Portuguese Pillar: Goncalves wins Defender of the Year

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Following one of the finest seasons ever put together by a New England Revolution defender, Jose Goncalves picked up MLS Defender of the Year honors on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old center back was the anchor of a defensive unit that posted a franchise-high 14 clean sheets in 2013, and led all MLS center backs by participating in 14 clean sheets. Additionally, he played every minute of the Revolution’s regular season and postseason campaigns.

“I’m very honored to be recognized by Major League Soccer with this major award,” Goncalves said in a team release. “I have many people to thank including my family, teammates, the fans and the Club, because without them, this award wouldn’t be mine.”

Goncalves swept all three voting criteria (club, media and player votes) and earned a 102.32 weighted total, greatly surpassing runner up Matt Besler, who secured 55.31 of the weighted total.

The news of the honor comes four days after the Revolution exercised its purchase option on Goncalves, who was originally acquired via loan from Swiss side FC Sion in January.

Goncalves’ efforts not only helped the Revolution lower its goals-against average from 44 in 2012 to 38 in 2013, but also guided the club to its first postseason appearance since 2009. His 31st minute goal at Montreal on Oct. 12 gave the club a critical 1-0 win down the stretch.

“We’re very pleased that players, clubs and media around MLS recognized the fantastic season-long influence Jose Goncalves had this year,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said in a team release. “Jose has been a great addition to our club and this award recognizes the impact he’s had on the field for us. The fact that he was also selected as team captain shortly after his arrival is further testament to his personality and leadership.”

Goncalves is the first Revolution player to earn Defender of the Year honors since Michael Parkhurst picked up the award in 2007.

Below is a breakdown of the voting for the top four 2013 Defender of the Year candidates: