MLS Awards: U.S. Men’s Team Youngster Alex Freeman Earns Honor; Who’ll Win MVP?

The MLS regular season has wrapped up and the MLS Cup playoffs are in full swing. But before we get to the MLS Cup final on Saturday, Dec. 6., the league will be handing out its top individual awards.

See who’ll be winning honors such as Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year, and which stars will be making the Best XI.

MLS Defender of the Year

Tristan Blackmon, Defender, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

(Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

It’s been a breakout season for both Blackmon and his ‘Caps side, which finished among the best teams in the Western Conference and reached the CONCACAF Champions League final. Blackmon anchored a backline that allowed the second-fewest goals (38) and logged the second-most clean sheets (13) this season. He played in 25 regular season games this season and added two goals and one assist. Blackmon also earned his first two caps with the U.S. men’s national team in September.

Other Candidates:

Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)

MLS Comeback Participant of the Yr

Nick Haaglund, Defender, FC Cincinnati

(Photograph by Jeff Dean/Getty Photographs)

The Cincinnati native has bounced again this season after struggling a fractured fibula in June 2024, which was his third season-ending harm within the prior 4 seasons. Haaglund has anchored the backline of the Orange-and-Blue in his 17 appearances this season. He did this regardless of struggling one other harm – two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung – in Could. He returned in August and helped Cincy end second within the general standings, behind the Supporters Defend-winning Philadelphia Union.

Different Candidates:

Lawrence Ennali (Houston Dynamo FC)
Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)

MLS Younger Participant of the Yr

Alex Freeman, Proper Again, Orlando Metropolis SC

Eligible gamers should be born on or after Jan. 1, 2003.

(Photograph by Mark Thorstenson – Orlando Metropolis/MLS by way of Getty Photographs)

At age 21, Freeman has was one of many league’s breakout talents whereas additionally staying within the fold with the U.S. males’s nationwide staff. His versatility within the back-line earned him an All-Star choice and his six objectives is tied for many amongst MLS defenders. The son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, he additionally earned 11 caps with the USMNT and was a part of the squad that reached the Gold Cup ultimate earlier this summer season.

Different Candidates