Earthquakes midfielder Fatai Alashe has finished second in voting for the MLS Rookie of the Year Award after a stellar first professional season.
Alashe, 22, made his first career appearance in Week 1, playing nine minutes on the road at FC Dallas. He was then asked to step right into the starting XI in Week 2, a role he would refuse to relinquish for the duration of the 2015 season.
Alashe managed to make 27 starts in 28 total appearances, despite missing a few matches while representing the United States with the Under-23s. He was a steady force in the center of the club’s lineup, playing more minutes (2,317) than any other Quakes midfielder except for Shea Salinas.
Alashe’s presence just above San Jose’s backline, and his willingness to match up against opponents’ best attacking midfielders, helped the club become known around the league for its defense. The Quakes allowed 39 total goals, tied for third fewest in Major League Soccer, and surrendered just 11 at home, fewest by any team in a single season since 2013. Alashe was also the team’s primary replacement at center back, making four starts during the club’s late season push.
Although he was primarily a defensive midfielder, Alashe contributed on the offensive end as well. He scored two goals – the first ever goal at Avaya Stadium in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire on March 22 and the game’s opening goal in a 1-1 draw vs. Seattle Sounders FC on Sept. 12 – as well as tallying two assists. He also etched his name into the history books by scoring against Manchester United on July 21 as part of the International Champions Cup North America, becoming the first Quakes player ever to do so.
Alashe would have been a slam dunk Rookie of the Year choice in many seasons in Major League Soccer, although Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, tallied a rookie-record 17 goals.
Earthquakes fans can continue to keep tabs on their young central midfielder during the MLS offseason while he competes internationally. Alashe and the rest of the U.S. U-23s are scheduled to play Brazil on November 11 (3:00 p.m. PT) and again on November 15 (1:30 p.m. PT).
