In a special pre-match ceremony before Vancouver Whitecaps FC's regular season finale versus Portland Timbers on October 2, president Bob Lenarduzzi presented the annual Whitecaps FC men's team awards for the 2010 season.
For the second consecutive season, goalkeeper
Jay Nolly
was named Whitecaps FC Most Valuable Player. A virtual ever-present in goal during his third year with the club, Nolly followed Paul Dolan in becoming only goalkeeper in Whitecaps FC history to pass the 100-appearance mark. Born in Orlando, Florida, the native of Littleton, Colorado, recorded a goals-against average of 0.67 in 33 appearances for the Blue and White this season. He ended a remarkable run of 6,472 consecutive minutes of action in the Whitecaps FC net when youngster Simon Thomas replaced him during a 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace Baltimore on September 11.
Centre back
Nelson Akwari
was named as the men's team's Outstanding Defender of 2010. Arriving in Vancouver from former United Soccer Leagues First Division club Charleston Battery, Akwari has been a pivotal member of Teitur Thordarson's defensive backline this season. Alongside fellow newcomer Greg Janicki, the native of Houston, Texas, helped Whitecaps FC become the USSF D-2 Pro League's best defensive unit, with Vancouver conceding a league-best 20 goals in 29 matches during the year. He started all 27 of his appearances for 2,430 minutes of action, scoring one goal and adding one assist in the process.
Midfielder/striker
Cornelius Stewart
was named the club's Newcomer of the Year following a solid first season with Whitecaps FC. Having initially joined the club's Residency program last year, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines international impressed during Vancouver's extended pre-season before starting 18 of 22 appearances for 1,593 minutes of action. Stewart scored two goals and recorded five assists for nine points during that spell.
Right fullback
Wes Knight
earned the club's 'Fan Favourite' award following a productive second season with Whitecaps FC. The native of Easley, South Carolina, started all 30 of his appearances this season for 2,517 minutes of action, recording one assist in the process. The College of Charleston product has been a dependable member of Vancouver's strong defensive backline, while proving to be an attacking threat on the right flank with his crosses and long throw-ins.
This year's recipient of the Whitecaps FC Blue & White Award is centre back
Mouloud Akloul
. Despite being sidelined for much of this season with a serious ankle injury, the native of Lorient, France, was tireless in his efforts to give back to the community, as he volunteered and participated in club and community initiatives beyond the regular call of duty during the 2010 season.
