The Galaxy could actually be better in 2010 than what they were in 2009. (Getty Images)

We’re a little over half way home in our look at each Major League Soccer club this winter. So far we’ve hammered out Chicago, Colorado, Chivas, Columbus, DC, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia in out preseason look ins.

So far this winter the LA Galaxy have had a similar offseason that we expected them to have. David Beckham went to Italy to be with AC Milan and Landon Donovan went to England to play for Everton until March. We knew going into the winter months that those things would happen. Unlike last year when there was a lot of bad press about loan moves for Beckham, this year was a little smoother for the two sides.

Aside from that Bruce Arena has made a couple moves since then and even with one draft pick back in January at the SuperDraft he came away with a solid draft grade by me and most people.

Let’s see how the Galaxy are looking right now and what else they need to do to their roster before the season kicks off.

Keepers:

Who they have: Donovan Ricketts, and Josh Saunders.

Notes: No third keeper on the books just yet but I’m sure they’ll have one eventually. It doesn’t matter though as I honestly believe they have one of the best starter/backup duos in the league with Ricketts and Saunders.

We know that Saunders can step in at a moments notice if Ricketts goes down but for the most part Arena has little to worry about in this department.

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Defense:

Who they have: Gregg Berhalter, Todd Dunivant, Omar Gonzalez, Yohance Marshall, Alex, AJ DeLaGarza, Leonardo, and Sean Franklin.

Notes: There were plenty of issues with this group last year, particularly when a team had speed to burn they’d be in trouble. Most folks believe the two Brazilians (Alex and Leonardo) are there to fix that as well as provide depth. Honestly this group is only going to get better considering the amount of youth there. I know Berhalter and Dunivant aren’t young but with guys like Franklin, DeLaGarza and Gonzalez this group should be fine for years to come.

I think they addressed their needs with the two Brazilians too. I haven’t seen much of them yet but a couple folks have told me they’ll fit in fine for Arena in the back. Alex was brought in to fill a left back spot and I’d imagine the Arena and company aren’t as worried about this group as they were two months ago.

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Midfield:

Who they have: David Beckham, Clint Mathis, Eddie Lewis, Chris Klein, Dema Kovalenko, Mike Magee, Juninho, Chris Birchall, and Michael Stephens.

Notes: They won’t have Beckham until after the World Cup, we know that much and really that isn’t a big deal as we saw last year. The big deal with this group is even though they added Juninho and Stephens they haven’t gotten any younger. I’m not sure but I am willing to bet this may be the oldest group of midfielders in the entire league right now. Its a risky move to have that many veteran players in one area of the team and at times last year it costed them.

Still as long as all the right parties are healthy and the ones that come off the bench produce they should see similar results from 2009. I love the addition of Stephens through the SuperDraft. He may end up being one of the more underrated picks of this year.

I would have like to have seen some more work done in this area on the wings but between the draft and the addition of Juninho and Mathis they will likely be fine here.

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Forwards:

Who they have: Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Jovan Kirvoski, Alecko Eskandarian, Tristan Bowen, Alen Gordon, and Bryan Jordan.

Notes: Donovan will be back but after the World Cup will he go again for good may be a big question on everyone’s mind. I think the big thing will be if Buddle can step up when he is gone with the national team leading up to the World Cup and during the it. Buddle is the X-factor here for Arena and the Galaxy, if he produced while Donovan is gone they’ll easily be a factor for the Supporter’s Shield this year, if not it could be a long summer.

They do have plenty of strikers right now on the books but one has to wonder if guys like Jordan, Gordon, Eskandarian and Kirvoski will really all be here at the end of this season. One has to figure at least one of them won’t be. Still all will factor in some way off the bench this year.

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Overall:

I like the moves LA made this winter. In a way I want to say that they’re right on track to where they need to go but something in me thinks they may need to do a another move or two to be safe. This club should contend even without having Beckham for half the year and even without Donovan for some of the year as well. It will be interesting to see if Donovan scores a transfer this summer after the World Cup, if he does it could a big turning point in this club because it would open up a lot of cap space that I know Arena could work wonders with.

Still with Donovan on the roster you have to figure this club will do well this year. I like where this club is going here and they should contend again this year.

