With the 2016 season complete, two of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s biggest stars have been honored with year-end awards.
Jozy Altidore and Christian Pulisic have been named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, respectively. The Player of the Year award is Altidore’s second after previously earning the honor in 2013.
“This is truly an honor to receive this award. It’s also very humbling when you look at such a talented group of teammates nominated for this accolade along with you,” said Altidore. “At the end of the day, any success I have had on the field this year is in large part due to their success and contributions.”
The Toronto FC forward narrowly edged out Bobby Wood in the voting for the award. Altidore collected 32 percent of the vote compared to Wood’s 30 percent, while Geoff Cameron collected 15 percent of the vote.
Despite missing the Copa America, Altidore led the USMNT with six goals and two assists through 10 international appearances in 2016, with of those goals coming in World Cup qualifying. On the club level, Altidore recovered from his hamstring ailments in time to lift Toronto FC into the postseason and, ultimately, into the MLS Cup finale with five playoff goals and four playoff assists.
Pulisic’s victory, meanwhile, was much more of a blowout. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder collected a resounding 86 percent of the vote, with Jordan Morris (five percent) and Andrew Carleton (four percent) finishing second and third, respectively.
The 18-year-old midfielder shattered several records in 2016, including that of youngest USMNT goalscorer. In total, the young attacker scored three goals and added two assists on the international level while becoming a consistent member of the Borussia Dortmund first team in the club level