TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the nominees for the 2025 USL League One Comeback Player of the Year award presented by Tiger Balm, recognizing four nominees who made a substantial impact for their respective sides after overcoming injury or adversity.

The four nominees were selected by the USL Technical Panel after nominations by clubs conducted after the 2025 USL League One Playoffs.

The 2025 USL League One Comeback Player of the Year award presented by Tiger Balm will be decided by a fan vote, with the poll set to run through Monday, December 15 at 12 p.m. ET.

2025 USL League One Comeback Player of the Year Nominees

Mikey Lopez, Portland Hearts of Pine – After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the 2024 preseason while with Birmingham Legion FC, resulting in him missing the full campaign, Lopez returned to action for Hearts of Pine and served as a key piece in the club’s first-year success. The 32-year-old made 31 appearances in League One, and recorded 55 tackles at a 72.2% success rate while recording two assists, 43 interceptions and 124 recoveries while posting a +2.77 Goals Added mark.

Pato Botello Faz, Union Omaha – Following a year-and-a-half absence from action after a torn Achilles tendon, the Mexican forward joined Union Omaha in June and helped deliver a major second-half turnaround for the 2024 title-winners. The 29-year-old recorded three goals and two assists in 1,244 minutes of action as his physicality in leading the forward line saw him log a +2.77 Goals Added mark.

Jack Denton, Spokane Velocity FC – Denton was sidelined for more than two months midway through the 2025 campaign but after undergoing an intensive rehab returned to play a key role in central midfield for the side. The 27-year-old ended the season with a 91.3% passing accuracy rate and won 29 tackles at a 72.5 percent success rate, helping the side reach its second consecutive USL League One Final.

Jason Ramos, Forward Madison FC – Making his return after suffering a torn ACL, Ramos initially signed a 25-day contract with the Flamingos in August and became a mainstay on the back line for the remainder of the season. The center back recorded 77 clearances and 57 recoveries in 12 appearances while posting a duel success rate of 61.8% and tackle success rate of 70% as the side won five of its eight games in the regular season after his arrival.