BIRMINGHAM, AL (Nov. 18, 2021) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has been named the club’s 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
VanOekel, 35, made 27 appearances for the Black and Gold this season and earned nine clean sheets which tied for third-most in the USL Championship. Legion FC as a team allowed just 31 goals in the regular season, second-fewest in the league, and were one of just two teams with a sub-zero goals against average (0.96).
‘MVO’ made 84 saves on the season, which was eighth-most is the USLC, while adding in 21 clearances, 13 punches, 11 catches, and rocking ten different haircuts (approximately).
Check out more info about VanOekel on his player page.
Two more Team Awards will be announced in the coming days – the Magic City Brigade Fans’ Choice Award and Team MVP, as voted by the players. Forward Neco Brett was recently awarded the 2021 Golden Boot.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Nov. 18, 2021) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has been named the club’s 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
VanOekel, 35, made 27 appearances for the Black and Gold this season and earned nine clean sheets which tied for third-most in the USL Championship. Legion FC as a team allowed just 31 goals in the regular season, second-fewest in the league, and were one of just two teams with a sub-zero goals against average (0.96).
‘MVO’ made 84 saves on the season, which was eighth-most is the USLC, while adding in 21 clearances, 13 punches, 11 catches, and rocking ten different haircuts (approximately).
Check out more info about VanOekel on his player page.
Two more Team Awards will be announced in the coming days – the Magic City Brigade Fans’ Choice Award and Team MVP, as voted by the players. Forward Neco Brett was recently awarded the 2021 Golden Boot.
