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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 New York Red Bulls' Most Valuable Player.
Sacha Kljestan
The biggest off season signing had a rough start at the beginning of the year that came to a head in a red card after throwing a punch mid season. After that incident, he stepped up his game and was one of the driving forces behind the run at the Supporters' Shield. He was one of three players with over 20 combined goals and assists, and led the team on the later, tying the RBNY single season league mark in the process.
Dax McCarty
It's no surprise that the Captain should be considered for team MVP. His offensive stats are not truly impressive, but that's not the player he is. He led not only the team, but one of the best midfield trios in the league. 60 team goals, a +19 goal differential, the best team in the league. The team implemented a high pressure system and Dax's willingness to run 90 minutes a game and very good passing abilities led the team
Bradley Wright-Phillips
18 goals, 8 assists. After 27 goals and 2 assists in 2014, no one would've expected that out of Wright-Phillips, especially with a new system. He was asked to change his role on the team from a pure target striker, to one that can hold up the play while the midfield gets ahead of him. He did the job well and proved he's a more versatile player than most thought he was.
Lloyd Sam
Sam had a career year in 2015. His twelve goals was a career high and the first time he ever broke double digits in a single season. Throw in 9 assists, and you have the third player in 2015 who made it over the 20 goals and assist mark. Sam, like Wright-Phillips, also was asked to change his style of play. In 2014 he stayed on the wings and crossed the ball in. In 2015, he was asked to pinch into the center of the field and be more of a play maker. He did both, and the results were glorious.
Who do you think should be named RBNY MVP? Vote and let us know. Voting closes on December 10th at 12:00 pm.