Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber presented Cobi Jones with the 2007 Commissioner's Award, given at the MLS Gala Awards Ceremony held Saturday night at the National Building Museum on the eve of the 12th championship game in league history. The MLS Commissioner's Award is presented annually to the group or individual that has made a difference and contributed significantly to the league and the sport in America.
An MLS Original, Jones retired at the end of the 2007 season after playing all 12 years in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the only player in league history to spend his entire career with the same club. He played 306 regular-season games, third-most in league history, scoring 70 goals and 91 assists. Jones has played the most playoff games of any player in league history, 45, scoring six goals and 13 assists. He won the MLS Cup in 2002 and 2005 with the Galaxy.
"While his impact on the field is legendary, it is what Cobi represents as an ambassador for the sport and his commitment to being a role model/citizen athlete that truly sets him apart," Garber said.
Jones is also the all-time appearance leader for the U.S. national team, winning 164 caps in an international career that began in 1992. The 164 caps are tied for fourth all-time in world soccer history. He played for the USA in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.
Following his retirement after the completion of the season, Jones was named as an assistant coach by new Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit.
"I am sure this is just the first of many awards that will be bestowed upon Cobi in the years to come -- including an eventual trip to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York," Garber said.
Following is the list of recipients of the MLS Commissioner's Award since 1997:
2007: Cobi Jones
2006: Chuck Blazer
2005: RadioShack MLS All-Time Best XI
2004: Lamar Hunt
2003: Ivan Gazidis
2002: Tab Ramos
2001: New York City Police and Fire Departments
2000: MLS Supporters Clubs
1999: Alexi Lalas
1998: Mark Abbott
1997: Lynne Meterparel
