HARRISON, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Major League Soccer announced today that New York Red Bulls forward Luke Rodgers is one of three finalists for the League’s 2011 Newcomer of the Year award. Rodgers was named along with Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Eric Hassli and Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Mauro Rosales. The winner will be announced Nov. 15.
In his first season with the Red Bulls, Rodgers featured in 23 games, scoring nine goals – a mark that was good for second on the team. The former Notts County striker also scored his first MLS postseason goal on Nov. 3 against the LA Galaxy. Rodgers, who missed nearly two months due to a heel injury, made a significant impact when he was on the field, as the Red Bulls posted a 9-5-9 when he played in the regular season. He took home his first MLS Player of the Week Award for Week 5 after tallying two goals and an assist in a 3-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on April 16 at Red Bull Arena. The Birmingham, England native signed with New York on Jan. 28, 2011.
The finalists earned the most votes in polling of three voting groups:
-
· Current MLS players
· MLS Clubs (Coaches, Technical Directors, Presidents, and PR/Community Relations)
· Media members who covered MLS regularly in 2011
Voting was based on performance in the 2011 MLS Regular Season. For more information on the League’s Year-End Awards Finalists, log onto www.mlssoccer.com .
