FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The fans have voted, and former Buccaneer standout Mark Anderson has been named the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2012 Ultras Player of the Year.
It was a close race between Anderson and midfielder Walter Restrepo with the lead changing among them daily. But in the end Anderson held on to win the coveted fan favorite trophy (Glorified beer mug).
In his first year of professional soccer after finishing an illustrious career with the Bucs, Anderson led the Strikers with 11 goals on the year. The midfielder from Durham, England started 19 of the 25 games and helped lead the Strikers into post season play.
The award is a result of a fan vote, and Anderson will hopefully put an end to the recent “curse” of the award. Several recent recipients of the award have not returned to play for the Strikers the following season; however, the Strikers will certainly look to retain their leading scorer after his contract expires this fall.
“We want to congratulate Mark Anderson on a wonderful year so far with one game still pending he is the Strikers top scorer with 11 goals and 3 assists in 25 games!”