Raleigh's Own Nazmi Albadawi Named to NASL Best XI
Published on November 11, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release
Cary N.C- Carolina RailHawks captain Nazmi Albadawi has been named to the North American Soccer League's (NASL) Best XI for 2016, the league announced on Friday.
"It feels good to be recognized by the league and by the coaches and the media of the league," said Albadawi. "Obviously I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of my teammates and staff here. I'm honored to be a part of that group."
The midfielder started all 29 games played this season and earned the most minutes on the team with 2,537. Albadawi's record-breaking ten assists were the highlight of his standout year, as he now holds the NASL record for most assists in a single season. The player with the second most assists in the league trails by three.
Albadawi has caught the league's attention several times this year, as he was named to the NASL Team of the Week four times and was the NASL Player of the Week in Week 2 of the Fall Season. Additionally, he received a nomination for the Golden Ball Award that is given to the league's most valuable player.
He was also voted the Offensive Player of the Year and Team MVP by his fellow teammates and RailHawks coaching staff. He ended the season with 36 total shots and an 81.4 percent passing accuracy.
A Raleigh native, Albadawi grew up a RailHawks fan and attended several games in his youth. Because of his close ties to the Triangle, he has been active in the local community throughout his three seasons as a RailHawks player. He was recognized this year for his charitable efforts when he was named one of three Summit Hospitality Community Service Award winners.
Albadawi's impressive stats and impeccable leadership on and off the field undeniably raises the esteem of both the club and the community.
Other players named to the NASL Best XI include: GK: Matt VanOekel (FC Edmonton) D: Ayoze (New York Cosmos) D: Carlos Mendes (New York Cosmos) D: Albert Watson (FC Edmonton) D: Justin Davis (Minnesota United) M: Nazmi Albadawi (Carolina RailHawks) M: Juan Arango (New York Cosmos) M: Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) M: Michel (Rayo OKC) F: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United) F: Eamon Zayed (Indy Eleven)
Additionally, the Carolina RailHawks were awarded the Fair Play Award for the 2016 NASL Season for accumulating the fewest number of cards over the course of the Spring and Fall Seasons.
North American Soccer League Stories from November 11, 2016
- Forward Eamon Zayed Named to NASL's 2016 "Best XI" Team - Indy Eleven
- Top NASL Sides Clash in the Championship Final - NASL
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Midfielder Joe Cole Named to 2016 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- FC Edmonton's VanOekel, Watson Selected to 2016 NASL Best XI - FC Edmonton
- Raleigh's Own Nazmi Albadawi Named to NASL Best XI - North Carolina FC
- North American Soccer League Announces 2016 Best XI - NASL
- North American Soccer League Announces 2016 Best XI - NASL
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