Mehdi Ballouchy was named NYCFC Player of the Month in May 2015.
He earned that accolade before David Villa managed to do it.
True story.
After over a decade of service in Major League Soccer, Ballouchy announced his retirement from the game today. An inaugural member of New York City FC, he filled a variety of roles in the midfield and on the wing in 23 total appearances for the team.
As a kid, I played soccer out of pure joy, and today, that remains exactly the same. This game has taught me discipline, given me an education, and over 11 years as a professional, has offered me so much to be grateful for.