WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today its 2006 Team Award Winners, during the Third Annual D.C. United Awards Reception at the Galleria at Lafayette Centre in D.C. Christian Gomez was named as Honda Team MVP, the Budweiser Golden Boot winner and the Fans' Choice award, while Bobby Boswell was named Defender of the Year as well as Humanitarian of the Year. Facundo Erpen took home the Goal of the Year prize, and Josh Gros won the Coaches' Award.
Gomez continued to flourish in his second full season with United, putting together an MLS MVP-caliber year by leading the team in both goals (14) and assists (11). An MLS All-Star in 2006, Gomez appeared in 30 games for the Black-and-Red, starting 28 of them. In games in which Gomez scored, D.C. United were an impressive 6-3-3, and the team was 7-1-3 in games which he notched an assist. His three game-winning goals were second only to Jaime Moreno, and no United player had more game-winning assists (four) than Gomez. His left-footed effort against Los Angeles on 6/11 earned him his first career Goal of the Week award. Gomez was also named Player of the Week twice in 2006: first for his two goal performance in Week 23 against Chivas USA, and again in Week 26, as he hit a goal and two assists against the New York Red Bulls.
From opening day this season, Boswell picked up right where he left off in his tremendous rookie year, establishing himself as a permanent and critical member of the D.C. United backline. At the center of the defense, Boswell anchored one of the best defenses in the League, as the Black-and-Red allowed only 38 goals in 2006, third fewest in MLS. He started each of his 30 games for D.C., and also chipped in a goal and an assist. In August, Boswell was named to his first MLS All-Star team.
As Boswell's defensive mate and another member of United's Argentine connection, Erpen also played a significant role in leading United to one of the league's best defensive record. Appearing in 30 games (all starts) for United, Erpen scored three goals and logged his first two MLS assists in 2006. His Goal of the Year, a 35-yard strike against New York on 4/22, won him his first career Sierra Mist Goal of the Week award as well. For his consistent season with United, Erpen was elected to his first MLS All-Star team in August.
An adaptable, hard-working midfielder, Gros played nearly every minute of United's successful campaign. Starting each of the 29 games in which he played, Gros set a new career-high with five assists. He also chalked up three goals on his way to his first MLS All-Star game. Gros provided the game-winning goal against Houston on 4/15, and the game-winning assist against Kansas City on 6/24.
