MLS Handing Out Awards Like They’re Going Out of Fashion

By: Daryl | September 9th, 2007

Angel for Red Bulls arms out There are already plenty of awards given out at the end of every MLS season. There’s the Most Valuable Player, the Golden Boot (top scorer,) Goalscoring Champion (top points scorer, goals plus assists,) Rookie of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Defender of the award. There’s even an award for Comeback Player of the Year. But news from MLS Towers is that to recognize the increasing number of foreign professionals in MLS there will be a Newcomer of the Year award. Anyone can win it if it’s their first year in MLS but they don’t qualify for Rookie of the Year as they’ve already played professionally elsewhere.

David Beckham could win it this year for example. Except he won’t. More realistic candidates (as suggested by Soccer365) are:

Juan Pablo Angel – New York Red Bulls
Cuauhtémoc Blanco – Chicago Fire
Conor Casey – Colorado Rapids
Luciano Emilio – D.C. United
Fred – D.C. United
Maykel Galindo – Chivas USA
Carlos Marinelli – Kansas City Wizards
Guillermo Barros Schelotto – Columbus Crew
Juan Toja – FC Dallas

Denilson could also make a stab for the award, if he looks good for Dallas between now and the end of the seaosn. My guess is it will be between Angel and Blanco. The former can’t stop scoring, while the latter has brought some much needed flair to Chicago. Angel would get my vote. Who would you give it to?

Some Related Stories:

Category: MLS, World Football

« Riquelme Could Be Sven’s Next Citizen | Home | USL Live not so Live »

The Offside RSS Feeds

Lucas

Either Angel or Emilio should win, though Galindo, Blanco, Toja and Schelotto have been great. Even if Beckham is hurt and seen as a disappointment by mainstream media (read: still obstinately ignorant about soccer), his presence in MLS makes it more likely that these other players will come here and lend increased international legitimacy to the league. Which is a good thing.
David

How about ethier one of the two from the league leading DC United of which emilio is also the leagues leading goal scorer by 4 goals.
James

All thats missing is more specific awards.. like Best Left footed player with Red hair.. or Best Short haired player

Seriously though, its nice of them to recognize good players but if they recognize too many.. how good are they? The quality and expectations will go down.. if anyone understands what I'm fumbling on about >.
Ian

To me, it's got to be Angel. Toja probably deserves a nomination ... if there are nominations ... I'm not quite sure how this works. But I don't see any non-rookie in their first year in MLS that has had the impact on the league that Angel has.