WINDSOR, COLO. – After an outstanding first year with the Northern Colorado Hailstorm, USL League One announced this morning that Arthur Rogers has won the 2022 USL League One Defender of the Year award.
“Everybody associated with Hailstorm, especially the coaching staff, are delighted that Arthur has been awarded (Defender of the Year),” Head Coach Eamon Zayed said. “I think Arthur epitomizes what we are trying to do here… I think this year he’s really excelled and become a variable player and really made that right back position his own. And deservedly, with his performances, is the best right back and defender in the league.”
“Of course, it’s a very special award,” Rogers said. “This is my first year fully playing as a defender so that obviously is a really big compliment and I’m very appreciative.”
Rogers was nominated for the award, along with Jalen Crisler of the Richmond Kickers and Daniel Navarro of the Chattanooga Red Wolves, after an impressive season that saw him start all 30 League matches for Northern Colorado.
In those 30 matches, Rogers was a key part of the Hailstorm defense, but also played the role of distributor on the offensive. He broke the league record for most chances created in a single season, had the second-most assists in the league and even managed to tack on one goal for himself.
“Arthur came in more attack-minded,” Zayed said. “What he gave to the attack this year was phenomenal; the assists, the crosses, the chances created. He was our most creative on attacking … a dangerous player and teams in our league shudder to deal with him.”
“I think that’s obviously a massive part of my game, being able to go forward and put balls in the box and create chances,” Rogers said. “Obviously that’s been a massive part of this year… I wouldn’t be able to do that and go forward with the freedom that I have without my teammates helping me and the coaches supporting me, so big credit to them for that as well.”
Rogers was also an important flex piece in Northern Colorado’s Open Cup run.
“Arthur played center back for a large part of the game against the Switchbacks, and he played number six, center mid, against Real Salt Lake,” Zayed said. “I think in both those games, in particular the Real Salt Lake game… we saw the level of ability that Arthur has. Arthur is well able to play with MLS players.”
Zayed is proud of the development he saw in Rogers throughout the season and also touted him as a core team leader and attitude man.
“He’s been a delight to work with, he’s a coach’s dream,” Zayed said. “He wants to come in every day and work hard and prove … he’s always someone that will listen and wants to get better. As a coach that’s all you want from a player, you can’t ask for anymore. He’ll come in every single day in training and give 100% effort and dedication to getting better.”
And even though he’s won Defender of the Year in his first full season in the position, Rogers isn’t quite satisfied.
“I’m over the moon to win this award,” Rogers said. “But my biggest goal is to win championships. So I need to contribute more, and help the team more, and need to improve defensively and offensively to help us get some more wins. We were only three points off of the playoffs and that can easily be changed, so definitely there’s work to be done.”
Rogers was also nominated for 2022 USL League One MVP. The winner of that award is set to be announced later this week.
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The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, the 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature a 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.