Hoggarth and Sarver nominated for NPSL conference yearly awards
Writer: Sideline and Beat Reporter, Cade Cracas
Akron, Ohio— Where recent success seems to come at no suprise anymore.
It was announced on Friday, July 12, that Akron City FC (ACFC) Head Coach Andy Hoggarth was nominated for Conference Coach of the Year honors. Alongside Hoggarth, speedy forward Sam Sarver has also been noticed for his efforts this season, being nominated for Conference Player of the Year.
The link to vote for Hoggarth and Sarver can be found below:
Both individuals have drastically helped to rise the ceiling of the club in its third year in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
Throughout the last two seasons, ACFC had struggled to get the ball rolling in the right direction as they amassed an overall record of 5-5-14. However, 2024 has been marked by an incredible bounce-back campaign as the team has gone 8-0-2 in league play, secured the team's first ever playoff victory and went 1-1 in the USASA Amateurs Cup.
The team also now has an incredible goal differential mark of 43-10, which marks them first in the Great Lakes Conference.
Due to the leadership from Hoggarth, and the elite level of play produced by Sarver, the team has seen the greatest year of offensive production in club history. Sarver has capped off his season, due to injury, with a total mark of 11 goals that includes eight in league play and three in the USASA Amateur Cup. He also recorded six assists.
His efforts were lauded with Top Drawer Soccer's Young Player of the Year award being addressed to him.
With the team finding continued success as of late, they look to excel further as the postseason draws on.
"I think a big reason Akron City FC were so successful this season was because we all had a good relationship on and off of the field. People don’t realize how much that can really help a team," Sarver said. "Obviously, playing together over the course of the summer you build chemistry but having a good relationship with your teammates is vital for success.”
ACFC next looks to take on Steel City FC in the Great Lakes Conference championship on the road in Pittsburgh, Pa. with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST