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Michael Bradley named 2015 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year

By Marco D'Onofrio

Oct 10, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado (18) and United States midfielder Michael Bradley (4) race toward the ball in CONCACAF Cup match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado (18) and United States midfielder Michael Bradley (4) race toward the ball in CONCACAF Cup match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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"On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer announced that Michael Bradley has been named the 2015 Male Player of the Year."

It hasn’t been the greatest of years for Michael Bradley’s club or country on the pitch. Along with failing to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup and CONCACAF Cup with the United States, his club also failed to make much of an impact during their first Major League Soccer playoff appearance.

Individually though, Bradley has had quite the impressive year. He captained the USMNT in 16 of 18 matches played in 2015, picking up his 100th cap in the process. He also featured in 25 league matches for Toronto FC, as well as, starting in the team’s only playoff match.

"“It’s an honor to be selected amongst this group of players,” Bradley said in a U.S. Soccer release. “This has been a challenging year for our team, yet we continue to understand the opportunity we have to represent the United States and know how important it is that we give everything we have every time we step on the field. That’s what means the most to me, and at the same time I certainly appreciate this recognition.”"

Bradley made the move back to MLS in January 2014, after he found playing time difficult to come by at Italian club, AS Roma. He was made captain of the Reds at the start of 2015, with the club eager to build around the 28-year-old.

"“We are very happy for Michael, his contributions for both club and country certainly speak for themselves,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a club statement. “On behalf of everyone at Toronto FC, we congratulate Michael on this great achievement.”"

This is the first time that Bradley has ever taken home the prestigious award, but was named the Young Male Player of the Year in 2007 by U.S. Soccer.

The midfielder has a busy 2016 ahead of him, with the Copa America Centenario taking place in the United States, and TFC looking to make a serious push for the MLS Cup.

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