GAMBOA NAMED JOSEPH CAIREL AWARD WINNER

Dallas Sidekicks goalkeeper Juan Gamboa has been selected as the 2022-23 MASL’s Joseph Cairel Award winner. The Cairel Award is given annually to the player that most closely embodies what Joseph Cariel was known for. Being the player with the most heart, a glue guy in the locker room, and great in the community.

“Juan is an outstanding member in the community with dedication to the youth both within the educational system and coaching for soccer. He is a full time Spanish teacher as well as coaching middle schools and high school soccer teams while also helping in other high school/middle school sports as a coach as well,” said Jesse Llamas, Sidekicks president. “Juan leads our team through his work ethic and poise on and off the field. As a veteran of the game and active community member for the youth, we believe he is a great candidate for this award.” 

Each team submitted their nominations and they were voted on by the MASL staff and media. 

Cariel played for the Ontario Fury and Tacoma Stars, and passed suddenly in a boating accident in 2020.

“Cairel was always smiling, always cheering up his teammates. He was a hard worker on the field with some serious speed, and off the field was just a great character having a good time with his teammates. He was definitely a fan favorite and a great teammate to our guys,” Cairel’s team said of the late player.