Major League Soccer today announced the finalists for its 2009 year-end awards. Among the finalists are D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen - up for Comeback Player of the Year - and United midfielder/forward Chris Pontius - up for Rookie of the Year.
The Comeback Player of the Year awarded will be announced on November 10, while Rookie of the Year will be revealed on November 12. The full list of finalists, as well as the announcement schedule follows. </p>
2009 Major League Soccer Awards Finalists
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Donovan Ricketts - Los Angeles Galaxy
Zach Thornton - Chivas USA
Fair Play Finalists - Individual
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Pat Onstad - Houston Dynamo
Steve Ralston - New England Revolution
Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
Brian McBride - Chicago Fire
Ben Olsen - D.C. United
Zach Thornton - Chivas USA
Visa Defender of the Year Finalists
Geoff Cameron - Houston Dynamo
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - Seattle Sounders FC
Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
adidas Referee of the Year Finalists
Alex Prus
Ricardo Salazar
Kevin Stott
Rookie of the Year Finalists
Stefan Frei - Toronto FC
Omar Gonzalez - Los Angeles Galaxy
Chris Pontius - D.C. United
Coach of the Year Finalists
Bruce Arena - Los Angeles Galaxy
Sigi Schmid - Seattle Sounders FC
Robert Warzycha - Columbus Crew
Newcomer of the Year Finalists
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Freddie Ljungberg - Seattle Sounders FC
Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders FC
Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Finalists
Jeff Cunningham - FC Dallas
Landon Donovan - Los Angeles Galaxy
Shalrie Joseph - New England Revolution
Awards Announcements Schedule:
Schedule subject to change
Wednesday, November 4
Goalkeeper of the Year
Fair Play Award Individual & Team
Thursday, November 5
Visa Defender of the Year
adidas Referee of the Year & Assistant Referee of the Year
Friday, November 6
MLS W.O.R.K.S. - U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year
Tuesday, November 10
MLS Newcomer of the Year
MLS Comeback Player of the Year
Wednesday, November 11
MLS Coach of the Year
Thursday, November 12
Rookie of the Year
Monday, November 16
MLS Best XI
Wednesday, November 18
Goal of the Year presented by AT&T
Save of the Year presented by Degree Men
Thursday, November 19
Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player
Saturday, November 21
MLS Commissioner's Award
