
Eddie Johnson, Jamie Watson, Max Griffin Honored by USSF D-2 Pro League
October 21, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas - Following a record-setting season in which the second-year Austin Aztex finished one point shy of the regular season USSF Division-2 Pro League title, multiple Aztex were honored for their play throughout the year.
Max Griffin was awarded the Rookie of the Year trophy on Wednesday for a season that included 11 goals and five assists in 31 games. The former All-Pac-10 first-teamer finished third in the league in points in the regular season and finished behind only Eddie Johnson for the team lead in points and goals. His June 19th hat trick was the first in Aztex history and helped the Aztex to a four-game season sweep over Miami FC and earned him the league's Player of the Month award in June.
The USSF announced today that both Johnson and Jamie Watson were named to the league's Best XI, as well.
Johnson not only led the Aztex in goals, but tied Portland's Ryan Pore for the league lead with 15. Johnson added his finally tally in the postseason against Montreal that tied the match at 2 in the second half. The Chester City, England, native joined the Aztex at the start of the 2009 campaign and is their all-time leading scorer in points (48), goals (20) and assists (8). His five goals and two assists in May earned him the Player of the Month award, as well.
Meanwhile, Watson finished third on the team in goals (7) behind Johnson and Griffin, but led the squad in assists with eight on the year. Watson took 53 shots and stayed in the top five in the league in points, goals and assists throughout nearly the entire season.
The USSF D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards are selected by a panel of journalists comprised of members of print, television, radio and online media hailing from each of the 12 USSF D-2 Pro League clubs' local markets, as well as the general manager and head coach of each team. (Note: the Goal Scoring Champion is based on statistics and was not decided by votes)
USSF D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards - Oct. 20
Goal Scoring Champion: Ryan Pore (Portland Timbers)
Most Valuable Player: Ryan Pore (Portland Timbers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Janicki (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Rookie of the Year: Max Griffin (Austin Aztex)
Coach of the Year: Bob Lilley (Rochester Rhinos)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Jay Nolly (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Best XI
Goalkeeper: Jay Nolly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Defender: Greg Janicki, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Defender: Aaron Pitchkolan, Rochester Rhinos
Defender: Troy Roberts, Rochester Rhinos
Midfielder: Ryan Pore, Portland Timbers
Midfielder: Martin Nash, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Midfielder: Jamie Watson, Austin Aztex
Midfielder: Paulo Araujo, Jr., Miami FC
Midfielder: Daniel Paladini, Carolina RailHawks
Forward: Eddie Johnson, Austin Aztex
Forward: Ali Gerba, Montreal Impact
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 21, 2010
- Rhinos Earn All-League Honors - Rochester Rhinos
- Nolly Named USSF D-2 Goalkeeper of the Year - Vancouver Whitecaps
- USSF D2 Pro League Awards Announced - USSF D-2
- RailHawks' Daniel Paladini Named to League's Best 11 - North Carolina FC
- Ali Gerba Named to League All-Star Team - Montreal Impact
- Three Academy Players with Canada's U17 Team - Montreal Impact
- Timbers' Pore Crowned USSF D-2 Pro League MVP - Portland Timbers
- Paulo Jr Named to USSF D-2 Best XI - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Eddie Johnson, Jamie Watson, Max Griffin Honored by USSF D-2 Pro League - Austin Aztex
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Austin Aztex Stories
- Austin Aztex Confirm Relocation of Franchise
- Eddie Johnson, Jamie Watson, Max Griffin Honored by USSF D-2 Pro League
- Aztex Forward Max Griffin Voted Rookie of the Year
- League's Leading Goal Scorer Eddie Johnson Transferred to Portland Timbers
- Vancouver Completes Semifinal Field After 2-1 Aggregate Victory in USSF D-2 Playoffs

