Following the completion of Fort Lauderdale CF’s inaugural campaign, three players were named to the USL League One All-League First or Second Team. Midfielder Eduardo Sosa was named to the First Team while Academy products Edison Azcona and Ian Fray were named to the Second Team.
Sosa, 24, operated as the team’s creative engine in midfield. The Venezuelan overcame injury troubles at the start of the season to make 12 appearances for Fort Lauderdale. In the process, he led the team with four assists, tied for fourth in the league, and was tied for second on the team with three goals. Sosa also finished tied for second in the league in dribbles completed with 27 and had a shooting accuracy rate of 50 percent.
“I’m happy on a personal level for this award. It’s thanks to a lot of hard work and my teammates that I’ve been named,” said Sosa. “I’m happy to receive the nomination and be on the All-League First Team. I have to take advantage and use it as a boost for next year. I hope things will be even better for us then. I’m happy and grateful to the entire team.”
Azcona, 16, excelled as a winger for Fort Lauderdale. The Academy registered player started each of the team’s 16 matches, the only player on the roster to do so. In that span, Azcona registered three goals and three assists, putting him in the top two in both categories for Fort Lauderdale. He also notched a 55.6 percent shooting accuracy rate and won a team-high 22 tackles.
“I’m very happy to be awarded a place on the All-League Second Team. I’m very thankful to the family we have created here at Fort Lauderdale CF and Inter Miami CF. I’m blessed to be a part of it,” said Azcona. “I had a really fun and exciting first year playing professionally. I’m happy with the team and excited for an even better season next year. I’m going to keep working hard to be able to help my team even more and be the best I can be.”
Fray, 18, solidified the team’s backline as a center back. He thrived both in and out of possession, impressing with his comfort on the ball for a young defender. Fray made nine appearances in his first season at the USL level after signing his first professional contract with the team prior to the season. The Inter Miami CF Academy product registered one assist on the season from his center back position, and finished his rookie season with the fourth-highest passing accuracy among defenders (86.5 percent), made 23 clearances and 12 interceptions.
“I’m happy to have been named to the All-League Second Team,” said Fray. “This season was good for me because of how coach Jason Kreis and the rest of the coaching staff helped me and the rest of the team develop massively. They helped the way we play the game, building from the back and possessing the ball. I think that next year we can be a dominant team in the league.”