Sean Franklin takes home the ROY honors. (Getty Images)

Yup, LA Galaxy defender Sean Franklin has been named the 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year after beating out New England’s Kheli Dube and Houston’s Geoff Cameron. Franklin started 26 out of 27 games and recorded one assist.

Honestly, I know Franklin is a big talent for LA and will be a staple of that backline for a few more years but I really felt he didn’t deserve this award. Sure the first half of the year he was the clear front-runner for this award but after June he was clearly not.

I know he was the only quality player on the LA backline but he was a member of the LA backline that gave up 62 goals this year. Yes, 62. I know the rookie field was very slim this year in terms of who to give this award to but I just don’t agree giving an award to a defensive player (rookie or not) who’s club gave up a league-high in goals this year.

I felt Dube had a better year even though he was hurt a bit more. And I also think Cameron is going to be a very solid defender in his own right for Houston.

Anyways, congrats to Franklin, he becomes the first Galaxy player to win the award. He also joins a decent list of previous ROY winners, mostly defenders:

2007: Maurice Edu – Toronto FC
2006: Jonathan Bornstein – Chivas USA
2005: Michael Parkhurst – New England Revolution
2004: Clint Dempsey – New England Revolution
2003: Damani Ralph – Chicago Fire
2002: Kyle Martino – Columbus Crew
2001: Rodrigo Faria – MetroStars
2000: Carlos Bocanegra – Chicago Fire
1999: Jay Heaps – Miami Fusion
1998: Ben Olsen – D.C. United
1997: Mike Duhaney – Tampa Bay Mutiny
1996: Steve Ralston – Tampa Bay Mutiny

A lot of end-of-season awards in Major League Soccer are just as tight as the playoff race. I’ve been tracking the Rookie of the Year and MVP races for some time now but I figured I would weigh in on all the awards for once since we are in the final few weeks of the season.

MLS MVP Award:

1. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew: His club may be playing well without him but his numbers still make a serious case for MVP this season. He should be back soon, which can only mean his soccer IQ on the field will enhance the Crew even more here.
2. Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy: 19 goals in just 21 games. I think that may be all I need to say here. Earlier I thought his production wasn’t enough for the MVP this year but I am thinking otherwise now.
3. Shalrie Joseph, New England Revolution: He and his club may be stumbling but that should all work itself out once the Revs clinch a playoff spot.
4. Darren Huckerby, San Jose Earthquakes: If this were a half-season MVP I would probably have a tough time picking between Schelotto and Huckerby. Both have been stellar in the second half of the season. Huckerby has only been here for a half season, just think what he can do for a full year.
5. Juan Pablo Angel, New York Red Bulls: He’s forth in goals this season in the league but I don’t think that will be enough to get him this award this year.

Others in the discussion:

Javier Morales, RSL; Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago; Kenny Cooper, FC Dallas; Jamie Moreno, DC United; and Sacha Kljestan, Chivas USA.

Newcomer of the Year:

1. Darren Huckerby, San Jose Earthquakes: No doubt that Huckerby will win this one. In nine games with the Quakes, he has scored six goals. Not to shabby.
2. Andre Rocha, FC Dallas: A bit of a homer pick for me but I’ve loved Rocha’s play on the field this season. At times it’s been tough to watch but most of the time he has been a solid addition to the Hoop’s midfield.
3. Rohan Ricketts, Toronto FC: There has to be a bright spot in a dark season for the Reds, that bright spot is Ricketts.
4. Jorge Rojas, New York Red Bulls: Let’s face it, since the addition of Rojas the Red Bulls have looked like a whole new club. He’s a big reason for that.
5. Emmanuel Ekpo, Columbus Crew: This Olympian has given Sigi Schmid a nice addition on the wings.

Others in the discussion:

Jamison Olave, RSL; Louis Crayton, DC United; and Francisco Lima, San Jose Earthquakes.

