Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan has been named the North Carolina Courage ‘Most Valuable Player’ for the second consecutive year.
The award, which is voted by members of the squad, was announced at the end of season team awards. It’s no surprise that O’Sullivan’s performances have been recognised by her teammates as her never say die attitude and stellar performances this season have once again shown why she is so highly regarded.
O’Sullivan, who was instrumental in Ireland’s 3-2 Euro 2021 qualifier win over Ukraine during the week, has enjoyed a stunning season so far with NC Courage. The energetic Cork midfielder has started 22 games this season, already equalling the amount she started last year.
Cork's Denise O'Sullivan also put on an exhibition for the record attendance in Dublin 24.
The energetic midfielder doesn't just demand the ball, she makes sure it comes her way with a relentless work-rate.
Her first touch and ball control were on another level tonight ? pic.twitter.com/0v9vxPwobd
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 8, 2019
In midfield she has continued to set the tempo and boss games with a passing average of 84% and a whopping 50 passes per match this season. Her box-to-box ability is second to none and is so often the trigger for her team’s pressing style of play.
Last year, O’Sullivan helped North Carolina Courage to win the inaugural Women’s International Challenge Cup, the NWSL Shield as well as the NWSL Championship. This year, the NC Courage are again leading the way, as they currently sit top of the log with 46 points and a game in hand. Following the final game of the normal season today, NC Courage will prepare for a semi-final next Sunday in the play-offs.
The 25-year-old midfielder was named FAI Senior International Player of the Year in 2015. Her first rise to prominence came with Peamount United where she went on to make her senior international debut in 2011.
Her big break came in 2013 where she made the move to Glasgow City and was named Player of the Year in both 2014 and 2015. O’Sullivan left for America in 2016 with a cabinet full of trophies, winning three Scottish Women’s Premier League titles, one Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup and three Scottish Women’s Cups with Glasgow City.
After a move to Houston Dash, where she made 11 appearances and registered one assist, O’Sullivan has found her home in North Carolina Courage where she is continuing to impress. Playing her trade in the country of the FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, to be named MVP for the second year in a row shows the true genuine talent that O’Sullivan possesses.
