Nominees for the Colorado Rapids HealthONE Player of the Month are here! The three names up for the award this month are Sam Nicholson, Edgar Castillo and Tim Howard.
Be sure to vote for the player you think is most deserving of the honors. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 1.
Sam Nicholson was a difference maker for the Rapids this month. The 23-year-old midfielder scored the equalizer, his first goal for the Rapids, in the Independence Day game against Seattle Sounders FC. Overall, Nicholson created five chances in 141 passes, completed 13 crosses and made 84 defensive plays (duels, tackles, blocks, interceptions and clearances).
Edgar Castillo was instrumental in July, creating eight chances and providing the helper to Nicholson's goal against Seattle. In all, the wingback made seven crosses and 77 defensive plays (duels, tackles, blocks, interceptions and clearances).
The final nominee for the HealthONE Player of the Month is Tim Howard. The captain set the tone early in the month with a superb 10-save performance against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, his first of two clean sheets. Overall, Howard had a 75 percent saves-to-shots ratio (24 saves in 32 shots on target faced), and finished third in MLS for most saves in July behind Tyler Miller of LAFC and Bobby Shuttleworth of Minnesota United FC.
