Congrats to nico_mezquida for earning our Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award. RT to show him some love!
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) October 18, 2016
READ: https://t.co/F4ICV5kS3w#VWFCpic.twitter.com/jb6UC7Irx7
VANCOUVER, BC – “A person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution.”
That’s the definition of unsung hero – and it describes Nicolas Mezquida to a tee. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the Uruguayan midfielder received the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award at today’s 2016 Whitecaps FC Player Awards, presented by BMO.
“He’s infectious,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “I love Nico to bits. He deserves the award because every time he deals with disappointment, he comes back and responds and reacts in the right way. He’s got great character.”
He’s a pretty good player, too.
Mezquida has three goals and an assist in 27 MLS regular season appearances this season. The 24-year-old also added two goals in the Amway Canadian Championship and started three of Vancouver’s four CONCACAF Champions League victories, helping Whitecaps FC reach the quarter-finals for the first time in club history.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story with Mezquida though. Far from it.
His work rate is second to none. Robinson also used the word “effervescent” to describe him earlier this season, while Jordan Harvey said his energy level “sets the tone.”
“We need more characters like Nico on the team,” Robinson concluded.
The Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award is awarded in memory of Jock MacDonald's dedication to Whitecaps FC. MacDonald, the team's longtime equipment manager, was a founding member of Vancouver 86ers and a key individual to resurrecting professional soccer in the Lower Mainland. His passionate personality and contributions were an important part of the club’s success.
PREVIOUS WINNERS: JOCK MACDONALD UNSUNG HERO AWARD
2015: Jordan Harvey
2014: Matias Laba
2013: Carlyle Mitchell
2012: Jun Marques Davidson
2011: Alain Rochat
