Hassoun Camara Named Impact Most Valuable Player
October 4, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - Defender/midfielder Hassoun Camara received the Giuseppe-Saputo Trophy, awarded annually to the Montreal Impact Most Valuable Player, Tuesday night, at Saputo Stadium, during the 2011 Award Banquet, where the club awards its individual honours.
Goalkeeper Evan Bush was named Defensive Player of the Year, midfielders Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Ian Westlake were honoured as Newcomers of the Year, while defender Simon Gatti received the Unsung Hero Award, awarded to the player that distinguished himself in a supporting role.
To open the event, Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo proceeded to the official groundbreaking of the Saputo Stadium expansion project.
HASSOUN CAMARA: MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
- In his first season in Montreal, led the team with 22 starts in as many games.
- Had the second most minutes played on the team, with a total of 1,949 minutes of play.
- Registered two goals and one assist for five points.
- Was selected to the NASL All-Star team.
- Showed a lot of versatility and consistency throughout the season, as a defender and midfielder.
Sporting director Nick De Santis: "Hassoun was very consistent throughout the whole year, even in difficult times. He always showed his qualities, leadership and experience. His personality adapted very well to the culture and the philosophy of the club. He was a very good team player and did everything for the best of the club."
EVAN BUSH : DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
- Began the season as a substitute before taking over as the starting goalkeeper, following an injury to goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.
- In his first season in Montreal, recorded a personal-best with nine shutouts, including seven in his last 10 games of the season.
- Was named NASL Defensive player of the week following the 11th and 22nd week of activity.
- Won the 2011 NASL Golden Glove with a 0.76 goal-against average, the best amongst the league goalkeepers.
Nick De Santis: "When he got his chance, Evan took it and ran with it. At only 25 years-old, he showed his experience and composure. He kept us in difficult games and made key saves at the right time. He was an important figure in the positive run we had at the end of the year."
SINISA UBIPARIPOVIC: NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
- Joined the team on Aug. 2, and finished the season as the Impact third leading-scorer.
- In 10 games, including eight as a starter, registered three goals and four assists, for 10 points.
- Brought a lot of stability and confidence to the team in the second half of the season.
IAN WESTLAKE: NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
- Joined the team on July 15, and quickly became a fixture in the Impact's starting lineup.
- Started the 13 games he played in, for 1,125 minutes of play.
- Scored two goals, against Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
Nick De Santis: "When the team started to turn things around, it was because of players like Ian and Sinisa. They both adapted well to the team and brought quality. Sinisa brought a lot of creativity and a good vision of the game, while Ian brought energy to the team and was a good two-way player."
SIMON GATTI: UNSUNG HERO
- Led the team with 22 starts in 23 games.
- Was the most used player this season, with a total of 1,953 minutes of play.
- Registered two assists.
- In his sixth season with the Impact, started his 100th game in 122 career games.
- His defensive qualities, his experience and his leadership helped the Impact.
Nick De Santis: "Every year, Simon brings something very positive to the team. We played him at left back this year and he showed consistency in his play and a great attitude towards his teammates and we admire what he brings to the team."
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North American Soccer League Stories from October 4, 2011
- Hassoun Camara Named Impact Most Valuable Player - Montreal Impact
- FC Tampa Bay Makes Roster Moves - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Fort Lauderdale Vs. Puerto Rico - Semifinal News and Notes - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Evan Bush Named NASL September Player of the Month - Montreal Impact
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