Ambush Forward Odaine Sinclair Named Rookie of the Year
March 14, 2014 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
St. Louis Ambush News Release
St. Charles, MO - St. Louis Ambush forward Odaine Sinclair has been awarded the Major Indoor Soccer League's Rookie of the Year honor for the 2013-14 season. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, March 14, the day before Friday's first leg of the 2014 MISL Championship Series featuring the Missouri Comets and the Baltimore Blast.
The Jamaican from Baker University had a strong first season for the expansion Ambush as he led all rookies with 37 points. As impressive as his finishing touch was, however, it was Sinclair's work-rate which saw him constantly harrying opposing defenders that made him a player to watch in each of the Ambush's contests. Sinclair's most memorable performance of the season came when he had a hat trick and set up Corey Adamson's game-winning goal in overtime as the Ambush defeated Syracuse 14-12 on December 29, 2013. Sinclair led the Ambush in two-point goals (11), total goals (12), assists (12), and points (37).
Other MISL award winners announced Thursday were:
Most Valuable Player - Mike Lookingland, Baltimore Blast
The Blast's captain added to the individual accolades earned during a standout career with his first Most Valuable Player award after leading his side to the best record in the league and the league-fewest points allowed. Despite being a defender Lookingland also led the Blast with 56 points, good for seventh in the MISL, and led the league with 33 blocked shots. Lookingland is the Blast's first MVP since the 2005-06 season, when it was awarded to his current teammate, Adauto Neto.
Coach of the Year - Danny Kelly, Baltimore Blast
Kelly claimed his fourth Coach of the Year award as the defending champions used a second-half surge to win the MISL regular season title by concluding the season on a nine-game winning streak. Kelly, a former Blast player, will try to win his fifth championship as a coach this weekend after having won three during his playing career.
Defender of the Year - Mike Lookingland, Baltimore Blast
In addition to claiming the MISL MVP award Lookingland also claimed the Defender of the Year Award for a third consecutive season. The stalwart defender, now in his eighth season with the club, led the league with 33 blocked shots and only took one misconduct penalty all season as he conceded only 14 fouls.
Goalkeeper of the Year - William Vanzela, Baltimore Blast
Vanzela, the 2013 MISL Championship Series MVP, had a breakout second season that saw him set a new current-era record with a 5.57 points-against average. While having a strong defense led by MVP Mike Lookingland in front of him, Vanzela repeatedly came up with big saves at big moments, and set a record with a .833 save percentage as the Blast conceded less than half the points of the second-best defense in the league.
Ambush Head Coach Daryl Doran said, "When we first saw Sinclair at open tryouts we felt he was a special player. We were pleased with his instant impact on our offense as a rookie. He scored some big goals for us this season and I see a bright future for him in this league."
Brad Cleveland, Ambush Director of Communications stated, "Sinclair was a standout on and off the field throughout the season. Along with his play on the field Sinclair was a fixture in the community and fan favorite wherever he went."
The Ambush, presented by Simmons First National Bank, concluded their inaugural season on March 1. The team will remain active during the off-season with community appearances and are planning some friendy matches to give fans a chance to see the team in action prior to their 2014-15 season this fall. The Ambush will play an outdoor friendly against the St. Louis Lions on Saturday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m. at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville. For more information, visit the Lions website at stllions.com .
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from March 14, 2014
- Comets Take Game One of Championship Series - Kansas City Comets
- Thank You, Silver Knights Fans - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Silver Knights to Present a Check to the Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade - Syracuse Silver Knights
- MISL Championship Series Set to Kick Off - MISL
- Ambush Forward Odaine Sinclair Named Rookie of the Year - St. Louis Ambush
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