NEW YORK (January 10, 2019) – Major League Soccer announced today the winners of year-end awards that recognize individuals and clubs for outstanding contributions off the playing field.
The club and executive award winners were highlighted by Atlanta United President Darren Eales being recognized as the Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year for the second consecutive year. Under Eales’ leadership, Atlanta United had one of the most successful seasons in MLS history. Atlanta became the first MLS club to draw more than 1 million fans, averaging a league-record 53,000 fans per game – including eight crowds of more than 70,000, including a record crowd of 73,019 for the MLS Cup Championship game.
Atlanta United led all clubs with seven total awards on the evening followed by the Los Angeles Football Club winning four in its debut season. Sporting Kansas City also took home a notable three awards including Peter Vermes being recognized with the newly minted Sporting Executive of the Year.
A complete list of 2018 MLS Club and Executive Award winners is detailed below.
2018 MLS Club and Executive Award Winners:
- Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year – Darren Eales, Atlanta United
- Sporting Executive of the Year – Peter Vermes, Sporting Kansas City
- Corporate Partnerships Team of the Year – Los Angeles Football Club
- Ticket Sales Team of the Year – Atlanta United
- Corporate Partnerships Executive of the Year – Justin Compton (Sporting Kansas City)
- Ticket Sales Executive of the Year – Sean Sittnick (Minnesota United FC)
- Marketing Executive of the Year – Rich Orosco (Los Angeles Football Club)
- Public Relations Team of the Year – Atlanta United
- Club Retailer of the Year – Atlanta United
- Expansion Club Recognition Award – Los Angeles Football Club
- Platform/Activation of the Year – Toronto FC (Hellman’s)
- Ticketing Sales Impact Award presented by the National Sales Center powered by SeatGeek – Colorado Rapids (Sales Combine)
- Marketing Team of the Year – New York City FC (24-hour game)
- Marisa Colaiano Community Relations Department of the Year presented by MLS WORKS – Chicago Fire
- Business Analytics Team of the Year – Los Angeles Football Club
- Academy of the Year – Sporting Kansas City
- Digital Team of the Year – Atlanta United
- Social Media Activation of the Year – LA Galaxy (#Galaxy Social / Malea Emma)
- Digital Content Experience of the Year – Portland Timbers (The Rivalry)
- Equipment Manager of the Year – Chris Maxwell (Houston Dynamo)
- Operations Staff of the Year – Atlanta United
- Supporter Management Team of the Year – Atlanta United
- Security Staff of the Year – Seattle Sounders FC
- eMLS Team of the Year – Philadelphia Union
- Team Administrator of the Year – Spencer Childs (Portland Timbers)
- Athletic Training Staff of the Year – Sporting Kansas City
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