MLS: Jakob Glesnes is defender of the year

Philadelphia Union’s Jakob Glesnes was named Major League Soccer (MLS) Defender of the Year on Wednesday.

His teammate Kai Wagner, as well as Alex Callens, of New York City FC, were also in the running for this distinction. Glesnes received 26.10% of the votes from players, teams and the media.

The 28-year-old fullback has played in all 34 games this season, making 148 clearances, 31 blocks and 57 interceptions. He completed 81.8% of his passes and 56.5% of his tackles. Then, he won 55% of his duels, including 52.4% when the ball was in the air.

If he never scored, he framed three of his 20 shots. He became an accomplice to three nets of his own.

Glesnes, originally from Norway, is in his third campaign with the Pennsylvania club so far. This year he became the first player in Union history to play every minute for two consecutive seasons.