Chattanooga FC goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović has been named MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month for September.
Jakupović led a backline that conceded just three goals in total and kept three clean sheets in five matches played in the month of September, and including Decision Day on October 5.
"It's an honor to be acknowledged as the goalkeeper of the month," said Jakupović. "Even at my age, it makes me happy. It's proof that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can always improve, fight, train hard and you can win some awards. It's all about believing in yourself and what you're doing.
"It's always nice to win awards like this because it validates your hard work. I have to thank the whole team for this award, because everyone's been playing very well especially in these last eight or nine games since we've been unbeaten. The team deserves a big portion of the praise for this. I'm happy about this, but we're still not done!"
Jakupović was also asked about how the team's preparations are going ahead of the club hosting Huntsville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterinfinals on Sunday, October 19.
"Here we go! Huntsville is surely one of the strongest teams in the conference. We beat them three times, and it's on us to go for a fourth time. We know it's going to be a very tough game. Hopefully we will have a lot of supporters cheering us on as the 12th man. Intensity in training has been high, focusing on the details. We'll have all of next week as well to prepare more. But the team is doing well, and there's a good vibe in the team and the club. We have to keep our heads down and do the work. That's who we are and that's been us this whole season, and it will be this way for the rest of the season."