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Rookie of the Year:

1. Kheli Dube, New England Revolution: Some think that Dube isn’t the front-runner anymore, I think otherwise. Then again, this year’s award may be anyone’s guess at this point.
2. Andy Iro, Columbus Crew: I still like Iro could sneek in and win this award. But will the voters feel the same way?
3. Geoff Cameron, Houston Dynamo: Expect to see more of him in the final weeks of the season.
4. Justin Braun, Chivas USA: He’ll get more minutes as well which could really help him out in this award race.
5. Sean Franklin, LA Galaxy: Some have him as the front-runner but I think he played himself out of that a while back. Could he sneak up again though is the question?

Others in the discussion:

Roger Espinoza, KC Wizards; Stephen King, Chicago Fire; and Steven Lenhart, Columbus Crew.

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Goalkeeper of the Year:

1. Jon Busch, Chicago Fire: Best stats in the league, to his credit though his defense in front of him is pretty darn good too.
2. Joe Cannon, San Jose Earthquakes: Cannon is a very close second right now for me in this race. Should the Quakes get in the playoffs he will earn a bunch of votes for this in the process. And rightfully so.
3. William Hesmer, Columbus Crew: Hey his club is still top dog in the league, and he is a reason for it.
4. Matt Reis, New England Revolution: I still think Reis is one of the best keepers in the league. From time to time he isn’t able to show it because of faulty defense.
5. Pat Onstad, Houston Dynamo: Onstad is in that same category as Reis. Solid every year.

Others in the discussion:

None, really outside of Busch and Cannon there isn’t much of a race going on here.

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Defender of the Year:

1. Gonzalo Segaras, Chicago Fire: There’s little doubt in my mind he will win this award this season.
2. Michael Parkhurst, New England Revolution: We know what Parkhurst can, but can he work his way to the top of this list?
3. Wilham Conde, Chicago Fire: People love Segares and hate Conde at the same time. Its a shame too because Conde is a beast.
4. Chad Marshall, Columbus Crew: Speaking of a beast, Marshall is one of those guys that probably is due for a National team call-up.
5. Bobby Boswell, Houston Dynamo: Think DC is wishing they hadn’t traded Boswell before the season?

Others in the discussion:

Jimmy Conrad, KC Wizards; Bakary Soumare, Chicago Fire; Jamison Olave, RSL; and Wade Barrett, Houston Dynamo.

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Coach of the Year:

1. Sigi Schmid, Columbus Crew: Once the Crew wrap up the Supporter’s Shield so does Sigi wrapping this award up. Or has he already done so? Maybe.
2. Preki, Chivas USA: His club may have had a rough year but you cannot deny how well Preki has handled it all this year.
3. Frank Yallop, San Jose Earthquakes: Can Yallop get his club to be the first expansion club to reach the playoffs since Chicago did so back in 1998?
4. Dominic Kinnear, Houston Dynamo: Two MLS Cups and possibly one more on the way? Simply remarkable if you ask me.
5. Steve Nicol, New England Revolution: Nicol has navigated his club through a heavy schedule.

Today just seems like as good of a time as ever to update this list. Seeing how it has been nearly a month’s time since our last view at this list. Some rookies are shining in league games and in once case in SuperLiga games.

With only ten or 12 games left on the year (depending on the team) some guys have to make a serious push in the final months of the season to get votes here. A couple guys are still well ahead of the rest. Some guys have fallen completely off the watch and some new faces have come up in recent weeks.

I think there is finally a true order to this list as well. Before I had said there was no need to have a true order until we had seen enough out of some players – well I think we have now.

And as always, feel free to pipe in your own thoughts and comments on this list with a list of your own.

1. Kheli Dube, New England Revolution – For most people now, Dube is the front runner for this Rookie of the Year award this season. Four goals in 15 games this year for the rookie is some solid numbers. What may be more impressive is the fact that he was a Supplemental pick! Not a SuperDraft pick!
2. Sean Franklin, LA Galaxy – Recent injuries have hindered his progress on this list, not to mention play of his club in recent weeks. Once he gets back to health I think he will still contend and get votes for this award from Dube. But he does have a bit of a hill to climb now.
3. Geoff Cameron, Houston Dynamo – Cameron is a personal favorite of WVH (I had a couple classes with him back in his WVU days before he went to URI). His play recently in SuperLiga has really impressed me and a lot of other people around the MLS world. The more PT he gets the better he is getting.
4. Andy Iro, Columbus Crew – Another defender on the list, for good reason too. I think people under estimate his value on the backline for the Crew. He’s big, strong, and pretty quick.
5. Tony Beltran, Real Salt Lake – May be the biggest mover in recent weeks in my mind. His recent play (and his club’s play) have been outstanding. He’s one of the reasons why that RSL defense is becoming one of the best in the league.
6. Justin Braun, Chivas USA – Not the flashiest of players but still a solid one. But hopes of winning this award henge on how many goals he can put up in the final months.
7. Julius James, Toronto FC - Recent play of his club has hurt James but if they can get their act together you will see him move back up this list. He’s a beast in the air on set pieces and before long he will start coming through on them for the Reds.

