Dwayne De Rosario has gone on the road and won plenty duringhis twelve-year MLS career. But on Wednesday night, at ESPN’s ESPY awardsceremony in Los Angeles, D.C. United’s captain goes in search of a trulyunprecedented west coast triumph.
Since the ESPYS began handing out Best MLS Player awardsback in 2006, only players from the homestanding Galaxy - the ceremony has beenheld in L.A. since 2002 - have won. David Beckham took home the honor in 2008, and Landon Donovan won itevery year before and since.
Donovan isn’t among this year’s nominees, but Beckhamis. So are former De Rosarioteammates Brad Davis and Chris Wondolowski.
“I have an idea of what I want to wear,” DeRo joked of hisESPY wardrobe plans earlier this week. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m taking my son with me to let him experience that as well. This is my second time going to theESPYS, and it’s always a lot of fun meeting the athletes from other sports.”
In addition to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – both of whoare up for ESPYS – De Rosario identified Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and LeBronJames as non-soccer stars that the reigning MLS MVP would like to meet thisweek.
“All those guys I admire in terms of their professionalismand game and how successful they are,” said De Rosario, who departed for LosAngeles after practice Tuesday and will return to Washington on Thursday.
ESPY voting runs up until 8:59 PM Eastern Time Wednesday,and the event will be televised on ESPN at 9 PM. VOTE ONLINE.
