Following another impressive season leading the Charleston offense, forward Zeiko Lewis has been named the Battery’s 2021 Nigel Cooper Most Valuable Player.
The Bermudian led the team in assists (10) and chances created (59). His marks in both categories were good for fourth and seventh (tied) in the league, respectively. Lewis recorded the most assists in a season for the Battery since Maikel Chang had 10 in 2017. In addition to creating opportunities for the squad, Lewis registered five goals and 31 tackles across 27 appearances.
Lewis routinely came up big in crucial situations to score for the Battery. Zeiko scored a late equalizer in the season opener against his former club, New York Red Bulls II, tallied an equalizer against The Miami FC on June 18 to cancel out Miami’s early goal and again against LA Galaxy II on October 20 to seal the victory. The Battery’s first victory of the season came via a Burke Fahling goal that was assisted by Lewis, on June 8 against Loudoun United FC.
With a young team full of newcomers, Lewis was a regular piece in a lineup that relied heavily on his veteran leadership. Lewis maintained his productivity throughout the year even while competing internationally for Bermuda, where he made two appearances in Gold Cup qualifications matches – checking in with one goal and two assists.
The Most Valuable Player Award is named in honor of former Battery president Nigel Cooper. In addition to serving as Battery president from 1999 until 2007, Cooper was instrumental in the founding of the Battery in 1993. Watch Zeiko’s top moments from his 2021 campaign below: