HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Dynamo announced today the winners of their first-annual team awards at a luncheon held at Irma's Southwest Grill in downtown Houston.
Team midfielder Dwayne De Rosario highlighted the ceremony by earning the Honda Houston Dynamo Most Valuable Player Award. De Rosario earned his second compendium of the afternoon, splitting the Budweiser Golden Boot award with Brian Ching. Eddie Robinson was named Dynamo MLS Defender of the Year, and Craig Waibel was selected as the recipient of the USSF Humanitarian of the Year award.
In the team's first season in Houston, De Rosario played in 30 games, 29 of which were starts. He helped guide the Dynamo to an 11-8-13 regular season record, while also sharing the team lead in goals scored (11). His highly-skilled level of play is always the defensive focus of opposing teams, who make a point of neutralizing his offensive creativity. A two-time winner of the MLS Goal of the Year Award, De Rosario is currently in contention for a third-straight award with a 55-yard shot that beat Chicago Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton back on August 30.
In spite of injuries and World Cup duty, Brian Ching is without a doubt one of the best forwards in the game. He opened up the 2006 season scoring four goals in a 5-2 victory against the Colorado Rapids. Along with De Rosario, Ching is the team's top goal scorer, with 11. He is also a Goal of the Year contender with an incredible bycicle kick against D.C. United on September 30 that helped the team clinch a spot in the 2006 MLS Cup Playoffs.
After having one of the best years of his carreer in 2005, Eddie Robinson has continued that trend, becoming the Dynamo's primary central defender. Robinson was a key contributor as Houston's became one of the top defenses in the league, with 40 goals allowed. Along with his defensive play, Robinson has also contribuited on offense, with 2 goals and 3 assists during the regular season.
Waibel was selected to receive the USSF Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work in the community. His many activities include being a volunteer coach at Rice University's Women's Soccer Team, hosting a mini soccer camp with the FBI during their 'Family Day' and helping promote Shell's United Way campaign during their Kick-off party. In the lockerroom, Waibel has been a supporter and leader of Pass Back, making sure that all his teammates participate in an orderly and timely manner. This is the fourth-straight season in which Waibel wins this award.
All award recipients, with the exception of the Budweiser Golden Boot winners, will be eligible to compete for the MLS awards, whose winners are announced during MLS Cup Weekend.
