VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the winners of the club's 2022 Player Awards on Friday, with attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld receiving the Player of the Year award.
Player of the Year: Ryan Gauld
In his first full season with Whitecaps FC, Designated Player Ryan Gauld continued to lead the club’s attack.
The 26-year-old Scotsman tallied eight goals as well as a team-high 11 assists across 32 appearances in all competitions this season, while leading the team in key attacking categories including expected assists (5.31), expected goals (6.06), chances created (50), big chances created (7), shots (75), and shots on goal (25). Six of Gauld’s 19 goal contributions came on game-winning goals and three of those goal contributions helped the ‘Caps claim points from losing positions.
A panel of media selected finalists centre back Ranko Veselinović, defensive midfielder Andrés Cubas and Gauld for Player of the Year. Gauld was then voted for the award by fans through an online poll.
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 to take home the club's Humanitarian of the Year award for a third straight season.
This year, Ricketts united the club’s supporters and the community together for numerous initiatives, including the creation of commemorative tifos for Juneteenth and Pride by Whitecaps FC and FC Dallas supporter groups, staff and players. Ricketts also led a special visit to the LA Matheson Secondary School in Surrey, BC, and started a clothing drive for the Atira Women’s Resource by rallying supporter groups for a summer barbecue.
In addition, 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.
Ricketts has also brought his vast knowledge obtained from his education and experiences as a player to his role as Manager, Community Impact as part of the club’s Community and Social Impact department, with his perspectives enriching and elevating community initiatives.
For all the contributions mentioned above, and his passion for giving back, Whitecaps FC’s Community and Social Impact staff selected Ricketts as the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year.
Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero: Tosaint Ricketts
Ricketts recorded four goals and added one assist in 26 appearances across all competitions in 2022, including three goals off the bench.
In memory of Jock MacDonald's dedication to the club, the Unsung Hero Award was created in 2005. Jock was a founding member of the 86ers soccer club and a key to resurrecting professional soccer in Vancouver. His gracious personality and contributions were an important part of the club’s success. The Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award is presented annually to a player that demonstrates these values.
The club’s supporter groups - Couch Ultras, Prawnsiders, Rain City Brigade, Southsiders, South Sisters and Vancouver Albion - selected Ricketts through a vote as the 2022 recipient.
Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot Award: Lucas Cavallini
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 Lucas Cavallini won the award with nine goals scored, one ahead of attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld with eight goals.
Most Promising Male Player: Pedro Vite
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder from Ecuador spent his first full season with the club after joining from Ecuadorian first division side Independiente Del Valle in August 2021.
Vite progressed throughout the year while adjusting to life in Major League Soccer and ended the season as a key contributor while starting the final five matches. In total, the Ecuadorian tallied two goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
Vite was voted for the award by a panel of media.
Most Promising Female Player / BMO RESP Academy Female Player: Clare Logan
Logan started every match for the Whitecaps FC women’s squad during the inaugural season of League1 BC, captaining her side to the championship as the youngest team in the league. A calming presence at centre back, Logan also added a goal on the road at Victoria Highlanders.
At the international level, Logan was a regular for Canada’s U-17 women’s national team. The native of Vancouver, BC, helped guide Canada through the Concacaf U-17 Women’s Championship to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, where she went on to start all three matches.
BMO also presented a $1,000 Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to Logan for her outstanding efforts on the pitch and in the classroom.
The club’s Girls Elite staff chose Logan for both honours and will present her with the award when she returns to training following the U-17 World Cup.
BMO RESP Academy Male Player: Benedict Florent
A talented midfielder and leader from Ottawa, Ontario, Florent originally joined the Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy in August 2020 after playing with Ottawa St. Anthony Futuro Soccer Academy. Starting with the U-15s, he has progressed through the U-17s, and now the U-19s.
Last season, Florent helped the U-17s reach the Generation adidas Cup and was honoured with the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy Cornerstone Award, which is given to the player that has demonstrated a consistent level of leadership in their peer group, epitomizing the club’s cornerstones: Team Spirit, Discipline, Work Ethic, Mentality.
BMO will be giving a $1,000 RESP to Florent for achieving excellence on and off the field. The club’s Academy staff chose him for the honour.
WFC2 Player of the Year: Ali Ahmed
In the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro, Ali Ahmed stood out with his two-way play from the wingback position.
The 22-year-old led the team in assists with five in 15 appearances, displaying his versatile skillset. Ahmed also led the team in successful dribbles (21), tackles (39), was second in key passes (17), third in duels (41) and fourth in interceptions (26).
The Canadian was twice called up to the first team on an MLS short-term agreement, making his MLS debut on April 23 at Austin FC, and helping to set up the tying goal from WFC2 teammate Simon Becher in a 2-1 comeback win over Houston Dynamo FC on August 5 at BC Place.
Ahmed was selected for the award by his teammates and WFC2 staff.
