As 2016 comes to a close, FiftyFive.One is honoring the best Minnesota soccer players. This week, we’ll release the shortlist of nominees across six categories. Readers can vote for their favorites with the winners announced next week.
To wrap up our voting, we look to the older players that represented Minnesota this past year in MLS and the NASL. Some new surroundings and roles led these players to be more influential in their teams’ successes this season. All will look to continue that trend next year.
Teal Bunbury
While Bunbury’s play time for the Revolution has declined over the years, he managed 1,666 minutes over 27 appearances in a talented and crowded attack. Bunbury finished the 2016 MLS season with a pair of goals and assists and added an additional three goals during the Revolution’s runner-up finish in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Brent Kallman
Prior to 2016, Kallman had never played in more than 9 games in a season for Minnesota United. However, he established himself as a reliable and influential defender during his 31 appearances for the Loons. It is still to be determined if Kallman will be joining Minnesota in their MLS season or moving elsewhere.
Eric Miller
After only appearing in 9 games in 2015 for the Montreal Impact, Miller was transferred to the Colorado Rapids. Early in the season Miller served as a fill-in across the back line for the injury-plagued defense. Eventually, his play earned him a consistent starting role at right back — helping Colorado hold their opponents to just 32 goals during the regular season and make a playoff run that ended at the Western Conference Final against the eventual champions, Seattle Sounders FC.
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