The Mane Land Monthly Awards: May 2017

While Orlando City was nearly perfect in April, May could not have gone any differently. The Lions went six straight games with winning in May, followed up by the team’s only win in the month — a wet 2-0 home victory against D.C. United. With the team not so hot, there were not too many options to choose from last month.

Goal of the Month: Kaká vs. Sporting Kansas City

There were only six goals to choose from in May, and it came down to Cyle Larin vs. D.C. United or Kaká vs. SKC. While Larin used pure muscle to provide the game winner in the Lions’ only win of the month, Kaká’s skill and composure in front of goal gives him the honors. After a poor cross from Carlos Rivas, the ball looked to be going out for a throw. Scott Sutter came out of nowhere to put a one-touch cross into the box. Kaká used his chest to trap the ball and then hit it across his body into the bottom post.

Also receiving votes: Carlos Rivas’ goal at San Jose for a nice team build-up with Kaká and PC.

Save of the Month: Joe Bendik & Jonathan Spector vs. D.C. United

There is absolutely no doubt about this double save taking the prize. After an awful back pass from Jose Aja, Joe Bendik was forced out of position. Jonathan Spector took over the goalkeeper position, putting his body on the line, and made the first save against Lamar Neagle. The ball then fell toward the head of Sebastien Le Toux, inside the 6-yard box, with no one else in sight. Before he could get a touch on the ball, Bendik came flying from behind, after sprinting 20 yards back into position, to get one hand on the ball and make the second save within three seconds. This is technically two saves, and if I have to give it to one player Bendik takes it, but this should go down as a Save of the Year candidate and was a unanimous choice by the TML staff.

Player of the Month: Jonathan Spector

With the team playing pretty poorly last month, there were not many players that stood out. However, Spector could always be counted on and has been a rock in the defense since he came to Orlando. Without Spector, some of those losses last month would have been much worse.

Also receiving votes: Scott Sutter.

Sutter played every minute in May, and, just like Spector, can be counted on every week. He provides creativity in the attack with incredible touch and he always knows where to be on the field.

Good thing June has already started out better than May. Let us know in the comment section what you think the best goal, save, and player of May is.