D.C. United announces 2010 club awards

Najar takes home four accolades

November 1, 2010

Washington, D.C. (November 1, 2010) – D.C. United announced today the club’s end-of-season award winners, with several honors going to 17-year-old rookie standout Andy Najar. Topping the list is Najar’s 2010 Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award, along with the Volkswagen Fans Choice Award for his outstanding play during his first season with the club. Jed Zayner takes home the Visa Defender of the Year Award for his contributions to the Black-and-Red after joining United from Columbus in midseason. Midfielder Stephen King was recognized for his efforts with the 2010 Coaches’ Award, while defender Devon McTavish receives the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year honor for his work in the Washington Metropolitan community.

Andy Najar signed with the club on March 22, 2010
Ben Mahler/dcunited.com

Andy Najar’s rise from Academy prospect to first team regular in less than a year has been nothing short of remarkable. The 17-year-old Honduran became the tenth youngest player to start an MLS match in United’s 2010 season opener in Kansas City, and since that day he has not looked back. Najar scored his first senior goal on April 28 against FC Dallas in a U.S. Open Cup qualifying match. In the next qualifier against Real Salt Lake on June 2, Najar split two defenders before finishing smoothly at the byline to ensure United’s entrance into the Open Cup. This finish earned the gifted midfielder the 2010 Volkswagen Goal of the Year Award.

Najar scored seven goals in all competitions, while contributing two assists on the year (five MLS goals and one League assist). As the leading scorer on the team, Najar receives the 2010 D.C. United Golden Boot. United signed the Youth Academy star to a Generation adidas contract on March 22, making him the second player to sign with the senior squad directly from United’s Academy. In League play, Najar featured in 26 matches, starting 22 of those contests. For his efforts, Najar is the recipient of the 2010 Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award and the 2010 Volkswagen Fans Choice Award.

Jed Zayner
Getty Images

Jed Zayner joined United on August 6 following a trade with Columbus that sent the talented defender to Washington and a 2011 fourth round MLS SuperDraft selection in exchange for a 2012 second round SuperDraft selection. Zayner’s versatility proved effective immediately, with the Indiana product playing both fullback and central defender. Zayner started all nine League matches that he played in for United, registering 798 minutes on the pitch, earning him the 2010 Visa Defender of the Year Award.

Stephen King was a valued member of the Black-and-Red after coming to United from Seattle on April 30. His dedication to the team both on and off the field did not go unnoticed by United’s technical staff. King receives the 2010 Coaches’ Award for this daily commitment to the Black-and-Red, as the New Jersey native saw action in 20 MLS matches following his arrival from Sounders FC. King started 16 of those contests, putting in 1,415 minutes on the field.

The MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year honor was awarded to Devon McTavish. The defender competed in the Pepsi Refresh Project in efforts to win a $50,000 grant to benefit United Soccer Club, an after-school program for D.C. area youth that promotes physical activity, soccer and a healthy lifestyle. On the field, McTavish was a strong defender, playing 19 League games (16 starts) and playing a total of 1,405 minutes.

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