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 great rookie season for Edu after he spent the entire pre-season rehabbing a pelvis injury. 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. His play this season also earned him 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 earlier this month. This was Edu's first cap with the National Team.
Also up for the Gatorade Rookie of the Year are Adam Cristman of the New England Revolution, and Dane Richards of the New York Red Bulls.
The 2007 MLS Awards Finalists were announced by the league earlier Monday, with the winners for each award to be revealed in the coming weeks. 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.
The finalists for Gatorade Rookie of the Year, as well as all other awards, earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media. The Gatorade Rookie of the Year will be announced Wednesday November 7th.
For a complete listing of all the 2007 MLS Awards Finalists log on to www.MLSnet.com.
