Los Angeles Galaxy forward Alan Gordon is one of three finalists for the A-League's Most Valuable Player award. The first-year player is also a finalist for that league's Rookie of the Year Award, it was announced today by the United Soccer Leagues. The winners of both awards will be announced at the A-League Championship Banquet in Montreal, Quebec, Canada this Thursday night.
The Galaxy acquired Gordon from the Portland Timbers of the A-League on Friday, Sept. 10. A Los Angeles selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, the Galaxy retained the rights to Gordon per MLS rules as a college-protected player and signed him to a developmental contract at the conclusion of the 2004 A-League season. He dressed for, but did not play in the Galaxy's 2-1 defeat of the San Jose Earthquakes on Sept. 11.
Gordon finished tied with Dante Washington (another MVP finalist) for the goal-scoring title during the recently completed 2004 A-League regular season, earning first all-league honors last week. The first-year sniper scored six goals in the Timbers' first five games and finished the campaign with 17 goals in 27 games and led his club to the best regular season record in the League and a berth in the Western Conference playoffs.
"Alan had a very successful first season as a professional with the Timbers," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We look forward to his continued growth and development as a member of our club."
The three-time A-League Player of the Week and his Timbers' teammates posted the best record in the League during the regular season and concluded their run in the A-League playoffs in a Western Conference semifinal series against the Seattle Sounders 3-2 on aggregate.
"We congratulate Alan on being named a finalist for the A-League MVP and Rookie of the Year awards," said Galaxy coach Steve Sampson. "He is deserving of the recognition and is expected to continue his success with the Galaxy."
The 6-3, 195-pound Gordon, a native of Long Beach, Calif., was originally selected by the Galaxy in the sixth round of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft out of Oregon State University (53rd overall). While with the Beavers, he earned first-team all Pacific-10 Conference honors in both 2002 and 2003, and scored 15 and 11 goals, respectively, in each of those seasons.
Gordon had previously attended Yavapai College (Arizona), where he scored 39 goals over two seasons. He was named an NSCAA Junior College All-American in 2001, the same year in which he scored 29 goals and piloted Yavapai to the national championship game.
The Los Angeles Galaxy's next match at The Home Depot Center will be on Saturday, October 2 in a battle with the Kansas City Wizards. It is McDonalds/AYSO Day and tickets are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Galaxy ticket off toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
