Forge FC’s Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson, Valour FC’s Themi Antonoglou and Cavalry FC’s Daan Klomp are the finalists for the Canadian Premier League's Defender of the Year Award.
Achinioti-Jonsson won the award in 2022 while Klomp was honoured last year.
This year's winner, determined by a vote from the technical leadership of the eight CPL clubs and select media, will be announced Nov. 7 in Calgary as part of the CPL championship game festivities.
Achinioti-Jonsson was the only outfield player in the league to play every minute this season. Forge, which topped the regular-season standings at 15-8-5, recorded 10 clean sheets and finished with the second-best defensive record. The 28-year-old Swede led the league in successful passes (1,533), finished second among CPL players in blocks (22) and ranked fifth in aerial duels won (51).
The 23-year-old Antonoglou, whose contract option was declined by Toronto FC last November, proved to be a pacey option down the wing — becoming the first defender to lead the CPL, with seven assists this season. He also led the CPL with 60 interceptions and tied for third in tackles won (51), the most by any defender in 2024.
Klomp helped Cavalry to the league-best defensive record for the second straight season. The 26-year-old from the Netherlands finished first among all CPL players in blocks (23), second in aerial duels won (88) and third in successful passes (1,412). He also scored six goals to lead all defenders.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2024
The Canadian Press