Bradley, Johnson, Dempsey among finalists for U.S. Male Player of the Year
The United States Soccer Association announced its five finalists for the federation's 2015 Male Player of the Year award, with the quintet being comprised of all the usual suspects - and a couple of surprise inclusions.
Toronto FC midfielder - and U.S. captain - Michael Bradley headlines the list. He's joined by versatile Borussia Monchengladbach defender Fabian Johnson, who has made a habit of scoring stunning goals in high-profile matches with the German club this season.
Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey, who has captured the honor three times in his career, is once again in contention after a year in which he scored nine times for the national team - seven of which came during the Gold Cup, where the 32-year-old was the leading scorer.
On-loan Tottenham full-back DeAndre Yedlin, last year's recipient of U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year award, rounds out the list, along with fellow Premier League player Brad Guzan (Aston Villa).
As noted by ESPN FC, the award is voted on "by U.S. national team and youth team coaches and staff, players who earned a cap, MLS, and NASL coaches, and selected media and former U.S. players and officials."
The winner will be announced on Friday.