Washington,D.C. (November 1, 2010) – D.C. United announced today the club’s end-of-seasonaward winners, with several honors going to 17-year-old rookie standout AndyNajar. Topping the list is Najar’s 2010 Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award,along with the Volkswagen Fans Choice Award for his outstanding play during hisfirst season with the club. Jed Zayner takes home the Visa Defender of the YearAward for his contributions to the Black-and-Red after joining United fromColumbus in midseason. Midfielder Stephen King was recognized for his effortswith the 2010 Coaches’ Award, while defender Devon McTavish receives the MLSW.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year honor for his work in the WashingtonMetropolitan community.
Andy Najar’s rise from Academy prospect to firstteam regular in less than a year has been nothing short of remarkable. The17-year-old Honduran became the tenth youngest player to start an MLS match inUnited’s 2010 season opener in Kansas City, and since that day he has notlooked back. Najar scored his first senior goal on April 28 against FC Dallasin a U.S. Open Cup qualifying match. In the next qualifier against Real SaltLake on June 2, Najar split two defenders before finishing smoothly at thebyline to ensure United’s entrance into the Open Cup. This finish earned thegifted midfielder the 2010 Volkswagen Goal of the Year Award.
Najar scored seven goals in all competitions, whilecontributing two assists on the year (five MLS goals and one League assist). Asthe leading scorer on the team, Najar receives the 2010 D.C. United GoldenBoot. United signed the Youth Academy star to a Generation adidas contract onMarch 22, making him the second player to sign with the senior squad directlyfrom United’s Academy. In League play, Najar featured in 26 matches, starting22 of those contests. For his efforts, Najar is the recipient of the 2010Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award and the 2010 Volkswagen Fans ChoiceAward.
Jed Zayner joined United on August 6 following atrade with Columbus that sent the talented defender to Washington and a 2011fourth round MLS SuperDraft selection in exchange for a 2012 second roundSuperDraft selection. Zayner’s versatility proved effective immediately, withthe Indiana product playing both fullback and central defender. Zayner startedall nine League matches that he played in for United, registering 798 minuteson the pitch, earning him the 2010 Visa Defender of the Year Award.
Stephen King was a valued member of theBlack-and-Red after coming to United from Seattle on April 30. His dedicationto the team both on and off the field did not go unnoticed by United’stechnical staff. King receives the 2010 Coaches’ Award for this dailycommitment to the Black-and-Red, as the New Jersey native saw action in 20 MLSmatches following his arrival from Sounders FC. King started 16 of thosecontests, 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 defendercompeted in the Pepsi Refresh Project in efforts to win a $50,000 grant tobenefit United Soccer Club, an after-school program for D.C. area youth thatpromotes physical activity, soccer and a healthy lifestyle. On the field,McTavish was a strong defender, playing 19 League games (16 starts) and playinga total of 1,405 minutes.
Summary:
- Volkswagen Most Valuable Player: Andy Najar
- Volkswagen Fans’ Choice: Andy Najar
- Golden Boot: Andy Najar
- Volkswagen Goal of the Year: Andy Najar
- Defender of the Year: Jed Zayner
- Coaches’ Award: Stephen King
- MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year: Devon McTavish
