U.S. SOCCER EXTENDED NATIONAL TEAM AWARD NOMINEES
2024 FEMALE BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 FEMALE BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Hannah Adler, Forward
Appeared in all six matches, finishing tied for second on the team with five goals to go along with two assists. Scored in four consecutive matches, beginning with her goal in the 9-0 victory against the Bahamas to help the USA claim the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup on March 29. Registered a goal and assist in the 4-2 defeat to Spain (Dec. 13), another goal and assist in the 4-0 win against Mexico (Dec. 14) and her third career brace in the 6-4 win against Costa Rica on Dec. 15 to help the Beach WNT earn second at the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup.
Samantha Martinez, Forward
Led the USA in scoring with six goals in her three appearances, all of which came upon her return from maternity leave at the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup in March. Martinez began by scoring a goal against England in the shootout defeat to open the tournament on March 28, and led the U.S. assault with her second career hat trick in the 5-2 defeat against hosts El Salvador the following day. Martinez added two more in the team’s dominant 9-0 win against Bahamas which helped the USA claim the El Salvador Cup, while she also earned the tournament’s Golden Boot as leading scorer with six goals.
Kilee Quigley, Forward
Quigley appeared in all six matches, finishing with a team-leading six assists and nine goal contributions. The Salt Lake City native registered a goal and two assists in the 5-2 victory against El Salvador on March 29 and replicated that effort in the 9-0 win against Bahamas the following day to help the USA claim the 2024 El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup. Quigley then stood out in the team’s year-end 6-4 victory against Costa Rica on Dec. 15, scoring the game’s first goal, recording two more assists and playing a big part in another to ensure the USA took second place at the 2024 Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup.
2024 MALE BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 MALE BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tanner Akol, Midfielder
One of four players to appear in all 12 Beach MNT matches during 2024, Akol had a breakout year, leading the team with eight goals and finishing tied for the lead with eight goal contributions. Akol began the year by tallying in the 6-3 defeat to Brazil at the Maranhao International Cup on Jan. 12. He then tallied twice at the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup in March, contributing a goal in the 5-4 win against the hosts on March 29, before scoring two more in the 5-4 loss to Morocco to close the tournament. Akol picked up where he left off at the year-end Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup, scoring an impressive bicycle kick in the 8-7 extra time defeat to No. 5-ranked Spain on Dec. 13. Two days later, he registered his second career hat trick, which included another bicycle kick, in the USA’s 6-4 win against rivals Mexico to claim third place at the tournament.
Alessandro Canale, Forward
One of the longest-serving veterans on the Beach MNT, Canale scored three goals in six matches during 2024. After appearing in all three games at January’s Maranhao International Cup, Canale was the team’s attacking leader at the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, scoring the equalizer with 47 seconds left to send the team’s second group stage match against the hosts on Feb. 17 to extra time. The goal was Canale’s 10th all-time at the World Cup, moving the veteran forward into sole possession of the USA’s scoring lead at the tournament. Two days later, Canale made his U.S.-record 12th World Cup appearance and scored twice more in the 5-4 extra time defeat to Egypt, taking his career World Cup scoring haul to 12 goals.
Antonio Chavez, Defender
One of four players to appear in all 12 matches, Chavez contributed a balanced four goals and four assists to tie Tanner Akol for the team lead with eight overall goal contributions. He started the year by providing an assist in the 6-3 defeat to hosts Brazil at the Maranhao International Cup on Jan. 12. On March 29, the defender provided an assist to Alvaro Franco before his free kick midway through the second period pushed the USA to a dramatic 5-4 victory against the hosts at the 2024 El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup. The following day, he dished another assist to Akol in the 5-4 defeat to Morocco. He then closed out 2024 as one of the team’s top performers at the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup, registering his second career brace and playing provider to Andres Navas in the team’s 8-7 extra time defeat to No.5-ranked Spain on Dec. 13. Chavez then capped his year with a bicycle kick to close the scoring in the USA’s 6-4 win against rivals Mexico to earn third place in Acapulco on Dec. 15.
