party during the club's stay in Utah.
The club would like to commemorate the group's efforts for providing the best experience during the most unprecedented circumstances.
Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot Award: Brian White
In honour of the late Domenic Mobilio, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, the Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot Award is given annually to the leading goalscorer on the first team.
Striker Brian White ultimately won the race with 12 goals scored, two ahead of midfielder/forward Cristian Dájome with 10 goals.
