Sporting Kansas City centre back Ike Opara was named the 2017 MLS Defender of the Year, the league announced Thursday.
Opara, 28, received over 28 percent average between player, club, and media votes. Toronto FC’s Justin Morrow and Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston finished second and third, respectively.
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“I am truly honored to be named 2017 MLS Defender of the Year,” said Opara.
“I want to thank everyone who has made even the smallest investment in me as a player and a person. Words cannot describe my appreciation. I’m already looking forward to 2018 and hopefully bringing more trophies to Kansas City.”
Opara led an SKC defense that allowed an MLS-low 29 goals in 2017, averaging 0.77 goals against and recording 11 shutouts in his 30 starts.
He becomes the fourth player in the Kansas City franchise history to win the award, following Matt Besler in 2012, Jimmy Conrad in 2005, and current manager Peter Vermes in 2000.