Attention all Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans.
The opportunity to exercise your democratic right is almost over.
Voting for the 2012 Player of the Year closes at 11:59 p.m. PT TONIGHT so if you haven’t cast your all-important vote already, then get to it.
Members of the club’s technical staff as well as select representatives from the media came up with the five names on the ballot.
Voting began in earnest last week with hundreds of your fellow ‘Caps Nation constituents already having their say. After the weekend, Koffie and Lee are neck and neck, however, DeMerit, Mattocks, and Rochat are not too far behind.
The final choice is now yours, who will you pick?
The clock is ticking.
The Choices
Jay DeMerit - defender #6
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The inspirational captain has been a reliable fixture in the centre of Whitecaps FC’s backline this season. The United States international has made 29 MLS appearances, which ranks him second on the team. The Green Bay, Wisconsin, native has been a pillar of strength in front of either goalkeeper Joe Cannon or Brad Knighton and has looked comfortable playing alongside either Martin Bonjour or Andy O’Brien. The 32-year-old’s winning goal against Chivas USA on March 17 secured the club’s first road win in MLS. He also has one assist to his name and has been named Budweiser Man of the Match four times.
Gershon Koffie - midfielder #28
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#12 on MLSsoccer.com’s '24 Under 24' list for 2012, the Ghanaian central midfielder has been a valuable box-to-box asset for head coach Martin Rennie this season. Selected as last year's Most Promising Player, the 21-year-old has shown plenty of composure on the ball when playing as a deep midfielder, while also wreaking havoc on the opposition with his forays into the attacking half and his wicked shot - his 38 shots rank him second on the team. Koffie has featured in 27 matches this season, scored three beautifully-taken goals, and earned two assists. It is no surprise he has won a staggering six Budweiser Man of the Match awards this season.
Young-Pyo Lee - defender #12
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The tireless former South Korean international is one of the first names that Rennie writes down on his starting XI. The 35-year-old has played in a team-high 31 matches and amassed 2,790 minutes of action this season. In doing so, the former PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur FC man has ensured Whitecaps FC have maintained some semblance of familiarity at right fullback through 2012. With a strong work ethic, Lee ranks second in the team for assists with four. He even scored a fortuitous match-winning goal at Columbus Crew on April 28. The defender’s industrious work on the right flank has twice won him the Budweiser Man of the Match award.
Darren Mattocks - striker #22
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The first-year striker has made an instant impact for Whitecaps FC after the club selected him with the second overall pick in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old’s electrifying pace and clinical finishing has him in contention for MLS Rookie of the Year honours. The Jamaican international has scored seven goals and added one assist in 19 appearances. He also ranks second in the team for shots on goal with 16. Mattocks leads the club with two game-winning goals in 2012 and was recently named the best MLS player under the age of 24 in MLSsoccer.com’s ’24 under 24’ list for 2012. The Budweiser Man of the Match honour has been bestowed on Mattocks twice this season.
Alain Rochat - defender/midfielder #4
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The Canadian-born Swiss international has proven to be one of the most vital components in Martin Rennie’s squad with his versatility. Rochat can be called upon to switch positions and fill any roles in the Scottish coach’s system. The 29-year-old has played in 25 matches this season and has helped the team not only from his usual position at left fullback, but also in the centre of defence, and most recently in central midfield. On top of that, Rochat has the ability to get forward and get his name on the scoresheet. In 2,172 minutes of action, he has found the back of the net twice and registered two assists. His four Budweiser Man of the Match awards underline his importance to the Blue and White.
Your Vote