Some others trying to move up:

• Eric Avila, FC Dallas – If you haven’t seen him play for Dallas yet go online and find a few clips of him. He’s been solid in the attack for Dallas and has some quality service.
• Danleigh Boreman, New York – Was up the list but is still down here because his PT hasn’t been as much and his overall play hasn’t been great lately.
• Patrick Nyarko, Chicago Fire – Don’t be shocked to see him in the top five before long.

I think now that we are halfway through the season we can have a better understanding of who is in this race and who is not. Some guys have floated on that bubble, while others are starting to place themselves in the true discussion for this award. A lot has to do with playing time, how their clubs are doing and what impact they are actually making on the field.

Still no true order to this list though, that will still come later on. Feel free as always to post your short list or discuss mine.

1. Sean Franklin, LA Galaxy: Still one of the favorites in most people’s minds right now. Even with the lack of actual success on the LA backline, Franklin is still making solid strides to be one of the better center backs in the league. Let’s just hope Abel Xavier’s terrible play doesn’t rub off on the rookie.
2. Kheli Dube, New England Revolution: Others will have Dube atop their lists. He is definitely up there on mine.
3. Julius James, Toronto FC: The more time this kid gets on the field the better. Come October he will be an absolute beast for this club.
4. Justin Braun, Chivas USA: I must say, I still get impressed by this kid each time I see him out there. He isn’t making loads of headlines or anything but he is still for the most part a mainstay in the Chivas lineup.
5. Andy Iro, Columbus Crew: Another guy that is starting to see a lot more time is Iro. The kid is a tower on the backline for Columbus with Chad Marshall. Another kid that come later this season will be a total beast. Hell, I think he already is.

Fringe guys for the list:

1. Danleigh Boreman, New York: I don’t know what has happened with Boreman recently but I tend to lose him out on the pitch. Then again his club has been pretty terrible in recent weeks so that may be why.
2. Chance Myers, KC Wizards: Number one pick isn’t playing like one anymore. He may not even be the best rookie on his club at the moment.
3. Jonathan Leathers, KC Wizards: Who is the better rookie, Leathers or Myers? Right now I would honestly say Leathers.
4. Geoff Cameron, Houston Dynamo: Continues to get better with each game, and I’m not saying that because I know the kid. More PT coming up could help his cause in this award.
5. Patrick Nyarko, Chicago Fire: Not playing a whole lot now but you will begin to see a reason why people thought he would have been the number one pick in the draft come this fall. He will be torching clubs as a sub in the 70th minute.
6. Pat Phelan, New England Revolution: Toronto will be wishing they had kept Phelan in the long run. I know they needed to free up a roster spot but in the long run he will make them wish otherwise.
7. Eric Avila, FC Dallas: That perfect cross to Abe Thompson is reason why this kid will begin to make his way up the charts here.

Others that should be considered, but won’t:

• Emmanuel Ekpo, Columbus Crew: I’m pretty sure he won’t count as a rookie, if he does put him up near the top. He has seen time with other clubs in Africia, so that is why I think he won’t be considered.
• Sainey Nyassi, New England: See Ekpo.
• Kenny Mansally, New England: See Ekpo.

By now you should all know the set up for the roster; a keeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two strikers.

Just comment below or send an email with your picks.

Keeper: Matt Reis, New England – I considered a couple guys for this but I can’t see any other way to not go with the Rev’s most consistent player this season. Reis kept them in games they could have easily lost, helped them win games and has made save after safe this season.

Also worth a consideration: Jon Busch, Chicago; Greg Sutton, Toronto FC – Busch for his ability to surprise me more than anyone else this season in goal and Sutton because the game is in Toronto and that cat knows how to win at BMO Field.

Defense: Michael Parkhurst, New England – I tried to find a reason not to have Parkhurst starting in my line-up. And I failed terribly at it.

Gonzalo Segares, Chicago Fire – When he was gone for National team duty his club looked rather weak in defense. That’s a good sign of how good this guy really is. I’ve said he was one of the most underrated defenders in the league.

Sean Franklin, LA Galaxy – I’m pretty serious about this one. I honestly believe the Galaxy would have given up around 30 or 40 goals already if Franklin wasn’t in their line up (so far the have given up 24, second worst in MLS). Sure he is a rookie and probably won’t get the nod but I don’t think most people appreciate how good of a defender this kid is right now.

Also in consideration: Frank Hejduk, Columbus Crew; Jimmy Conrad, KC Wizards; Bakery Soumare, Chicago Fire.

Midfield: David Beckham, LA Galaxy – I don’t even need to explain this one.

Blanco, Chicago Fire – Ditto.

Shalrie Joesph, New England Revolution – I tabbed him as my MVP for this year back in the preseason and so far he isn’t letting me down.

Maurice Edu, Toronto FC – Hometown guy for the TFC fans, I think he is worth starting here too.

Robbie Rogers, Columbus Crew – He’s cooled off a bit from earlier in the year but this kid has made serious strides in his game this season and it’s paid off for the Crew.

Also in consideration: Andre Rocha, FC Dallas; Kyle Beckerman, RSL; Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew; Steve Ralston, New England Revolution; Dwayne De Rosario, Houston Dynamo; Sasha Kljestan, Chivas USA; and Justin Mapp, Chicago Fire.

Strikers: Landon Donvoan, LA Galaxy – 11 goals, 6 assists. Uh, any reason not to?

Kenny Cooper, FC Dallas – A bit of a homer pick for me but Cooper is having a moster year so far for Dallas. Seven goals so far this year, well on his way to a career year.

Others in consideration: Edson Buddle, LA Galaxy; Luciano Emilio, DC United; Danny Dichio, Toronto FC; and Alejandro Moreno, Columbus Crew.

A few more rookies are really starting to make an impact on their clubs here as we move forward and approach that half-way line of the season (believe it or not we are only a couple weeks from that). More rookies are starting to get playing time as the US Open Cup rolls around and even more so in league play. They are either earning their spots in practice or are filling in for injured veterans. Either way, some are starting to make the most of their chances here.

Again, this is a watch list, so for now there isn’t a real order here on the players. Though before long expect the order to be one of a ranking-style, but that won’t come until later this summer I would assume. I know I said before I would need a few weeks to truly get a top five, well it looks like I need more time on that. Mainly I want more time on that.

Here we go…

1. Sean Franklin (LA) - As I’ve probably mentioned before, he’s got a real shot at winning this award this season because of how he is playing on LA’s backline. He’s been a real consistent force in the back for a club that doesn’t have consistent defense. Without him back there this club would have given up way more goals than they already have.
2. Danleigh Boreman (NY) – This Supplemental Draft pick provides loads of pace on the wings for New York. Not great a shot though, even with the two goals he scored. He has gotten better, I will admit that but he still needs work on his touch and striking. If he helps lead New York back into the playoffs, expect him to get a lot of votes.
3. Kheli Dube (NE) – Another Supplemental pick on the list. We’ve seen in recent weeks just how good this kid is becoming. All the goals he’s provided were at big moments in the game. Makes me wonder if he will be that spark that allows New England to finally get over the hump in big games.
4. Chance Myers (KC) – Number one pick has to be on the watch because he is the number one pick. Because of the way KC has played this year it is going to take a lot for Myers to get more press in this award. Right now his chances aren’t that good of winning this because of his club’s form. Though, like Boreman, should he lift his club into the playoffs he will get plenty of votes.
5. Justin Braun (Chivas USA) – Stepping in for Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo in recent weeks. I liked Braun when I saw him in week one in Dallas and thought he had the potential to be a solid rookie. There are still aspects of his game that need work but that will come in time. I’m curious to see the playing time he gets when Galindo and Razov are finally healthy here this season.
6. Julius James (Toronto) – I know this is mostly on one game where he scored but I know this kid has the real potential to be a rookie of the year candidate. He is starting to get in John Carver’s lineups more and over time we will see exactly how good this kid really is.

