Greg Vanney named MLS Coach of the Year

Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney has been named the 2017 Major League Soccer Coach of the Year, the league announced on Monday.

Vanney led his side to the 2017 Supporters’ Shield, earning 69 points in the regular season to set a new MLS single-season points record. 

The Reds posted one of the best regular seasons in league history, collecting the third-most points per game (2.03) in MLS history, tying for the most wins (20) in MLS history, tying for the second-most goals scored (74) in MLS history, and the second-best goal differential total in league history (plus-37).

“[The recognition] is a product of great ownership, great management, supporting and helping at every turn, a great staff who challenge me and the team every day,” Vanney told the club's official website.

“And the players, if our team hadn't achieved what they [have] this wouldn't even be a discussion. It's their hard work and performances that have led us to this."

Vanney received 37 percent of the average vote to clinch the award, and was followed by Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino (22 percent) and Veljko Paunovic of the Chicago Fire (11 percent) in the voting. 

Toronto FC will look to reach its second straight MLS Cup when it takes on Columbus in the Eastern Conference final second leg on Wednesday at BMO Field.