November 1, 2024...Ben There, Done That: Benjamin Mora nominated for CPL's Coach of the Year award (from York United FC website)

November 1, 2024...Ben There, Done That: Benjamin Mora nominated for CPL's Coach of the Year award
(from York United FC website)

BEN THERE, DONE THAT: Benjamín Mora nominated for CPL's Coach of the Year award

The Nine Stripes' supremo delivered a superb debut season, with the club setting numerous records.

BEN THERE, DONE THAT

After an historic and record-setting 2024 season, York United FC's Benjamín Mora has been nominated for the Canadian Premier League's Coach of the Year award, strengthening his reputation as one of Canada's best soccer coaches.

The 45-year-old arrived eight games into the campaign and immediately put his imprint on the side. From his first 10 assignments, there was just one defeat as the team delivered six wins and three draws, a run of form that saw them reach top spot in the CPL table for the first time in their history.

39 points were racked up in the regular season - another club record - and the fourth-placed finish ensured an historic home playoff. The subsequent win over Pacific FC at York Lions Stadium was the first ever playoff win secured by The Nine Stripes.

In total, the club set 10 new records during the season.

"I am extremely proud and honoured with this nomination and grateful to the ownership, management, staff and players that made this a possibility," Mora says.

"I came here to help bring York United to a higher level and we've enjoyed a magical experience, breaking 10 different club records this season. We have shown that if you want to go far you must go together and this is only the beginning of what Game Plan Sports Group wants to achieve. I feel very fortunate that I've had the opportunity to give something of value. I appreciate the support of the fans and the belief they've put into the team, the club and this project. Thank you for letting me thrive."

The winner of the Coach of the Year award will receive a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art, conceptualized by artist Palaya Qiatsuq and carved by Ruben Komangapik. The Owl statue symbolizes wisdom, guidance and knowledge, while its heightened vision gives it the ability to see what others cannot. The Coach of the Year requires similar attributes to earn the honour.

Mora is the fourth representative from the club to be in the running for a CPL award, with goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini nominated for the Golden Glove, Noah Abatneh in the mix for Best Canadian Under-21 Player and Brian Wright announced as a finalist for the Players' Player of the Year award. Mora has been shortlisted alongside Forge FC's Bobby Smyrniotis and Cavalry FC's Tommy Wheeldon Jr and the winner will be announced at the CPL's The winner will be revealed at an in-person awards ceremony in Calgary, Alta. on Thursday, Nov. 7 as part of the 2024 CPL Final festivities

The 2024 CPL Awards ceremony will be streamed on CBC Gem and cbcsports.ca and broadcast live on dedicated soccer channel OneSoccer, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT. The show will be hosted by Andi Petrillo with appearances by current and former CPL players and coaches, as well as special guests from the Canadian soccer community.

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