Gielnik and Spence rewarded for good seasons Gielnik and Spence rewarded for good seasons

Brisbane Roar duo Emily Gielnik and Brooke Spence have been named finalists for the 2013 USL W-League Awards.

Gielnik, who starred for the defending USL W-League champions Ottawa Fury was recognised for her superb season with nominations for Rookie of the Year and the top award, the Most Valuable Player.  While Colorado Rapids captain Brooke Spence is one of four shortlisted for the USL W-League Defender of the Year alongside the another familiar name, Melbourne Victory captain Danielle Johnson.

Gielnik has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the USL W-League and her performances led the Ottawa Fury to the Central Conference final where, despite Gielnik's equalising goal, they fell to the Laval Comets on penalties.  Meanwhile Spence, despite her team finishing fourth and missing out on the Western Conference final, was recognised for once again being a rock in the Rapids defence.

Just days earlier both players were announced in the USL W-League All Conference Teams for their respective conferences.  Gielnik was named in the Central Conference team for the first time while Spence was named in the Western Conference team for the second year in succession.

The awards will be announced on Saturday (Australian time).

2013 W-League Award Finalists

MVP Finalists

Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury

Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas

Ashley Nick, Pali Blues

Coach of the Year Finalists

Tracey Kevins, LA Strikers

Sid van Druenen, Dayton Dutch Lions

Cindy Walsh, Laval Comets

Defender of the Year Finalists

Kathryn Acton, Laval Comets

Danielle Johnson, Bay Area Breeze

Blakely Mattern, Carolina Elite Cobras

Brooke Spence, Colorado Rapids Women

Rookie of the Year Finalists

Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury

Kristen Hamilton, Colorado Rapids Women

Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas

Savannah Jordan, Atlanta Silverbacks

Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists

Elizabeth Hull, Carolina Elite Cobras

Erin McNulty, Seattle Sounders Women

Genevieve Richard, Laval Comets

Lauren Vetock, Virginia Beach Piranhas