Michael Bradley named 2015 U.S. Soccer male player of the year

U.S. men’s national team captain Michael Bradley has been named the 2015 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, it was announced Tuesday night. It’s Bradley’s first time earning the honor.

U.S. men’s national team captain Michael Bradley has been named the 2015 U.S. Soccer male player of the year, it was announced Tuesday night. It’s Bradley’s first time earning the honor.

The veteran midfielder, who helped Toronto FC reach the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history, received 43% of the vote to beat out finalists Clint Dempsey, Fabian Johnson, DeAndre Yedlin and Brad Guzan.

“It’s an honor to be selected amongst this group of players,” Bradley said in a press 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.”

In a new process this year, votes were collected from men’s national team players that earned a cap during the year, as well as team coaches, and coaches from MLS and NASL teams. Some former players, administrators and media members also voted.

Last week, Carli Lloyd was named U.S. Soccer female player of the year

- Kenny Ducey