PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC announced a number of awards for the 2015 season at the annual Stand Together Awards Banquet on Sunday evening at The Nines in downtown Portland. In total, three major awards were given out as the club’s recognized achievements, both on and off the field in 2015.
Highlighting the banquet were the awards for Timbers and Thorns FC Community Player of the Year. These awards were given to the individual that made a significant impact in the community, committing time and efforts through the clubs’ Stand Together platform. In addition, the award for Timbers Up-and-Coming Player of the Year was also presented.
Proceeds from the Stand Together Banquet, which also featured a live and silent auction, benefit the Portland Timbers Community Fund and the Timbers’ work in the greater-Portland community.
Timbers Community Player of the Year – Adam Kwarasey
Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was an integral part of the Timbers’ efforts in the community during the 2015 season and was named Timbers Community Player of the Year. Taking an active role in the community through the club’s Stand Together platform, Kwarasey was engaged and dedicated to making a positive impact in the community as he participated in Stand Together Week with Playworks, worked with Special Olympics Oregon, interacting with athletes participating in the Cascadia Unified Challenge and visited the Children’s Cancer Association.
Thorns FC Community Player of the Year – McCall Zerboni
Midfielder McCall Zerboni was instrumental in Thorns FC community events during the 2015 season through the club’s Stand Together platform and was recognized as Thorns FC Community Player of the Year. The San Clemente, Calif., native spent time at Girls Inc. Eureka Camp to offer inspiration and advice to young girls and visited Scott Elementary School to spend time reading with students. In addition, Zerboni has her own charity to raise money for breast cancer awareness: MZ and Emmers Sports Bra Auction. To date, Zerboni has helped raise $45,000 for the Keep-A-Breast Foundation.
Timbers Up-and-Coming Player of the Year – George Fochive
Midfielder George Fochive was named the Timbers Up-and-Coming Player of the Year for 2015. Playing in his second season for the Timbers, Fochive made his MLS regular-season debut, starting in the club’s home opener against Real Salt Lake on March 7, logging 86 minutes. During the 2015 season, Fochive has played in 10 games (9 starts) in all competitions for the Timbers, appearing in eight games (7 starts) in MLS regular-season play. In addition, Fochive started and played in eight games for T2, scoring four goals in the team’s inaugural season.
