Making the Case: Tyler Adams, 2018 Male Player of the Year

The youngest of five nominees, 19-year-old midfielder Tyler Adams made the most of his time on the field for the MNT during its transitional year in 2018.

November 26, 2018

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, U.S. Soccer announced the five nominees for 2018 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. This year's nominees include midfielders Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Will Trapp; defender Matt Miazga and goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Today, we begin “Making the Case” for each of the candidates, starting with MNT midfielder, Tyler Adams.

The youngest of the five nominees, the 19-year-old built off his MNT debut last November in Portugal, racking up eight appearances in 2018 to finish tied for third most on the team. Deployed in central midfield throughout the MNT’s transitional year, Adams served as the catalyst in the MNT’s 1-0 win against Paraguay on March 27, earning the penalty kick that led to Bobby Wood’s game-winner.

WATCH: Adams Wins Penalty Kick in 1-0 Win vs. Paraguay

This ball from @MarkyDelgado tho 😳

First #USMNT cap for the 22-year-old, and he finds @tyler_adams14 streaking. pic.twitter.com/g3RZr1xFHi
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) March 28, 2018

Adams’ constant motor and decision-making put him in the right place at the right time for his first international goal on Sept. 11 against Mexico. Making a late run into the box, Adams did well to get on the end of Antonee Robinson’s cross before slotting a one-time effort into the bottom left corner to give the USA a 1-0 shutout victory against its fiercest regional rival.

WATCH: Adams Scores Game-Winner vs. Mexico on Sept. 11

Playing his second full season with the New York Red Bulls, Adams collected a career-high 27 regular season appearances to go along with seven assists in helping the club win the MLS Supporters Shield with a league-record 71 points. Adams registered another assist in the club’s 3-0 win against Columbus Crew SC in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.