Did you think it would be Obafemi Martins after so many honors he has received this year? Nope. The honor of a Seattle Sounders nomination for Male Player of the Year in 2015 U. S. Soccer is none other than Clint Dempsey! Only five players in the nation are nominated for the coveted award, making is a huge honor. Dempsey is definitely deserving of the nomination. The forward played a great season, starting in 20 games, scoring a team-high of nine goals and making another 10 assists. With a hat trick in his win over Cuba (his first one in his career) and a total of 48 goals in his MLS history, Dempsey has what it takes to lead not only Rave Green but the nation in soccer.

It is not his first nomination, either. In fact, he has won the award three times. The first time he won the Male Player of the Year Award was in 2007. Not long after that, he won again, this time in 2011. Dempsey’s third time winning the honor was in 2012. If he should win again this year, it will make it his fourth time—which is the current record held by Landon Donovan. Will Dempsey win, and if he does, will he break the record another year? He certainly has a great shot at it.

But what about the other contenders for the award? This year, Dempsey is running up against former Seattle defender DeAndre Yedlin, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, midfielder Michael Bradley and defender Fabian Johnson. Each of these men played a great season and it will be up to the National Team coaches, staff and cap-earning players to vote and determine which one will be Male Player of the Year.

Dempsey’s also up for 2016 MTR Western Sports Star Award. For that honor, he is up against Nelson Cruz, Michael Bennett, Luke Falk, Pete Fewing and Cheng-Tsung Pan. Fans are able to vote for this award, so be sure to click here to vote for the award winner of your choice and check back for the results. Feel free to share how you voted below.

Do you think that Dempsey will take the honor home a fourth time? Is Dempsey your pick for Male Player of the Year? What about Yedlin, Johnson, Bradley or Guzan? Is there someone you think was overlooked for the honor? Chime in below with your thoughts.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia