Gonzalez Named Rookie Of The Year

Gonzalez Named Rookie Of The Year

  • Posted by Drew Epperley
  • On November 12, 2009
  • 4 Comments
  • MLS Awards, Omar Gonzalez, Rookie of the Year
Omar Gonzalez was named Rookie of the Year today. (Getty Images)

Omar Gonzalez was named Rookie of the Year today. (Getty Images)

Another season award came down today, this time it is the league’s Rookie of the Year. For the second straight year a LA Galaxy defender has won it as the honor went to Omar Gonzalez today.

Gonzalez helped a defense go from one of the worst in league history to one of the better ones this season. Last year the Galaxy gave up 62-goals while this year thanks to Gonzalez that total was cut in half to 31 goals.

Gonzalez beat out DC’s Chris Pontius and Toronto keeper Stefan Frei for the honor.

While I had New England’s Darrius Barnes as my ROY choice, Gonzalez did gain my second place vote. For me it came down to the fact that Barnes played every minute of every game for the Revs and for the fact that it wasn’t just Gonzalez that helped turn the Galaxy defense around in 2009, a lot of that credit can go to keeper Donovan Ricketts I think.

Still Gonzalez definitely earned this award as he did enjoy a stellar season with the Galaxy. I can only hope the duo of him and last year’s ROY winner Sean Franklin is one we will see in this league for years to come, because it is certainly a good one to watch.

  • Joseph D'Hippolito

    I also voted for Darrius Barnes first on my ballot. I also voted for Sam Cronin second and Steve Zakuani third. But you're right about Gonzalez and Franklin being a good duo. Gone are the days in which the Galaxy will trade young talent (thank you, Alexi Lal-ass) for "proven" veterans, fortunately.

  • Joseph D'Hippolito

    I also voted for Darrius Barnes first on my ballot. I also voted for Sam Cronin second and Steve Zakuani third. But you're right about Gonzalez and Franklin being a good duo. Gone are the days in which the Galaxy will trade young talent (thank you, Alexi Lal-ass) for "proven" veterans, fortunately.

  • wvhooligan

    Yeah, this is really the one award I am kind of upset on the outcome about. Not to knock Gonzalez but I really felt there were better rookies out there this year. It wasn't all him that helped turn around this defense! Then again it just shows how good this rookie class was this year that there is even an argument about it. I remember voting last year and I struggled to find three good rookies to vote for. This year it was tough to just pick three!

  • Yeah, this is really the one award I am kind of upset on the outcome about. Not to knock Gonzalez but I really felt there were better rookies out there this year. It wasn't all him that helped turn around this defense!

    Then again it just shows how good this rookie class was this year that there is even an argument about it. I remember voting last year and I struggled to find three good rookies to vote for. This year it was tough to just pick three!

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