TFC Player Earns Youth Honor

Toronto FC defender Nana Attakora-Gyan has been named the Canadian U-20 Player of the Year for 2008. Fifty percent of the votes were compiled by national team coaches and the other half by Canadian coaches who have taken the Canadian Soccer Association’s national course at the B and A levels.

“It’s a great testament to Nana and how hard he worked last season,” said TFC head coach John Carver. “It’s a great start to the season for him, and we’re delighted he’s been given that honor. Nana made big improvements last season and got into much better shape. The award is also credit to the coaching staff here because they have worked very hard to help Nana develop physically and technically.”

Attakora-Gyan, 19, made his MLS debut on August 5th and went on to record five league appearances for Toronto in 2008 (three starts). The Orangeville, Ontario, native also started in both of TFC’s summer exhibitions (against Mexican side Pachuca and Argentine club Independiente), and logged 318 minutes in total.

“His versatility is a big plus and it’s to his benefit that he can play as a central defender or at right back,” continued Carver. “He’s probably beast as a center-half, but being able to switch to the right is another string to his bow and gives him more opportunities to play in the team.”

* photo courtesy ISI Photos