A resurgent season from an MLS veteran and a Mexican league icon highlighted Chivas USA's awards handed out on Sunday.
Ante Razov was named Chivas USA's Player of the Year while Claudio Suarez was tabbed the club's Defender of the Year.
After a pair of mediocre campaigns with Chicago, Columbus and the MetroStars, Razov found renewed life with Chivas USA in 2006. The Southern California native showed the same goal-scoring prowess he displayed in his early years under current coach Bob Bradley while both were with the Chicago Fire. Razov led Chivas with 14 goals and became the first player in Major League Soccer history to have six seasons with at least 10 goals.
Aside from his 14 goals, which were second in all of MLS behind Real Salt Lake's Jeff Cunningham, Razov added a team-high eight assists.
Suarez, meanwhile, joined Chivas USA in the preseason. Suarez had been discarded by Mexican club Tigres UANL and appeared ready for retirement but instead surfaced with Chivas.
His acquisition proved vital for Chivas. Suarez brought instant credibility to an entirely new backline. Suarez's health and form also earned him a spot on Mexico's World Cup team. Suarez was limited to 20 games because of the World Cup. Aside from his defensive presence, Suarez also scored six goals, two of which were game-winners.
Also, Francisco Mendoza won the Chivas Regal award and Francisco Palencia won the club's Humanitarian of the Year award.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
