CONCACAF has nominated Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey and defenders Román Torres and Joevin Jones for its annual end-of-year awards.
The United States’ Dempsey is up for Male Player of the Year and Best XI forward after scoring six goals in 2017, including five in FIFA World Cup Qualifying. He recorded a hat trick against Honduras in March in his return to international duty after recovering from an irregular heartbeat that sidelined him for the latter part of 2016. Deuce also scored a team-high 12 goals for the Sounders, and an additional two so far in the postseason, en route to being named MLS’ 2017 Comeback Player of the Year.
Panama captain Torres is up for Best XI defender after scoring the decisive goal in World Cup Qualifying to send Los Canaleros to their first World Cup appearance, solidifying his status as a national hero. He started 21 matches for the Sounders and recorded two assists, including Dempsey’s equalizing header in Portland in June. Seattle is unbeaten in its last 18 matches when Torres starts alongside Chad Marshall at center back.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jones is up for Best XI defender after scoring five goals in 16 matches in an attacking role for the Soca Warriors. He was also one of MLS’ best left backs, recording a league-high 11 assists for a defender. His ability to push forward as a left winger and play in front of left back Nouhou has also played a vital role in the Sounders’ success over the last half of the season.
Voting is open until Dec. 13.
