As our men’s team gears up for a decisive Saturday in their USL League Two playoff push, FC Buffalo’s players have voted for their teammates in our annual awards.
TICKETS: July 12 vs Erie SCFC
Players were asked to vote for the best offensive and defensive players, an unsung hero on their team, their most valuable player for the 2025 season, and the Heart & Soul Award — given to the player best adjudged to be team-first, hard-working, and tough.
(All photos except the photo of Lizzy Harkness were taken by Brett Ballachino at brettballachino.xyz/sports. Lizzy’s photo comes from Taylor Rambo via Flower City 1872)
Best Defensive Player
For the second-straight year, the men’s team spotlights Landon Hungerford after he shared the award with Fabian Overkamp last season. A Niagara University standout from Michigan, Landon is like having a second captain on the field at all times, a dominant ball winner with a terrific eye up field.
On the women’s side, it goes to the keeper. With the change in league came more action in our half, and Syracuse University phenom Shea Vanderbosch stood tall at the back and knocked back shots on goal as well as attackers themselves.
Best Offensive Player
One day, inevitably, Carissima Cutrona won’t be firing off goals and key passes like they’re endlessly renewable resources but that day did not come this year. Carissima again led our team in goals and connected with teammates on some audacious attacks.
Luis Felipe Santos chewed up minutes as a forward with defensive responsibilities, working with the creative flair of our attack to keep opponents off guard in their own third.
Unsung Hero
All you need to know about Carlos Vial Aedo is summed up in one story — The Chilean midfielder broke his nose in the middle of the first half at Akron and played on, only missing the following game before returning with a face mask and continuing to stick his nose in the dangerous places. It’s no surprise his teammates admired him.
Lizzy Harkness led our team in minutes and controlled the midfield whether as the lone defensive midfielder or as part of a crew. The Canisius University star does all the little things well and wins the ball back like it’s free money.
Heart and Soul
Grace Kulniszewski plays with flair, energy, and a love for the game that lifts the team at training and on match day. Quick with a smile, she’s a great example of why we do what we do.
Ashton Jell took the captain’s armband and swam up into the top five for league appearances in an FCB shirt. His whipped-in crosses and always-churning roadrunner legs make him a menace on the right side.
Most Valuable Player
‘Pete the Fish’ is on his way to VCU this Fall and the roof is missing when it comes to his potential. A left center back and left wing, Salmon’s marauding runs forward keyed many attacks and his crunching tackles betrayed the perception made by his calm presence at the back.
Carissima Cutrona wins at least a share of our MVP honors for the fourth time in our five seasons as a women’s program. The very essence of love and commitment to the Buffalo game, Carissima’s praises have been sung plenty and deserve to be sung more.
