Major League Soccer handed out another set of year-end awards today as New England Revolution defender Michael Parkhurst was named the Visa Defender of the Year, Kansas City Wizards forward Eddie Johnson was named the Comeback Player of the Year, and Brian Hall was honored as the 2007 Official Sports International (OSI) Referee of the Year.
The Visa Defender of the Year and the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award were determined by equal voting from the media, MLS players and MLS coaches and general managers.
Parkhurst, 23, a native of Cranston, R.I., and former Wake Forest University Demon Deacon had an exceptional regular season in only his third year as a professional. The 2005 winner of the Gatorade Rookie of the Year award appeared as a First XI selection to the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star team where the MLS All-Stars defeated Celtic FC 2-0 on July 19. He played in and started 25 games at central defender for the Revolution, who finished in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 14-8-8 record.
Parkhurst missed the first three games of the season recovering from a preseason shoulder injury, but came back to anchor a defense that recorded 10 shutouts and allowed 43 goals, sixth best in the League. His fine form since joining the League has also led to his inclusion as a member of the U.S. Men's National Team. He represented the United States in their victorious run in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
This is the second 2007 year-end award for Parkhurst, as he was also named the individual Fair Play winner. His hard work on defense led to one of the most spectacular goals of the season. In the Revolution's final game of the regular season, Parkhurst intercepted a pass in the Revolution's defensive end and fired a shot from his team's own half more than 60 yards over the head of Toronto FC goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos and into the Toronto FC net. It was the first shot of Parkhurst's career in 87 games played and the first goal. He led the voting ahead of Houston Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson and Chivas USA defender Claudio Suarez.
Johnson, 23, a native of Palm Coast, Fla., was voted the 2007 Comeback Player of the Year in his seventh season of professional soccer in MLS. The Kansas City forward is not coming off of injury, but a 2006 season plagued with inconsistent play and absences due to U.S. Men's National Team duty and suspension by his team.
Johnson had a spectacular regular season, as he started each of his 24 games played and contributed 15 goals and six assists for the Wizards. Improving upon last season's total of two goals and one assist in 19 games played, this season Johnson was named Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks and was also chosen as MLS Player of the Month for April. He was also a First XI selection for the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star game.
The mercurial forward made history on June 2 as the first player to score a hat trick in consecutive games. He accomplished the feat in a 4-3 win over New England on May 26 and again on June 2 in a 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls. Johnson claimed the award over Columbus Crew defender Frankie Hejduk and New England Revolution forward Pat Noonan.
Hall was awarded the OSI Referee of the Year for the fourth time and third consecutive season. He also won the award in 2003. A consummate professional, Hall is regarded as one of the best-ever American referees. He has plied his trade in MLS since the inaugural season and has represented the United States in FIFA competitions across the globe, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Hall led the voting ahead of Jair Maruffo and Alex Prus for OSI Referee of the Year.
The OSI Referee of the Year was determined by equal voting from the media, MLS players, MLS coaches and general managers and MLS referees.
MLS Defender of the Year Winners:
2007: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
2006: Bobby Boswell - D.C. United
2005: Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards
2004: Robin Fraser - Columbus Crew
2003: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2002: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2001: Jeff Agoos - San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Peter Vermes - Kansas City Wizards
1999: Robin Fraser - Los Angeles Galaxy
1998: Lubos Kubik - Chicago Fire
1997: Eddie Pope - D.C. United
1996: John Doyle - San Jose Earthquakes
MLS Comeback Player of the Year Winners
2007: Eddie Johnson - Kansas City Wizards
2006: Richard Mulrooney - FC Dallas
2005: Chris Klein - Kansas City Wizards
2004: Brian Ching - San Jose Earthquakes
2003: Chris Armas - Chicago Fire
2002: Chris Klein - Kansas City Wizards
2001: Troy Dayak - San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Tony Meola - Kansas City Wizards
OSI Referee of the Year Winners:
2007: Brian Hall
2006: Brian Hall
2005: Brian Hall
2004: Abiodun 'Abbey' Okulaja
2003: Brian Hall
2002: Kevin Terry
2001: Paul Tamberino
2000: Paul Tamberino
1999: Paul Tamberino
1998: Paul Tamberino
1997: Esse Baharmast
