Toronto FC is proud to announce that TFC midfielder Maurice Edu has been voted the 2007 Gatorade Rookie of the Year. Edu finished ahead of other nominees Adam Cristman of the New England Revolution, and Dane Richards of the New York Red Bulls in voting by MLS general managers, coaches, players, referees and members of the media.
"There were 3 or 4 guys out there that were obviously challenging (for the rookie award) as there is every year," said Head Coach Mo Johnston. "But Maurice held his own throughout the season, established himself, scoring goals from midfield, broke into the National team - and now, the hard part comes because the second year is always the hardest, and hopefully he can sustain it." "He's a wonderful kid to work with, he was always first on the field, and you can see the tools he has to work with, he's strong, he's quick, he's aggressive."
Edu, 21 finished his rookie season with Toronto FC with 4 goals, 1 assist, and recorded 24 shots in 25 games - all as a starter. His 2180 minutes ranked third best on the team, only behind co-captains Jim Brennan and Carl Robinson. It was a tremendous rookie season for Edu after he spent the entire pre-season rehabbing a pelvis injury, for which he missed the first 2 games of the season. The midfielder was selected 1st overall in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft after enjoying a stellar college career at the University of Maryland where he was a first team NSCAA All-American and Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2006. He now holds the distinction of becoming the first No.1 pick overall in the MLS SuperDraft to win Rookie of the Year honours. His tenacious and attacking play in the midfield endeared him to Toronto FC fans where he quickly became a fan favourite.
His play this season also earned this promising midfielder the attention of U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley who selected Edu to play in the U.S. Friendly with Switzerland this past October. He earned his first cap with the National Team, playing the full 90 minutes in what was a first-class debut for the California native.
All first-year players in MLS without previous professional experience or who had completed their college eligibility were considered for the Gatorade Rookie of the Year award.
The 2007 awards announcements culminate on Saturday November 17 with the unveiling of the Best XI and MLS Newcomer of the Year, which will both be announced at the MLS Awards Gala which are being held at MLS Cup in Washington D.C.
Gatorade Rookie of the Year Winners:
2007: Maurice Edu - Toronto FC
2006: Jonathan Bornstein - Chivas USA
2005: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
2004: Clint Dempsey - New England Revolution
2003: Damani Ralph Chicago Fire
2002: Kyle Martino - Columbus Crew
2001: Rodrigo Faria - NY/NJ Metrostars
2000: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
1999: Jay Heaps - Miami Fusion
1998: Ben Olsen - D.C. United
1997: Mike Duhaney - Tampa Bay Mutiny
1996: Steve Ralston - Tampa Bay Mutiny
