Eight players honored by John Harkes and staff following 2023 campaign
Greenville, SC (November 20, 2023)– The Greenville Triumph coaching staff has honored eight players with awards for their contributions during the 2023 season, the club announced today. Departing head coach & sporting director, John Harkes, and his staff selected recipients for honors in eight categories: the Spartanburg Regional Humanitarian Award, Most Improved Player, Coaches Award, Iron Man Athlete, Rookie of the Year, Attacking Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player.
Evan Lee, who marked his fifth season with the club in 2023, was awarded the Spartanburg Regional Health System Humanitarian Award for his dedication to community engagement. In addition to appearing in all 33 matches this season, Lee assisted with countless youth soccer programs and helped organize community initiatives with the club.
After coming back from an early-season injury, Jamie Smith was named Most Improved Player. The second-year pro earned a starting position on the roster and appeared in 15 matches for 1,095 minutes late in the season. He recorded 56 clearances, 51 successful aerial duels and three goals as a defender.
Allen Gavilanes was voted Coaches award with nine assists, two goals, and 2,269 minutes in 32 matches played. A staple to the Greenville offense since joining the team in 2021, Gavilanes always makes an impact.
After rebounding from missing much of the last two seasons due to injury, Noah Pilato was awarded Iron Man Athlete. Pilato started 32 out of 33 matches in 2023 and tallied three goals and three assists across 2,796 minutes.
Lyam MacKinnon was awarded Rookie of the Year following his first campaign with the club. He appeared in 29 matches for 1,454 minutes and tallied seven goals and four assists. MacKinnon’s crowning moment of 2023 came against Chattanooga, when the rookie became the first player in league history to score four goals in a single match.
Leading goal scorer, Leonardo Castro was awarded Attacking Player of the Year with 13 goals and four assists this season, good for the second most goals in a single season by a Triumph player.
Four-time all-league defender, Brandon Fricke was awarded Defensive Player of the Year with 102 clearances, 24 blocks, 24 inceptions, 96 duels won, one goal and 64 aerial duels won in 27 matches.
Goalkeeper Jared Mazzola was awarded Most Valuable Player following his first year as the Triumph’s starting goalkeeper. He recorded 88 saves, six clean sheets, 20 clearances and started every match he appeared in.