2024 FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 MALE FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Luciano Gonzalez, Fixo
Started all four matches at the 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship, tallying two goals and two assists in Nicaragua. Collected two assists in the 7-4 tournament-opening win against Trinidad and Tobago on April 13, including the helper on Nicholas Lopez’s game winner with eight minutes remaining in the second half. Scored with five seconds left in the first half of the 7-6 loss to the Dominican Republic on April 14. Scored the opening goal in the 3-3 draw with Guatemala on April 15.
Nicholas Lopez, Ala
In his first year playing competitively with the Futsal MNT, Lopez appeared in all four matches, starting one and registered two goals and one assist at the 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship in Nicaragua. Lopez had a memorable international debut, scoring the game-winning goal, as well as registering an assist in the 7-4 win against Trinidad and Tobago to open the tournament on April 13. Provided another assist to Franck Tayou in the 7-6 defeat to Dominican Republic on April 14.
Robert Damron, Goalkeeper
Appeared in three of four matches at the 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship, earning his first appearances in World Cup Qualifying. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native is dedicated full-time to the discipline, playing for Futsal Factory Academy where he won the 2023-24 National Futsal Premier League’s Golden Glove and earned First Team Honors. He also works as the club’s Director of Goalkeeping. With the retirement of veteran Futsal MNT goalkeeper Diego Moretti at the end of 2024, Damron is expected to provide a bright future for the position for the U.S. moving forward.
2024 FEMALE CP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 FEMALE CP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jesslyn Kuhnel, Forward
Fiercely competitive and driven to succeed, the 2022 World Cup winner Kuhnel was integral in the team’s success this year, starting all five appearances and racking up four goals and one assist. Kuhnel tallied one goal in the 6-2 friendly win against Ireland on Sept. 28, and registered a goal and assist in the 16-4 victory against Denmark a day later. She then collected her third career multi-goal game, bagging a brace in the 9-2 victory against Ireland in the World Cup opener on Nov. 15. Kuhnel captained the team for the first time in the group stage match against Australia on Nov. 16, and played the entire 50 minutes of the 2024 World Cup Final against the Paramatildas.
Cassidy Leake, Midfielder
Another returnee from the 2022 World Cup side, Leake led the CP WNT in scoring with 14 goals to go along with three assists across seven appearances in 2024. The Murrieta, Calif. product scored in six of seven matches, and had five multi-goal games. She began her production with two goals and an assist in the 6-2 friendly win against Ireland on Sept. 28, and followed it with back-to-back hat tricks, scoring three goals against Denmark on Sept. 29 and against Ireland in the World Cup opener on Nov. 15. Leake, who captained the USA in five of her seven appearances this year, went on to bag another brace against Denmark on Nov. 17, collected her third hat trick of the year the following day against Japan, and scored one of the USA’s two goals in the 6-2 defeat to Australia in the World Cup Final.
Kaia Spencer, Midfielder
Despite being the CP WNT’s youngest player at age 15, Spencer made an immediate impact with her dynamic goal scoring and attacking talent. In her first year of international play, Spencer appeared in all seven matches, led the team with 12 overall assists, and placed second with 11 goals behind only Cassidy Leake. Spencer began making her mark in September’s friendly against Denmark, tallying two goals and four assists. From there, she registered three assists against Ireland in the World Cup opener, before tallying five goals and two assists against Denmark, three goals and three assists against Japan, and one of the USA’s two goals in the 6-2 defeat to Australia in The World Cup Final.
2024 MALE CP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 MALE CP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jacob Crumbley, Forward
A member of the CP MNT since 2018, Crumbley showed his versatility around the pitch, playing forward, goalkeeper, full back and central midfield in what was a career year. One of three players to appear in all eight matches, Crumbley’s five goals and eight overall goal contributions saw him finished 2024 tied for the team lead in both categories, and also led the CP MNT at the World Cup. After recording an assist in the 3-0 friendly win against Scotland in September, Crumbley had a milestone match in the World Cup opener when he bagged two goals and an assist in the 5-0 win against Australia. After being slotted into emergency goalkeeper duty in the next match against the Netherlands, Crumbley recorded one of the two USA goals in the Placement Match against Argentina, and also led the comeback in the final Placement Match against Germany. There, Crumbley scored a 56th minute equalizer to make it 2-2, providing the assist on the go-ahead goal from Gavin Kohner, before scoring the eventual game-winner in the 64th minute of the 4-3 win to claim seventh place.
Ben Lindau, Midfielder
A member of the CP MNT since 2017, Lindau captained the USA at the World Cup and provided a string of steady and confident midfield performances throughout the year. The Chicago product appeared in seven of eight matches, including all six at the World Cup where he tied Jacob Crumbley for the team lead with seven goal contributions (three goals, four assists). Lindau opened the tournament by playing provider to Chileshe Chitulangoma to cap the 5-0 win against Australia, and collected his first career brace in the following match to the Netherlands. He followed that performance with his first multi-assist game, providing helpers on the USA’s first two goals of the 6-0 win against Thailand in the group-stage finale. Lindau then closed the tournament with a goal in the 4-2 defeat to Argentina in the first Placement match, before providing the assist to Shea Hammond on the USA’s first goal in the 4-3 extra time win against Germany to claim seventh place.
Wesley Pincince, Midfielder
Midfielder Wesley Pincince made the most of his second full year with the CP MNT, leading the team with 448 minutes played and ending the year as the only player to start all eight matches. After solid performances in the September friendlies against Scotland and Ireland, Pincince had a dream World Cup debut when he tallied his first career goal – and the USA’s second – in the 5-0 win against Australia to open the tournament. He followed that up with the second USA goal in the group finale against Thailand, with his halftime substitution of the 6-0 win the only time he came out of a match at the World Cup.
2024 FEMALE DEAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 FEMALE DEAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sydney Andrews, Defender
A 12-year veteran of the Deaf WNT, Andrews finished 2024 as one of two players to play all 270 minutes for the Deaf WNT in 2024 and collected an assist on Ani Khachadourian’s eighth minute goal in the 11-0 win against Australia on June 1. An unsung hero for the past decade, Andrews has been key to maintaining the culture, uplifting the newcomers, and denying goal scoring opportunities. The veteran center back’s ability to direct the back line, defend to the death and provide a calm and collective atmosphere in pressure situations proved key in the Deaf WNT conceding just one goal in 2024 A true connector and collaborator amongst players and staff, Sydney has been the glue that helps keep the team moving in one direction as a unit.
Sophie Post, Forward
Part of the Deaf WNT player pool since 2017, Post contributed three goals and an assist over her three appearances in 2024, moving into a starting role along the way. The forward scored what would stand as the game-winning goal in the 6-1 win against Japan on Nov. 15, before collecting two goals and an assist in the 7-0 win two days later. Continuing to grow with the Deaf WNT, Post has improved her ability to face forward, take players on 1v1 and score goals. Equipped with a forward-focus mentality, Post shines in moments of transition to create attacking advantages and has been a phenomenal teammate that works to connect with everyone while holding players accountable in keeping the standards set by the team.
Emily Spreeman, Forward
A member of the Deaf WNT since 2005, Spreeman continued to be the world’s most dominant attacking player, registering 11 goals and eight assists in her three appearances during 2024. The Fountain Valley, Calif. product recorded six goals and four assists in the Deaf WNT’s 11-0 friendly win against Australia on June 1, with the double hat-trick setting a U.S. Soccer record for most goals scored by one player in a senior 11v11 match. Spreeman then continued her offensive onslaught in November, collecting two goals and four assists in the 6-1 win against Japan on Nov. 15, before registering her seventh career hat trick in the 7-0 two days later to take her career international tally to 38 goals in 26 matches.
