VANCOUVER, BC – As the Major League Soccer season enters its final weeks, it’s once again time to vote for your Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2013 BMO Player of the Year.
In 2012, South Korean fullback Young Pyo-Lee claimed the award, while Camilo took home the hardware in Whitecaps FC's inaugural MLS campaign.
Camilo is one of five nominees on the ballot again this season. He’s joined by fellow striker Kenny Miller, midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker and Russell Teibert, as well as defender Jordan Harvey.
Members of the club’s technical staff and select representatives of the media determined the five names on the ballot.
Now, the choice is yours.
Voting runs until Monday, October 14. Who is your Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year?
The winner will be announced on October 23 at the BMO Main Office Branch located on Burrard.
The Choices
Camilo - striker #7
It’s been a banner year for the Brazilian-born striker. All season, Camilo has been among the league leaders in goals. Currently, the Magician is third in the MLS Golden Boot race with a career-high 16 tallies – not to mention the three goals he scored in the Amway Canadian Championship. The 25-year-old forward, who also has five assists to his name, was twice named MLS Player of the Week this season and was the runner-up for Player of the Month in June. For his efforts, Camilo was named to the 2013 MLS All-Star gameday roster for the first time in his career and went on to set up the lone goal for the MLS squad with a perfect free kick delivery. With attacking ability that has often proved the difference for the ‘Caps, it’s no surprise that Camilo has won a team-high five Budweiser Man of the Match awards this season.
Nigel Reo-Coker - midfielder #13
Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has consistently been one of Whitecaps FC’s most influential players in his first MLS season. His ability to drive the play forward from midfield as well as his ability to slot in at right back when necessary has proved invaluable. The Englishman has four assists on the season – two of which came in a dominant performance over San Jose Earthquakes on August 10 at BC Place. With experience at the highest level in England, Reo-Coker has also taken a leadership role and has worn the captain’s armband when called upon. Four times this season the Englishman has been named Budweiser Man of the Match.
Jordan Harvey - defender #2
Since assuming the starting left back position midway through the season, Jordan Harvey has become a reliable fixture in head coach Martin Rennie’s backline. After coming on as a substitute May 11 in a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy, the unheralded fullback has played the full 90 minutes in a whopping 20 straight matches. Although not known for his offensive abilities, the native of Mission Viejo, California has also notched a career-high four goals this season, which is third best on the team behind Camilo and Miller. Among his clutch goals, Harvey headed home a Camilo corner on August 3 to help Whitecaps FC claim an important road point at Portland’s JELD-WEN Field. Harvey has won Budweiser Man of the Match twice this season.
Kenny Miller - striker #9
It’s no coincidence that Whitecaps FC have posted a 10W-6L-3D record with striker Kenny Miller in the starting lineup this season. The long-time captain of the Scottish national team has been a leader for the ‘Caps, wearing the captain’s armband for much of the season while Jay DeMerit was out injured. Another telling stat: six of Miller’s eight goals on the season have been game-winners. Not only is the Scotsman an adept goalscorer, but his presence and movement on the pitch has brought a different dimension to the ‘Caps attack. Among his more memorable moments this season, Miller’s game-winning goals over New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders FC helped the ‘Caps claim their first-ever victories over the two clubs. Another highlight from this season was his performance in Vancouver’s 4-3 home win over New England Revolution, when Miller bagged two MLS Goal of the Week nominees en route to winning MLS Player of the Week, as well as Budweiser Man of the Match.
Russell Teibert - midfielder #31
2013 has been a coming out party for Canadian winger Russell Teibert. Not only did Teibert score his first two MLS goals in a historic 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy back in May, he’s also emerged as one of the league’s premier playmakers with eight assists on the season. The 20-year-old Whitecaps FC Residency product, who has started 18 of his 20 appearances this season, continues to cause trouble for opposing defences with his play on the ball and dangerous crosses. Teibert’s success this season hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he recently came in at 10th on the league’s annual 24 under 24 list – becoming the highest-ranked Canadian international ever in the four years since it began. Like Reo-Coker, Teibert has been named Budweiser Man of the Match four times this season.
