the hero of MLS Cup 2001 for the Quakes -- worked his way back into head coach Dominic Kinnear's lineup. A forward throughout his career until last season, De Rosario moved to an attacking midfield position and showed the creativity demanded of the role, notching nine goals and 13 assists to lead the Quakes to their first MLS Supporters' Shield.
For his efforts, De Rosario was voted the runner-up to the New England Revolution's Taylor Twellman for the Honda MLS MVP award, but he was absent in the league's midsummer showcase. After the Quakes' moved to Houston to become Dynamo, the Canadian international has continued his success in central midfield -- he's notched five goals and four assists thus far -- and now he's finally getting his deserved recognition.
"Dwayne's form has carried over from last year," Kinnear told Dynamo's official Web site, HoustonDynamo.com, in a weekly Q&A with fans on Thursday. "I think he's always been a respected player around the league by the players, and I think the fans are finally appreciating his talent. I'm very happy for him because it's well deserved."
"Fans have a big say in the vote, so it definitely helps when you've got a good fan base," De Rosario said. "I've just kept doing what I've been doing since I got to the league. I enjoy what I'm doing. I'm glad that the fans have come to appreciate that and respect that."
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