2024 MALE DEAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 MALE DEAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Christopher Bourdon, Forward
Played all 300 minutes at the Deaf Pan American Games, providing two assists. Registered a helper in the semifinal against Brazil and the bronze medal match against Mexico to help the USA qualify for the 2025 Deaflympics and 2026 World Deaf Football Championship. Bourdon’s offensive prowess makes him one of the most dangerous players in every game and overall makes the team much more effective in the attack. His technical ability makes him entertaining to watch, and also has adapted to the team’s style of play while improving his defensive skills.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Defender
Started all three matches at the Deaf Pan American Games, playing 300 minutes, while helping the USA keep shutouts in two of three matches. Collected an assist in the 4-0 win against Mexico to claim the bronze medal and qualify for the 2025 Deaflympics and 2026 World Deaf Football Championship. A leader both on and off the field, Fitzpatrick established a strong standard for his teammates and contributed significantly to the team's defensive mentality, helping to enhance their defensive performance. He also seized opportunities to contribute offensively, providing an assist during the event.
Raul Silva, Midfielder
Started all three matches at the Deaf Pan American Games to help the USA qualify for the 2025 Deaflympics and 2026 World Deaf Football Championship. A dynamic soccer player whose contributions allow the team to be adaptable, making everyone better. Silva's quality on the ball and understanding of defensive play was vital to the team finishing with a plus-four goal differential.
2024 POWER SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2024 POWER SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jordan Dickey, Center
Consistent in gameplay on both the attacking and defensive end, paired with fellow finalist Lexi Heer in helping RHI Sudden Impact earn a third-place finish at the 2024 National Tournament. Attended all three National Team camps in 2024 and continues to be a leader both on and off the court for the Power NT.
Lexi Heer, Wing
A finalist for the 2023 Power National Team Player of the Year award, Heer has continued to be a steady and reliable influence both on and off the floor. Paired up with fellow finalists Jordan Dickey to help lead RHI Sudden Impact to a third-place finish at the 2024 National Tournament. Having attended all Power National Team camps in 2024, Heer continues to be a very coachable player and has high potential to lead the Power NT to more outstanding achievements.
Riley Johnson, Center
Winner of the 2023 Power National Team Player of the Year award, Johnson helped lead his club team Minnesota Shockwave to a fourth consecutive USPS Premier Cup Championship and also won the Golden Guard award and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the National Tournament. A co-captain of the Power NT, attended all Power Soccer National Team training camps in 2024.
2024 ADAPTandTHRIVE DISABILITY AWARD
2024 ADAPTandTHRIVE DISABILITY AWARD
Margaret Domka, CP Football, Blind Soccer and Special Olympics Referee
A former FIFA International Panel referee, Domka has continued to make an outstanding impact on inclusive sports through her specialized work as a match official in Blind Soccer, the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, and Special Olympics. Her dedication to these roles exemplifies her commitment to creating accessible and supportive sporting experiences for athletes with disabilities. Margaret’s expertise and advocacy help ensure that these competitions maintain the highest standards of fairness and integrity, enhancing the experience for both athletes and spectators.
Ashley Hammond, CP Soccer
Hammond has dedicated over a decade to tirelessly promoting and creating opportunities for players with disabilities. As a co-founder of CP Soccer, a U.S. Soccer Member Organization, he has built a nationwide network of clubs and summer camps that welcome children from across the globe. These initiatives provide not only the chance to play soccer, but also the opportunity to share lived experiences as individuals with disabilities. In addition, Hammond has organized numerous online training sessions for children with disabilities, attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and from countries worldwide. Recently, he stepped down as Chairman of U.S. Soccer’s Disability Soccer Committee to focus on making a global impact, and now serves as CEO of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, furthering his mission to advance inclusion and accessibility in the beautiful game.
Jennifer Kelso, Special Olympics North America
Now in her 25th year working with Special Olympics, Kelso has led the organization’s efforts to implement and grow soccer programs on the state level and also developed and grown the Special Olympics and MLS Unified Exchange. This partnership provides inclusive training and competition opportunities, as well as first-team travel and team experiences, for all Special Olympics of North America programs in which there is an MLS club presence (21 U.S. state and 3 Canadian Provincial Programs). While Jen has been involved from the early stages of this partnership, beginning with her Program involvement via Special Olympics Illinois and the Chicago Fire Football Club, Kelso brought those experiences to the table most recently with regard to leading this overall initiative and building from the solid foundation that was initially formed.