Philadelphia Union Mid-Season Awards

2019 has so far, been one of the best

in Union history. Sporting director, Ernst Tanner, has ensured his

club is as deep as any in Major League Soccer, and head coach, Jim

Curtin, has done a solid job at managing those pieces. Let's take a

look at my choices for Union mid-season player awards...

Best Newcomer: Left Back, Kai Wagner

When the Union announced the signing of Wagner in February, fans had to go straight to Google to find out who that was. Coming from Germany's 3rd division, Wagner would have things stacked against him as far as Union supporters go. But he convinced them of his ability from the start. From opening day, he's been like glue to any offensive player attempting to run down his side.

Honorable Mention: Jamiro Monteiro, Kacper Przybylko, Brenden Aaronson

Best Defensive Player: Center Back, Jack Elliot

Gentleman Jack thought his role on this

club was solidified coming into the 2019 season. That would be the

role of back-up to starters Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie. After

suffering a series of injuries just prior to the start of the regular

season, McKenzie had to sit out, giving Elliot the opportunity to

start a few matches, well, which we thought, alongside Trusty.

Elliot has been stellar for most of the season, enough so that

McKenzie has yet to see any playing time.

Honorable Mention: Kai Wagner

Best Offensive Player: Midfielder, Jamiro Monteiro

Being a signing less ballyhooed than

Marco Fabián or Sergio Santos, Monteiro's production has exceeded

both of them combined. Joining the Union in the early part of the

season on loan from FC Metz in France's 2nd division,

Monteiro has been dynamic in the midfield. Many of the Union's past

best ball distributors haven't been the fleetest of foot, but

Monteiro combines a keen eye for open teammates as well as the

ability to turn on the jets when he has a goal for himself in sight.

With 4 goals and 5 assists in only 13 starts, Monteiro has the

ability to become the only Union player other than Sebastien Le Toux,

with at least 10 goals and 10 assists in a single season.

Honorable Mention: Ilsinho, Kacper Przybylko

Most Pleasant Surprise: Left Back, Kai Wagner

See above (Best Newcomer). Wagner has

also established himself as a quality ball distributor. Already with

4 assists on the season, he is a threat offensively as well. Lately,

he's demonstrated a habit of gambling and going for the steal and it

has cost him, but the good has greatly overshadowed the bad.

Honorable Mention: Jamiro Monteiro, Jack Elliot

Most Disappointing: Midfielder/Forward, Marco Fabián

At a salary of just over $2 million,

Fabián has not only missed ten matches due mostly to injury and a

few to suspension, his play while on the field hasn't exactly been

overwhelming. He's mustered only two goals, and on several occasions

has demonstrated a wreckless tendency while attempting to regain

possession. The Union will need his availability and improved play

in the coming months.

Honorable Mention: Sergio Santos, Fafa Picault

Most Impactful: Midfielder, Ilsinho

The term “Super Sub” often times

gets tossed around haphazardly. Not in this case. Ilsinho has been

incredible with changing the tone and pace of the match almost every

time he comes off the bench. As a sub in 2019, he's already tallied

3 goals and 5 assists. He's embarrassed almost every defender that

has gotten in his way on the right side with his bag of tricks.

Honorable Mention: Alejandro Bedoya, Jamiro Monteiro

Most Valuable Player: Midfielder, Alejandro Bedoya

Bedoya, along with Elliot and Haris

Medunjanin, is one of a few Union players this season to have played

every minute of every match. He's been in the right place at the

right time, and has looked more like a leader and a captain than ever

before. His tenacity and leadership has been integral in the Union

remaining in first place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Honorable Mention: Andre Blake, Jack Elliot, Jamiro Monteiro

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