Some guys on the fringe of moving up into the main discussion:

1. Stephen King (Chicago) – Getting plenty of time in US Open Cup games (scored last night against Columbus) and in regular season games too. The kid can score as we all know, but a guy like Brian McBride on the way, it looks like King will play more in reserve this season.
2. Geoff Cameron (Houston) – Has played well off the bench for the Dynamo. A couple assists and a goal on the year if I am not mistaken. I only have him down here because he comes off the bench and doesn’t start. Most of the guys above him start.
3. Shea Salines (San Jose) – So raw and yet so much pace from this kid. I’ve said before the potential is there but before long it has to come out and show. Plus we don’t see him for a full 90, that will hurt his chances at this award.
4. Andy Iro (Columbus) – He may make a serious run to move up the discussion here once he starts more. Sigi Schmid has full confidence in Iro and really for good reason. He’s big, strong and has a great soccer IQ. All the things you want in a center back.

Anyone I’ve missed? Let’s hear it

Anyways, I thought today would be a good day to bring on a new feature here on WVHooligan.com. Its all about player, coaches, fans, and team stock. Who’s up and who’s down in the world of Major League Soccer. It may involve some players you know little about and it may involve some club stars that we all love and hate.

Let’s get down to it, five up and five down:

UP:

1. Sean Franklin, LA Galaxy: The more I see this kid in the middle of the backline for LA, the more I like him. Especially since he has to clean up some garbage that veterans Greg Vanney and Abel Xavier leave behind. Easily the front-runner right now for Rookie of the Year in my mind.
2. Ryan Johnson, San Jose Earthquakes: The more the offense goes to this kid, the better they get actually. Weird that this kid was in the MISL before making the jump back to MLS this year.
3. Luciano Emilio, DC United: His stock was almost one you wish you had sold a few months ago but now its back on the rise and his play has started to turn around the DC season here. I think he has to continue this strong play before the transfer window so DC doesn’t unload him and his contract for something better.
4. Brian Ching, Houston Dynamo: Sort of on the same lines as Emilio but it still apparent Ching (and Dwayne De Rosario) need one more striker to help carry the load. But until then Ching is rising to the chances that are given to him and unlike earlier in the season he is finally hitting them home.
5. Preki, Chivas USA: Yes this list will extend to coaches (and maybe fans too). Preki has done an outstanding job in recent weeks with his club. Sure they had some bad luck in New York last week but overall the last month has been very impressive out of the Red-and-White considering the amount of injuries.

DOWN:

1. Mehdi Ballouchy, Colorado Rapids: I think no one has fallen off quite like Ballouchy in recent months. From RSL leading attack man, to being involved in the most lopsided deal in MLS history, to bench warmer. The second overall pick of the 2006 draft has played all of 12 minutes this season.
2. MLS Officials: I think after this past week its more clear that it needs mentioned. MLS officials are dictating too much play in this league right now. Too many non-calls and too many overreaction calls. More red cards this season have been petty fouls that were clearly not red cards.
3. Jason Kreis, Real Salt Lake: I honestly have no clue what is going on in RSL-land. Clearly his side should have won the game at home against KC this weekend. With the way the play on the road his club cannot afford to drop points at home these days. Hot seat time? Sure but knowing this club nothing will come of it until the end of the season unless they continue to lose.
4. Alejandro Moreno, Columbus Crew: A month ago this guy couldn’t miss, now that’s all he does is miss. Fact is he needs some serious help up front as he is not a leading striker. If he was say the number two striker on this club and someone else was taking care of business (like a DP) he would probably be easily netting 10 to 12 goals a year here. One could also say his coach’s (Sigi Schmid) stock has fallen as well here.
5. Tomasz Frankowski, Chicago Fire: Early in the season he looked to be the cure to Chicago’s offensive blues. Now he rides the pine and fans say he is rather worthless. Harsh.

