CHICAGO(Nov. 12, 2020) – United Soccer League (USL) announced today that Chicago Fire FC Homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady was named USL League One’s 2020 Young Player of the Year. Brady, who signed with the Chicago Fire on March 24, spent the 2020 regular season on loan with Fire affiliate Forward Madison FC.
In Madison, Brady, 16, established himself as the Flamingos’ starting goalkeeper midway through the season. In eight starts, the Naperville, Ill. native posted three shutouts, tied for fourth-most in the league, recording 19 saves. The 6-foot-3 goalkeeper was narrowly edged out of earning League One Golden Glove honors, as he finished the season with the second-lowest goals-against-average in the league (0.75).
Brady earned 28 percent of the vote to earn the Young Player of the Year award. Fort Lauderdale CF’s Edison Azcona, North Texas SC’s Justin Che, and New England Revolution II’s Nicolas Firmino each finished tied for second place. Overall, nine players received votes for the award.
The 2020 USL League One Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2020 League One regular season.
2020 USL League One Awards
Young Player of the Year: Chris Brady, Forward Madison FC
Goalkeeper of the Year: Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC
Defender of the Year: Brandon Fricke, Greenville Triumph SC
Coach of the Year: John Harkes, Greenville Triumph SC
Note: Most Valuable Player will be announced on November 13
USL League One Young Player of the Year (Historical)
2019: Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC
