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Since the season is over, it's time to hand out some End of Year Awards. This week, we here at Once a Metro are asking you the fan to vote in a slew of categories. Below are the candidates for Defender of the Year.
Luis Robles (RBNY)
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. What more needs to be said? The guy was not the best in terms of stats, but he absolutely kept the team in games many times this year. The playoffs are the perfect example. In the second leg of the Columbus match, it could have easily been 2 or 3 nothing before halftime. If it wasn't for Robles, the last minute header by Bradley Wright-Phillips would never have even mattered.
Kemar Lawrence (RBNY)
The first year MLS player bounced around the league not sticking in any trial to becoming a starting left back on a Supporters' Shield winning side. The defender was also instrumental in the attack, pushing up the wing and overlapping Mike Grella. Multiple times he killed attacks coming back to cover. He was everything we wanted out of Roy Miller without any of the gaffes.
Damien Perrinelle (RBNY)
Perrinelle wasn't a starter in 2014 when he came on board. He wasn't meant to be the guy on the back line, but an early injury to Ronald Zubar forced his hand. He stepped up and led Matt Miazga, Chris Duvall, Kemar Lawrence and others. He was the most consistent presence on a makeshift defense until his injury against D.C. United in the playoffs.
Tyler Adams (NYRB II)
Tyler Adams spent the year playing for the Red Bulls USL side, NYRB II. Most people won't know how he did since USL games don't get a good following. He did well though. The defender helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference playoffs in his first year. 45 goals against in 28 matches for the team was good for 4th in the East. The Baby Bulls also won their first playoff match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Adams signed a contract with the Red Bulls in November and will be a full fledged member of the senior team in 2016.
Who is your Defender of the Year for 2015? Let us know by voting in the poll below. Voting ends at 12 pm eastern on December 8th.