See a stock rising or falling? Feel free to pipe in your own.

The amount of young talent in the league right now is probably at an all-time high. But in terms of rookie play, it is probably near the low levels that it has ever been at in the league’s history. But rest assured the home grown talent is still in the league thanks to the rookie class. We are just having to wait a little longer this year for rookies to step up and emerge as top players in this league.

I saw this because right now only one rookie has scored a goal here this season. Houston’s Geoff Cameron scored in week two against FC Dallas for the rookie class’s lone goal of the year. Yup, this time last year we had a couple rookies in the score books. Kansas City’s Michael Harrington scored just three minutes into his debut, and by month’s end, then-Los Angeles forward Robbie Findley also tallied a goal.

EDIT: Completely forgot about Chicago’s rookie Stephen King’s goal this past week…so there has been two rookies with goals.

The rookie play early last season was talked about more to keep people interested while they were waiting on the likes of David Beckham and Blanco to join the league.

But as tough as things have been, six weeks into the year there are a few guys that are breaking through the cracks in my eyes. Injuries may have played a part and still are for some guys here this season but I think before long some of those top picks will break out and really justify their pick in the draft.

Keep in mind this list is in NO particular order. Give me a few more weeks and I will have a true top five here for the rookie of the year watch list.

1. Justin Braun (Chivas USA) – Due to injuries this kid has seen some solid play already this season at the striker spot with Maykel Galindo and on the wings. He’s big, raw and has plenty of potential here. If he can get his shots more on target we could see another stellar Chivas rookie on our hands.
2. Geoff Cameron (Houston) – Has the one goal so he has to get mentioned as still in the running here in the early going. He saw time early due to injuries and suspensions but lately hasn’t since some key players have returned. But you have to believe that Dominic Kinnear knows he scored a big time late goal against Dallas. Coaches don’t forget things like that.
3. Chance Myers (KC) – This kid is showing us he was well worth the top pick for KC. He has some of the best pace for a defender in the league right now but too bad his decent play has been overshadowed by a couple losses in recent weeks by his club.
4. Sean Franklin (LA) (above left)- Right now he may be the top rookie playing. With the lack of quality play in defense for LA, Franklin may be the one consistent part that is playing well for the Galaxy. His speed and passing has helped out but like Myers the defense around him over shadows his actual play on the field.
5. Danleigh Boreman (NY) – Possibly a poor man’s Dane Richards is Boreman. Plenty of speed on the wing in place of Richards, while he was recovering from injury. I love the pace this kid has but a couple things he has to work on his is crosses, his defense and his striking. I saw him against Dallas and he had a number of chances that he missed badly over the bar or wide of the goal.

Guys that still have some time to break into the list:

• Stephen King (Chicago) – Scored against New England, I believe he will easily start to get some serious consideration here in the coming weeks.
• Patrick Nyarko (Chicago) – Same goes for Nyarko, who just joined the Fire’s senior squad this past week. He will eventually break into the starting line up before long here.
• Andy Iro (Columbus) – He has seen some action already for the Crew but not enough to make any real judgments about here. I think he will continue to get solid playing time this summer. The Crew may need it too if anyone goes down.
• Brek Shea (Dallas) – Loads of potential here. Once he gets more time this summer we will see why the Hoops were so high on this kid.
• Dan Stratford (DC) – With the way things have gone in DC this year, one has to believe that Stratford will continue to get his time on the field. He didn’t have a great showing in Salt Lake City but he does have the talent to get back in the lineup.
• Roger Espinoza (Kansas City) – Some people are high on this kid but I’m not really one of them. He does have the ability to make the Wizards a better club but some clumsy fouls have caused just the opposite in recent weeks.
• Shea Salines (San Jose) – Salines has the pace and the potential but really has to work on his striking and ball control in order to move into serious discussion here for Rookie of the Year. Yeah that missed goal against Chicago still stings and has left a bad taste in my mouth.
• Julius James (Toronto) – He is finally healthy here so I have to believe the it is only a matter of time that we will see him as a starter in the Toronto lineup. I’ve seen enough of this kid over the past couple of years to understand that he has plenty of talent and ability to make Toronto’s defense much better.