The New York Red Bulls announced today the winners of their 2011 Team Awards. Captain and forward Thierry Henry was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player, forward Luke Rodgers was named Newcomer of the Year, Jan Gunnar Solli took home the Defensive Player of the Year Award, and Stephen Keel was the team’s Humanitarian of the Year. All of the awards except for the Humanitarian of the Year were voted on by members of the local media at the end of the regular season.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - THIERRY HENRY
By leading the team with 14 goals in the regular season, Henry took home the team’s Golden Boot in addition to being voted the team’s Most Valuable Player award. Henry played in and started 26 games, logging 2,266 minutes and registering four assists. He also notched his first career MLS Cup Playoffs goal in the team’s 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Oct. 26 in the Wild Card round. His 14 regular season goals ranked third-best in Major League Soccer this season.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - LUKE RODGERS
In his first season with the Red Bulls, Rodgers finished second on the team in goals with nine, despite missing two months of the season with plantar fasciitis. The team had an impressive 9-5-9 record in Rodgers’ 23 games played. The Englishman and former Notts Country striker, who joined the team in January, also added three assists and scored his first MLS Cup Playoff goal on Nov. 3 against Los Angeles in the Conference Semifinals.
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR - JAN GUNNAR SOLLI
First-year defender Jan Gunnar Solli was voted as the team’s Defender of the Year. Solli was one of most consistent Red Bulls this season, playing in 31 of 34 games and logging 2,634 minutes. He proved to be a vital piece to New York’s attack, as his seven assists tied him with midfielders Joel Lindpere and Dane Richards for the team lead.
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR - STEPHEN KEEL
Keel, the team’s Humanitarian of the Year, became a vital member of the Red Bulls on the pitch, earning a place in the starting lineup at the end of the year. He set career highs in games played (16), games started (13), minutes played (1,226) and assists (2). Off the field, Keel gave his time to numerous charities throughout the local community, including hosting clinics for underprivileged children, visiting hospitals and serving as a spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Keel recorded two public service announcements for the MDA, attended their camps, answered phones at their telethon and donated tickets.
