Michael Bradley (white jersey), shown in 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup action against Panama, was named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year on December 23, 2015. (Photo: Mexsport)
CHICAGO – United States captain Michael Bradley has been voted the 2015 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, it was announced Tuesday.
A first-time winner, the 28-year-old midfielder received 43 percent of the tabulated votes, followed by Fabian Johnson (33 percent) and Clint Dempsey (20 percent).
“It’s an honor to be selected amongst this group of players,” said Bradley. “This has been a challenging year for our team, yet we continue to understand the opportunity we have to represent the United States and know how important it is that we give everything we have every time we step on the field. That’s what means the most to me, and at the same time I certainly appreciate this recognition.”
While earning his 100th career cap in 2015, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach standout amassed a team-leading 1668 minutes, topped the team with a career-high six assists and scored three goals. He played every minute of the Americans’ 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign and earned Man of the Match honors in road victories over the Netherlands and World Cup champion Germany in friendlies.
For Toronto FC, Bradley appeared 28 times and added five goals as it reached the Major League Soccer playoffs for the first time in team history.
The U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year has been awarded since 1984, when midfielder Rick Davis captured the inaugural honor.
