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League1 Ontario Awards - Defenders Of The Year

By OSA News, 11/25/15, 3:15PM EST

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League1 Ontario has announced the Defenders of the Year.

Dominic Samuel, Sigma FC, is the Men's Defender of the Year. Kayla De Souza, Durham United, is the Women's Defender of the Year. 

Dominic Samuel proved to be a very dynamic centre back for Sigma FC, providing both hard-nosed defending as well as a dangerous attacking option.

His tireless work rate, his strength in the air, strong passing ability and a willingness to repeatedly join the attack made him a key contributor to his squad.

He provided a pair of goals in 2015. 

Dominic also played for Canadian U17 back in 2011 and has received numerous All-American awards for Southern New Hampshire University Penmen (NCAA D2) during his four years at the school.

He has been selected for the Northeast 10 First Team All-Conference Team four times (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) and Northeast 10 All-Championship Team (2014).

Southern New Hampshire went undefeated in 2015, with an astounding zero goals against - the best GAA in league - with Samuel contributions earning him All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

The team lost in penalties during third round play of the NCAA tournament, but Samuel also won his third appointment to NE-10 First Team, and a fourth All-Conference selection.

Kayla DeSouza was a near unanimous choice for L1O women's division Defender of the Year

A regular starter for the Guyanese Womem's National team, Kayla's strong play was a major factor in Durham United's outstanding defensive record, having conceded only 13 goals between league and cup play. 

A tenacious defender, Kayla also demonstrated a deft touch on the ball and great vision and passing out of the back. Her leadership as team captain was integral to the continued success of Durham, and provided a foundation for the team to build its attacking moves.

In addition, she recorded one goal this season.