USL News Release
Friday, August 25, 2006
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced Friday the winners for the Defender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and Most Valuable Player for the USL Second Division 2006 season as voted on by the league’s coaches and general managers.
The USL Second Division Championship, featuring the defending champion Charlotte Eagles visiting the regular season champion and 2005 USL First Division finalist Richmond Kickers, is Saturday, August 26 at 8:00 pm ET. The game will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel.
Defender of the Year – Gary Sullivan (Long Island Rough Riders)
Gary Sullivan became the first player in the history of the league to take the Defender of the Year honor while playing for a team that finished last. The back was an All-League First Team selection for the second straight season this year.
Rookie of the Year – Nowaf Jaman (Cincinnati Kings)
Cincinnati Kings midfielder Nowaf Jaman won the rookie of the year award with just two goals and four assists on the year. The talented rookie was the lone player on the squad, however, that saw action in every match on the year. He previously played in the USL Premier Development League, spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Fire Premier while attending Western Illinois.
Coach of the Year – Jon Pickup (Cincinnati Kings)
Pickup led the Cincinnati Kings to a 9-8-3 record in his second season as head coach of the second-year club after posting a 7-8-5 record last season. New in the coaching ranks, Pickup still also hits the field on occasion, playing in eight games this season with one assist from his defensive position.
Most Valuable Player – Robert Ssejjemba (Richmond Kickers)
In his second year with the Richmond Kickers, he captured the league Goal Scoring Championship with 17, seven more than Wilmington’s Chris Bagley and New Hampshire’s Almir Barbosa. With four assists, his point total of 38 was 15 clear of teammate Mike Burke for the league Scoring Championship as well.
