Whitecaps FC 2's improbable run to the Western Conference Final did not happen overnight.
One of the first seeds was planted last winter, when Sem de Wit arrived on trial from the Netherlands.
One year later, the Dutch centre back is named Whitecaps FC 2 Player of the Year.
"He’s been our most consistent and impressive performer all season long. He’s been a major reason for our success," said Alan Koch, who coached one of the league's youngest teams to a 15-point improvement and a sixth seed in the competitive USL Western Conference.