HARRISON, NJ (Nov. 27, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today its annual team awards winners, as voted on by members of the media.
Forward Thierry Henry earned the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second straight year. The 2011 and 2012 MLS Best XI selection and 2012 MLS MVP finalist had another standout season for the Red Bulls, recording 15 goals and a team-high 12 assists in 25 regular season games played. The Frenchman ranked fifth in MLS in goals and assists and was voted to the 2012 MLS All-Star team last summer for the second consecutive season.
Markus Holgersson was voted the team’s Defender of the Year, granted to the defender who made the greatest contribution to the Red Bulls back line. In his first year in MLS, Holgersson led all defenders in the regular season in appearances (31), starts (31) and goals (3). Holgersson was signed on Jan. 12, 2012 after playing for Swedish side, Helsingborgs IF.
Following an 18-goal season which won him the Red Bulls’ Golden Boot and placed him second in MLS in goals scored, forward Kenny Cooper took home the team’s Newcomer of the Year Award. Cooper, who was acquired from the Portland Timbers on Jan. 12, 2012 in exchange for a 2013 MLS SuperDraft first round selection and allocation money, also notched three assists in 33 regular season appearances. The Newcomer of the Year was given to the player who made the greatest contribution in their first season as a New York Red Bull.
Cooper also won the team’s Humanitarian of the Year Award. This season, he was named MLS Humanitarian of the Month for September and was awarded the Shining Star Award from the Starlight Children's Foundation for his work with children. Cooper served as Goals for St. Jude Ambassador after his visit to the Memphis hospital in July and remains a frequent visitor at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. He also worked with children from the America Scores and is an ambassador for Street Soccer USA.
