Laurent Ciman named MLS Defender of the Year

Leaving his loved Standard de Liège for the MLS shores of Montreal, Laurent Ciman did not take too long to impose himself as a back-line boss for the Montreal Impact. His noble reason to leave Europe ( for better conditions to treat his autistic girl) is only matched by his generosity on the pitch and leadership skills overall.

From a magical CONCACAF Champions League Run to a deep MLS Playoffs run, Ciman was part of a better,faster, stronger Impact team that has gone through its up and downs.

Via the club,

I would like to thank all the players, clubs and media for their vote.This is a great achievement to win this award, but we have to work harder to get even better next year. This is a nice individual honour, but I have to credit my teammates who were just as good.

A Belgian international, Ciman was recognized as a top MLS defender earlier this season when he was selected for the 2015 MLS All-Star game, facing Tottenham Hotspur.

MLS DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

2015: Laurent Ciman - Montreal Impact
2014: Chad Marshall - Seattle Sounders FC
2013: Jose Goncalves - New England Revolution
2012: Matt Besler - Sporting Kansas City
2011: Omar Gonzalez - LA Galaxy
2010: Jamison Olave - Real Salt Lake
2009: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
2008: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
2007: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
2006: Bobby Boswell - D.C. United
2005: Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards
2004: Robin Fraser - Columbus Crew
2003: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2002: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2001: Jeff Agoos - San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Peter Vermes - Kansas City Wizards
1999: Robin Fraser - Los Angeles Galaxy
1998: Lubos Kubik - Chicago Fire
1997: Eddie Pope - D.C. United
1996: John Doyle - San Jose Earthquakes