TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today New York Red Bulls II forward Brandon Allen had been voted the 2016 USL Rookie of the Year after setting a USL record for goals in a rookie season to lead the side to the first silverware in its history.
The 2016 USL Awards were voted on by team management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2016 USL regular season.
“Going into the USL I think I was confident, but I also wanted to prove myself,” said Allen. “Toward the end of the season, I was feeling better about the way things were going, and I think my game started to get even better as the season went on.”
- USLSoccer.com: Red Bulls II Reap Benefits of Allen’s Attacking Instincts
Signed as a Homegrown Player by the New York Red Bulls after a stellar career at Georgetown University, Allen scored twice in his professional debut for the Red Bulls II, and proved prolific throughout his first professional season as the side set a USL regular-season record for goals with 61.
Allen’s 15 goals in the regular season were the most by a rookie in the league’s history, and saw him finish tied for second in the USL behind only fellow All-League First Team selection Sean Okoli.
The 23-year-old continued his form into the postseason, where he led the league with six goals as the Red Bulls II earned their first USL Cup. Allen was named USL Cup Most Valuable Player as he became the second player to record a hat trick in the championship game.
2016 USL Awards
Goalkeeper of the Year: Mitch Hildebrandt, FC Cincinnati
Defender of the Year: Aaron Long, New York Red Bulls II
Coach of the Year: John Wolyniec, New York Red Bulls II
Rookie of the Year: Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls II
Most Valuable Player: Announced November 4
