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VOTE | 2017 Player of the Year

Oct 31, 2017

With the 2017 North American Soccer League season in the books, it is time to open up voting to fans to decide the Jacksonville Armada FC Player of the Year.

Voting begins today and will end Sunday, Nov. 5 at 11:59 p.m.

 

video by Randy Clark

Here are the candidates:

 

#4 Mechack Jérôme

Defender Mechack Jérôme was one of eight Jacksonville Armada FC players to return for the 2017 season. He was a critical part of the Jacksonville defense in his 32 starts. He totaled the most minutes on the team and was one of two NASL players to start in all 32 matches this year. His presence as a center back was prominent with the most passes in the league at 1,864 and he also tied for the most clearances total at 171.

“Mechack is a tremendously important player for us,” said Lowry. “With the way we want to play, his ability on the ball is second to none. Defensively his game has improved throughout the course of the year. He is great at defending crosses and I would say he is one of the best in the league in 1v1 defending.”

 

 

#22 Kalen Ryden

In his first year with the club, Kalen Ryden became a staple on the backline. He began the year with the most minutes on the field in the Spring Season of any Jacksonville Armada FC player. He started every match that he played this year, 31 total. Ryden is tied for the most assists with four and notched one goal at the final home match of the year at Hodges Stadium.

“Kalen Ryden has showed a lot of consistency this year, as well as resilience and toughness. He’s really been a symbol of what this team is all about,” said head coach Mark Lowry.

 

 

#8 Jack Blake

Midfielder Jack Blake was also one of the new players to join the team at the start of the season. Although young at only 23 years old, he proved he was a force to be reckoned with. He notched two goals in the Spring Season, but then went on to add seven more to his total at the end of the year. That is more than any other Armada FC player in history and he also scored the first ever Armada FC hat-trick on Aug. 26.

“Jack is great defensively and works tremendously hard,” said Lowry. “Going forward now, he is a threat in front of the goal and offers some creativity for us. As a young player, if he continues his development, he is going to have a very bright future.”

 

 

#10 J.C. Banks

J.C. Banks is a versatile player that proved his worth early on in the season. He was also a new player to join the club at the start of the year. He notched the first goal of the year at Hodges Stadium on April 2 against FC Edmonton. Banks went on to notch five goals total.

“J.C. is Mr. Reliable, Mr. Versatile, and can play in numerous positions,” said Lowry. “No matter where he plays, you get the same level of effort and quality from him.”