CINCINNATI, OH --- Prior to the start of the post-season, FC Cincinnati took a look back on the achievements of the regular season and the players were asked to submit their votes for five team awards.
The team selected a Most Valuable Player, an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year and the Most Improved Player. Rounding out the list of honors is the Cincinnatus Award, given to the player who demonstrates the characteristics for which the Roman leader Cincinnatus was lauded: outstanding leadership, service to the great good, civic virtue, lack of personal ambition, and modesty.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Corben Bone came away with the title of Most Valuable Player. The midfielder started in 30 of 32 matches and tied for first with five assists. Bone “pulled the strings” of the FCC offense and was involved in setting up plays that led to goals in addition to breaking up opposing team’s attacks.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The FCC players tabbed Sean Okoli the team’s Offensive Player of the Year as the forward cleaned up on the votes after putting away a league-leading 16 goals to win the USL Golden Boot. Okoli was voted to the USL Team of the Week five times in the year and his first goal at Nippert garnered national attention as a Sports Center Top 10 play.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The Defensive Player of the Year title went to Harrison Delbridge. The 6-4 defender from Sydney, Australian played in 30 fixtures in the center of defense while starting in 28. With Delbridge in the back-field FCC recorded 10 shutouts, including four straight to end the regular season. Delbridge also proved to be an offensive threat on the set pieces for the Orange & Blue, taking 19 shots and scoring a goal against Toronto FC II.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Evan Lee was recognized as the Most Improved Player. Lee played in 13 games, adding depth to the FCC defense. He saw action in his first game for the Orange & Blue against Harrisburg City and earned his first start against Indy Eleven NPSL in the club’s U.S. Open Cup game. He took two shots, including one on goal.
CINCINNATUS AWARD
The Cincinnatus Award went to Austin Berry. Berry, who worked his way back from an injury at the beginning of the season and finished the year with a spot on the final USL Team of the Week. The team captain had three goals, converting on all three shots on goal. Since returning to the starting lineup against New York Red Bulls II on July 20, Berry has started in every match save one.
2016 SUPPORTER AWARDS
In addition to the team voted awards, FC Cincinnati supporters will have opportunity to have their voices heard as they select their own winners for the same categories. If you want to participate, click below to cast your votes.
VOTE FOR THE 2016 SUPPORTER'S AWARDS
FCC heads into USL quarterfinal action this Sunday, Oct. 4 against Charleston Battery at Nippert Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and tickets are available through the website at fccincinnati.com/tickets or by calling 513-977-KICK.
