Philadelphia's Pontius wins MLS Comeback Player of the Year award
Chris Pontius' first year with the Philadelphia Union ended on a high note after winning Major League Soccer's Comeback Player of the Year award
A fresh start in Philly, and then some.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 16, 2016
Congratulations to the 2016 Comeback Player of the Year, @ChrisPontius13! pic.twitter.com/noUGnbDxxK
Pontius - who was traded to the Union from D.C. United in December 2015 - becomes the first Philadelphia Union player to win the award.
The 29-year-old played an important role in helping Philadelphia end its four-year playoff drought last season by scoring 12 goals and setting up four assists during 33 appearances last season.
"Thank you to MLS for this award," Pontius said on the Union's website. "This season would not have been possible without Chris Albright, Earnie Stewart, and Jim Curtin and the belief they have in me to continue to play at a high level. ... I appreciate the opportunity they gave me this season here in Philadelphia."
He edged out the likes of Frank Lampard of New York City FC, Kevin Molino of Orlando City, Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC, and Bill Hamid of D.C. United to win the honor.