Atlanta United, Toronto FC dominate nominees for year-end MLS awards

The nominees for the 2017 MLS year-end awards have been revealed, with strong Atlanta United representation after a phenomenal inaugural campaign from the franchise.

MLS Cup favorite Toronto FC also features prominently.

Related: Villa, Valeri, Giovinco highlight MLS MVP finalists

Here are the names in contention for individual honors:

Newcomer of the Year

• Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United)
• Josef Martinez (Atlanta United)
• Nemanja Nikolic (Chicago Fire)

Winner announced Nov. 20

Coach of the Year

• Gerardo "Tata" Martino (Atlanta United)
• Veljko Paunovic (Chicago Fire)
• Greg Vanney (Toronto FC)

Winner announced Nov. 27

Comeback Player of the Year

• Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders)
• Federico Higuaín (Columbus Crew)
• Erick Torres (Houston Dynamo)

Winner announced Nov. 15

Defender of the Year

• Justin Morrow (Toronto FC)
• Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City)
• Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Winner announced Nov. 9

Goalkeeper of the Year

• Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
• Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders)
• Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)

Winner announced Nov. 16

Further nominees for less-celebrated awards are available on the MLS website.