Early in the 1996 – 97 season , Taricco scored his first goal for Ipswich Town in a 5 – 2 win over Reading . and his second on 8 March 1997 in a 1 – 0 away win over Stoke City . His talent earned him the 1997 Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year , receiving the award in 18 April , just before a match against rivals Norwich City . Taricco confirmed his popularity by scoring in that match , which ended in a 2 – 0 win for Ipswich Town . His club finished in 4th place in the 1996 – 97 First Division , only to be beaten by Sheffield United on away goals in the 1997 First Division play-offs semifinal . He further endeared himself to his fans by leaving the Portman Road pitch in tears after the elimination , playing a total of 53 matches during the season
Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year
Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year
Mauricio Taricco