UPDATE: Kuzain's magisterial free kick has advanced to the semifinal round of USL Fans' Choice Goal of the Year voting. Supporters can click here to cast their vote for Kuzain until Monday, Dec. 17.
The 2018 USL campaign featured a whopping 1,655 goals, and arguably none were better than Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal’s stunning free kick in the Swope Park Rangers’ 2-1 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Aug. 29 at Children’s Mercy Park.
Voting for the 2018 USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Year continues with Kuzain’s belter among the strikes vying for the top prize in a knockout format that will be decided by a fan vote at USLChampionship.com. The opening two rounds of voting will trim the field to three before a fourth semifinalist will be chosen from the nine losing strikes in "The Rebound" vote.
Kuzain’s dipping free kick against Tulsa landed him on SportsCenter’s Top 10 for the second time this year and ultimately helped the Rangers to their third consecutive appearance in the USL Cup Playoffs.
2018 Fans’ Choice Goal of the Year Voting Schedule
- First Round: Nov. 26 - Dec. 3
- Second Round: Dec. 3-10
- The Rebound: Dec. 10-12
- Semifinals: Dec. 12-17
- Final: Dec. 17-20
Kuzain, 20, bagged four goals in 22 games for the Swope Park Rangers this season in addition to logging a goal and an assist in eight appearances with Sporting Kansas City. His 89.3 percent passing accuracy in the USL ranked fourth best among all midfielders with a minimum of 75 passes, and his two goals from set pieces – including his USL Fans Choice Goal of the Yeark nominee – were third most in the USL.
A product of the Sporting KC Academy, Kuzain became the ninth Homegrown Player in club history upon signing an MLS contract in April and the first to progress from the Sporting KC Academy to the Swope Park Rangers to the senior team. He made his MLS debut in May and one week later became the second-youngest player in club history to score a regular season goal with the game-winner in a 4-1 victory over Minnesota United FC.
