2017 #MOBAProud Man of the Year Voting is Open

Peachtree City MOBA's 2017 PDL season has been below par to say the least. After a three-match pre-season that included three victories by an aggregate score of 14-3, expectations were sky high for Peachtree City, but results have been rock bottom. Sitting at 2-8-2 with two matches remaining (both at home), it will be up to the MOBA faithful to pull out all the stops to get two last victories to surpass last season's record and finish off the bottom of the table. Despite the poor results, there have been a number of players who have had solid to great seasons for MOBA, and with the year drawing to a close, it is now time to open voting for the 2017 #MOBAProud Man of the Year Award. An award chosen by the fans, the Man of the Year award denotes the top member of the MOBA club, not just in tangible stats, but also in the way the player showed pride playing for Peachtree City, and how that play brought success (however minimal) to his club. The ten nominees for the 2017 #MOBAProud Man of the Year Award are:

Todd Fidler - M/F: A midfielder by trade, Todd Fidler, in his "second" year with club (he only played one match last season) has really come into his own in the second half of the season. Appearing in all twelve matches so far this season for Peachtree City, the season got off to a slow start for Fidler, as he failed to get on the scoresheet during the first seven matches. Through the last five however, Fidler has been on a tear, scoring three goals with one assist on just nine shots, helping his team secure seven much-needed points to pull them off the bottom of the table, while also becoming MOBA's all-time leading scorer with five career goals.

Daniel Valenciano - M: A lot can be said about the season that the Costa Rican midfielder has had to this point. Starting in ten matches this season and appearing in eleven, Valenciano has recorded two goals and one assist, including the second half equalizer on the road against South Georgia Tormenta FC and the first-ever free kick goal in club history on July 3rd. The most notable thing about the way Valenciano plays, however, is his passion for the game. Every match, Valenciano proves to continuously be the loudest man on the pitch, giving his opinion on every play, good and bad, and that has been a very welcome addition to an otherwise struggling side.

Adam Sheikali - D: McIntosh alumni Adam Sheikali has been an absolute rock on the back line for MOBA in his two seasons with the club. Playing alongside last year's award winner Salomon Lorenzano, the captain has been a centerpiece for this MOBA team in his seven starts. In fact, in matches that Sheikali plays, MOBA have allowed six less goals while winning their only two matches with Sheikali on the pitch. Despite that, Sheikali had to leave the team following their home win against the Otters in order to return to school.

Matthew Wooling - M: The Trinidad and Tobago international Matthew Wooling has had an up and down season for MOBA, with some very high ups. Wooling, who has played in eleven of MOBA's twelve matches, has been the first choice free kick taker on the squad, nearly scoring off a free kick on multiple occasions. His most notable opportunity came against Tormenta FC on the road, when he took the long free kick that was headed in by Daniel Valenciano for the second half equalizer. A great creator on the ball with a team-high two assists, Wooling has also had his fair share of goals, scoring twice.

James Thomas - D: Freshman British defender James Thomas out of Young Harris College has been one of the biggest surprises for MOBA this season. Playing ten of MOBA's twelve matches, Thomas has been a very solid right back for the yellow and black, using his quickness to win the ball from even the fastest wingers and getting MOBA back onto the front foot. Thomas played a large role in both of MOBA's wins, playing the full ninety in both while doing everything he could to hold the strong attacks of both Nashville SC and Tri-Cities at bay while his attackers got the goals.

Edmundo Robinson - M: A player that many fans didn't even know was on the roster at the start of the season, Robinson has made the most of his opportunities for MOBA. Making his first appearance for MOBA as a substitute in their 2-0 home loss to Mississippi, Robinson was high-flying from there, fighting his way onto the starting lineup and sticking around with some impressive performances. The current leader and record holder for goals in a season with four including the late winner at home against Tri-Cities, Robinson has really made a name for himself with Peachtree City.

Daniel Shaw - M/D: Daniel Shaw had really been more of a utility player for MOBA this season. Playing in all twelve matches for MOBA this season, Shaw has played a number of different positions, most notably left back and left midfielder. Despite not scoring in the PDL season, Shaw really earned his roster spot in the friendly against Atlanta Silverbacks FC on May 24th, when he scored two goals in two minutes to propel MOBA past the Silverbacks 3-1. Since then, Shaw has been right in the middle of all the action for MOBA, and has been the kind of player that both the offense and defense can work through.

Khallil Stewart - M: Playing in eight matches for MOBA this year, the Jamaican international has been one of the fastest men on the pitch in any game he plays. A bit of a loose cannon, Stewart is a master with his feet, and that proved effective in his one goal for MOBA this year, as he took an expert cut to get into open space before scoring at home against Nashville. Khallil, despite not being the #1 player on the pitch, has been the most vocal of his team pride, as he voiced his love for the game and his team on social media frequently throughout the season.

Michael Brezovsky - M/D: One of the biggest men on the pitch in any match he plays, Michael Brezovsky has proven one of the most well-rounded players for MOBA. Beginning the season as a defender alongside Sheikali and Lorenzano, Brezovsky made the switch to the midfield following the emergence of Daniel Olaniran, and he has really made a home there. Arguably the most integral part of both MOBA wins, it was Brezovsky who headed in the late winner on the road in Nashville, and then less than a week later it was Brezovsky who made the assist to Edmundo Robinson on the winner at home against Tri-Cities.

Santiago Moore - F: Arguably the most popular player on the pitch week in and week out for MOBA, Santiago Moore has done more than just sell tickets. After a strong pre-season that saw him score two goals against Georgia Revolution FC, the former Memphis City standout fought onto the lineup sheet and made a home there. Despite falling at the last second to SC United at home on June 13th, Moore played a stellar game, scoring from the penalty spot and getting the assist on Edmundo Robinson's goal. Moore scored again on July 3rd against Tormenta, when he put the ball in the net off a cheeky chip during MOBA's late surge that nearly pulled them back from a four goal deficit.

Voting for the 2017 #MOBAProud Man of the Year is as simple as a click. On the left side panel (on mobile, tap the three bars at the top of the screen), there is a section dedicated to voting for this award. All you have to do is read through the ten nominees and select your choice for the award winner. Voting closes on July 19th at 11:59 PM, and the winner will be announced on July 20th.

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