New York City FC hosted the 2018 NYCFC Awards in Greenwich Village on Monday night, taking a moment to reflect upon the year so far, before the start of the postseason next week.
With less than a week to go until the final game of the season, fans, players and staff came together at SubCulture for the event hosted by YES broadcaster Ian Joy, to remember some of the highlights of the year so far.
Thousands of fans from New York City and beyond visited to NYCFC.com to vote for their player, goal, assist, celebration and skill of the Regular Season, honoring those who’ve led the Boys in Blue to the Playoffs for the third-successive season.
Maxi Moralez took home the final and most prestigious award of the night - the Fans’ Player of the Year award, after topping the public vote, following an outstanding second season at NYCFC.
The Argentine playmaker leads the team for assists (15) and has netted eight goals in his 31 matches, making the DP a fitting recipient of the night’s final award.
Before then, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi won Best Goal for his incredible game-winning volley vs. defending MLS Cup champions Toronto, new U.S. international Ben Sweat won Best Assist for his 80-yard dash and serve vs. Sporting Kansas City on the opening night and Sean Johnson won Best Save for his stunning reflex save against Houston on the road.
That wasn’t Sean’s only honor: Sean also joined Brad Stuver and Jeff Caldwell to share the Community MVP award, given to the player(s) who gave back most and set the example for spreading the power of soccer across the five boroughs.
David Villa’s achievement of netting his 400th goal of his career was also reflected upon, with El Guaje winning the public vote for “Best Celebration” for his penalty vs. FC Dallas in the spring.
The night opened with recognition of the Academy’s National Championship win earlier in 2018, followed by NYCFC U-19s’ captain Nico Benalcazar being named Academy Player of the Year.
Moralez also took Social Media Moment of the Year for shaving the no.10 into Third Rail Member Matt DePrima’s head on the anniversary of his headed goal vs. Houston on a memorable occasion for fans, players and staff alike.
For those who couldn't make it, we'll have a video recap of the event on NYCFC.com in the coming days.
