End of the Season Awards🏅
Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and to the winners of this season’s end-of-season awards! This year was filled with outstanding performances, growth, and achievements, and we’re proud to recognize the award winners who made it so special.
Individual Awards
- Iron Player: Carlo Burgos - Carlo showed unmatched dedication, competing year-round across leagues, tournaments, and scrimmages, while missing just one practice the entire season.
- Golden Boot: Julian Loria - A scoring machine, Julian found the net in nearly every game with his speed, direct attack, and ability to break down defenses.
- Most Valuable Player: Quinn Ross – The anchor of their championship defense, Quinn limited opponents to just 10 goals in 12 games and stepped up in clutch moments with key goals and assists.
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Emma Svyatsky - In just her second year, Emma recorded 7 shutouts, made countless big saves, and turned her punting into a true weapon while helping secure the league title.
- Rookie of the Year: Cormac Murphy – Stepping into goal for the first time, Cormac quickly learned the position and excelled under pressure.
- Most Improved Player: Molly McKenna – Molly grew tremendously in her footwork, positioning, and confidence, becoming a stronger and smarter player each week.
- Leadership Award: Grady Gallo – Grady led with positivity, focus, and spirit, inspiring his teammates by example.
- Defensive Player: Madelyn Loyd - Madelyn was the heart of her backline. She shut down the many offensive players who came her way.
Team Awards
- Team Spirit: Brighton Girls 2013 – In their first year together, this group exemplified unity and energy, supporting one another and cheering on other AFCR teams.
- Fair Play Award: Brighton Boys 2011 – This team finished the season without a single card, showing true sportsmanship by respecting referees, lifting opponents, and playing with positivity.
- Tournament Warriors: Victor Vipers – The Vipers battled their way to two tournament championships, including a dramatic Golden Goal win at the Comet Cup and an undefeated run at the Clarence Classic.
- Team of the Year: Brighton U12 Boys Bandits – A dominant force, the Bandits went 20–0 between indoor and outdoor league play, won multiple tournaments, and finished with an incredible +3.05 goal differential.
Coaching Awards
- Coach of the Year: Xavier Burgos – Coach Burgos not only led the Bandits to a historic undefeated season but also secured sponsorships and scholarships to support families, while volunteering across the club to run practices and scrimmages.
- Assistant Coach of the Year: Ryan Rush – Ryan coached across three teams, balancing over 50 games while bringing structure and consistency to every sideline.
- Rookie Coach of the Year: Ellen Gager – Ellen inspired her players by translating her own playing experience into motivating lessons, helping them learn and apply new skills.
- Most Improved Coach: Kourtney McKnight – Kourtney guided her team to a remarkable turnaround, finishing the season 7–0–1 after a slow start and nearly capturing the division title.
Together, these players, teams, and coaches showcased the very best of what AFCR soccer is all about—commitment, teamwork, resilience, and passion for the game.
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