2017 NASL Best XI: Mason Trafford
Stone Sports Management congratulates Miami FC Defender Mason Trafford on his 2017 NASL Best XI selection capping off a historical year for Trafford and Miami FC after becoming the first club to win the both the Spring Championship and Fall Championship. The Orange and Blue's 21 wins, 61 goals scored, 69 points earned, and +33 goal differential also set an NASL record. Since arriving to Miami at the start of the 2016 season, Head Coach Alessandro Nesta has counted on Mason as part of his first choice central defense pairing, which led the league in defending with only 0.9 goals per game (11 goals against). Mason contributed to Nesta's possesion-oriented playing style, leading the NASL with 92.5% passing accuracy and finished top ten in clearances (99), third in passes (1753) and part of league-leading clean sheets (15). Mason’s 2017 Season’s stats:
Not only did Mason excel in NASL league play but also had strong performances in the US Open Cup against Atlanta United, Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati. "This is a great honor for Mason to be recognized as the league's best left footed central defender and caps off his consistent, strong play over the last four years in NASL," reflected SSM's President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. "Miami FC set new NASL records playing an attractive playing style, and Mason's abilities helped the team accomplish most of its goals in 2017."
Congrats once again to Mason for his NASL Best XI selection and championships this season! Enjoy the montage NASL produced for its NASL Best XI (Mason appears at 0:48)!