Josh Jones Named TopDrawerSoccer.com 2022 NPSL Young Player of the Season
The National Premier Soccer League is proud to announce that Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals standout Josh Jones has been named the 2022 TopDrawerSoccer.com NPSL Young Player of the Season.
“It’s a great honor to be named this award from TopDrawerSoccer.com,” Jones said. “I can’t thank everyone at the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals enough for their support this summer. This past season, I’ve been fortunate enough to play alongside some of the best players in the region in an environment that pushes you to become better. The coaching staff and everybody else involved at this club deserves to also be recognized for their effort in making our inaugural NPSL season a success.”
Jones finished the 2022 season with four goals, including a game-winner against Torch FC on May 28. He also registered five assists.
“After making a successful transition to a high-level soccer program like Louisville last fall, it’s no surprise to see Jones continue his success in the NPSL this summer,” TopDrawerSoccer.com Director of Content Travis Clark said. “The central defender has a bright future ahead of him.”
Jones captained both his club Ukrainian Nationals and North Penn High School. He helped Ukrainian Nationals earn a spot in the 2019 USYS National Championship. He was a four-year letterwinner at North Penn where he helped them capture the 2019 Pennsylvania 4A State Championship, while being named first team All-Conference.
He was one of just 32 players from across the country to be selected for the Generation Adidas Invitational at Real Madrid in 2019. He was also a two-year member of the basketball team at North Penn. He averaged 21.6 points and 7.6 rebounds as a senior, earning All-State and Conference Player of the Year honors.
“Our club is honored that Josh Jones is the recipient of this prestigious award,” Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals Director of Soccer Development Dan Harmon said. “Josh clearly had a great inaugural NPSL season. But it’s more than that. Josh has been the face of our club knowingly, or unknowingly, for the last 10 years. Josh is a leader on and off the field. Josh not only has talent, size, speed, and vision, he has the internal commitment to raise his game to the next level every time he steps on the field, whether it be a game or training. I’ve had the honor and privilege of coaching thousands of players. Josh is by far one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. He brings energy, positivity, commitment, pace, and the attitude that we’re going to get better today.”
Jones played in all 18 matches (16 starts) for the University of Louisville in 2021. He finished with two goals and an assist in 1,420 minutes of play.
“This is a tremendous recognition for Josh,” University of Louisville Head Coach John Michael Hayden said. “He has continued to improve throughout his time with us, and I’m very excited for his future.”
Photo Credit: Matt Ralph
