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Ricketts tops ‘keepers, Najar wins rookie prize
Los Angeles Galaxy ‘keeper Donovan Ricketts earned the 2010 Goalkeeper of the Year award after posting a career high 11 shutouts and allowing just 26 goals through 29 games this season, the MLS announced Wednesday.
Also, D.C. United teenager Andy Najar was the rookie of the year, and Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux picked up the fair play award.
Ricketts finished the regular season with a goals-against average of 0.90 and currently holds the top spot in the all-time MLS standings with an all-time goals-against average of 0.96. The Jamaican International also helped lead the Galaxy to a record of 18-7-5 and 59 points to capture the coveted Supporters’ Shield.
Midfielder Najar, signed as a Home Grown Player at age 17, wasted no time making an impact for D.C. United this season. Appearing in 26 games during his rookie year, Najar recorded five goals and an assist in league play, earning the team’s Golden Boot award. Najar was also honored as the D.C. United Volkswagen MVP for the 2010 season. At 17, he is the youngest MLS Rookie of the Year and the first Home Grown Player to win the award.
Le Toux started 28 games for Philadelphia Union this year and recorded 14 goals and 11 assists. Through his 2,520 minutes this season, Le Toux committed only 10 fouls and received no cards, cautions, or action from the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
CSN Take: As Ricketts went, so did the Galaxy. He was great to start the season, and solid throughout. I can’t fault him for losses, and I can credit him for playing well. Still, I would have liked to have seen Kevin Hartman win. He did more to keep FC Dallas from losing than he gets credit for. Still, no complaints.
Najar was a great choice and the lone bright spot for D.C. United. He’s my choice, too.
Le Toux got the “Thanks-for-playing” prize. For me, he was an excellent choice for player of the year. He has performed admirably for two expansion teams over two seasons. And, if he’s left unprotected, he’d be a great choice to build a squad around in Vancouver or Portland. I’m glad he got some hardware, but I think this was the wrong piece of hardware.
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i’ve been a fan of le toux since the usl days. excellent player. i’m glad the sounders brought him to the big leagues.
Le Toux is a class act and a talented player. I’m happy to see him get any recognition, but I think he deserves more.
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