MLS Defensive Awards 2011

October means only one thing in America, no not the baseball playoffs, the MLS finale after a season that started way back in March. Eight teams will carry on forth to try and win it all, maybe without some of the big markets teams too. Defensive Discussions is not here however to update you on the latest goings on from the MLS or how great David Beckham's wand is performing. We are here to give out the ‘MLS Defensive Awards 2011’.  This segment will be very similar to the one we did at the end of the 2010/11 Premier League season. So we present to you…….

’MLS Defensive Awards 2011’

Defender of the Year

Omar Gonzalez- LA Galaxy

Surely Jurgen?

Since he was drafted in 2009 from ACC powerhouse, Maryland, the Dallas born defender has really made a name for himself. Bob Bradley gave him his first cap for the US national team during the centre backs debut season as a professional. The 2011 season has seen a real improvement in his game and helped his side become the team to beat in the MLS. LA Galaxy has the luxury of playing the likes of David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Landon Donavon, but the improvement at the back has really separated them this season from the chasing pack. Gonzalez, although suffering with a few minor injuries, has come up against some of the best strikers the league has to offer and usually won the battle, before sending them packing. I am sure his performances have caught the eye of new US national team boss, Jurgen Klinsmann.  Looking at the defenders the German has called up, there is no reason why Gonzalez should not be included. At least in contention, Tim Ream has been a huge disappointment this year but is still picked ahead of the Galaxy defender. Call up or not, our ‘Defender of the Year’ is LA Galaxy’s outstanding centre back, Omar Gonzalez.

Young Defender of the Year

Perry Kitchen- DC United

TACKLE!

The Akron Alum was the 3^rd pick overall in the 2011 MLS Superdraft by DC United. Prior to the event he turned down an offer from Belgium giants, Anderlecht. Ben Olsen, a DC United legend and first year manager saw the talent that Kitchen posses and started him against Columbus Crew in the season opener. Since that day, the right back has been a regular and solid performer all year for the one time MLS super power.  Already a part of the Under 20 US National team, I am sure it won’t be long until a certain German coach will be keeping tabs on the young full back.

Surprise of the Season

Jalil Anibabe- Chicago Fire

The Man is a Beast

People might be wondering why we are picking a defender that went ninth in the draft as the ‘Surprise of the Season’? The reason we picked the former Tar Heel is not due to character issues or be one of those picks that could be hit or miss. He was highly touted coming out of college. It is the fact he has performed so well for a struggling Chicago Fire team, who are going through a transition period at the moment. The boy is athletic and looks more and more comfortable on the ball every week. Playing well is one thing but scoring a 40 yard screamer is another. This strike was the young defenders first goal as a professional and doesn’t matter how many appearances he goes on to make in his career, he will struggle to top this one.

The “Jonathan Bornstein” Award

Rafael Marquez-New York Redbulls

Vamos Rafa!

This award is given out to the player who has had a season to forget, named after one of the worst footballers ever seen. Marquez, formally of Barcelona started his first full year in the MLS and was one to forget, both for himself and his club. New York is struggling to make the playoffs after huge investments were made over the course of last year. Thierry Henry was brought in to accompany the Mexican but has not worked out the way that everyone had hoped. Very average strikers have made the Mexican skipper look slow and past his best, even his expansive passing game has been a miss this year. Yes, he has struggled with injuries since the Gold Cup, but for a man with such talent he should not be shown up by some of the strikers on show in this league. He called out his team mates earlier this week, rightly so when it came to the younger members of the squad. I agreed with everything he said, but before you call out your team mates, look at your own performances.

All-Star Back Four 2011

Sean Franklin- LA Galaxy

Had to include Becks some how!!

2011 has not been a bad year for the American full back. LA Galaxy has the best record in the regular season, most likely has David Beckham’s phone number, part of the best defense in the MLS, to go with an All-Star appearance. All that is left is an MLS Championship and call up by US national coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.

Geoff Cameron- Houston Dynamo

Possibly the most highly rated US born player in the league right now. The man is a beast, unfortunately fans do not get the chance to watch the man perform too often unless you live in the  Houston area. He has actually been playing as a defensive midfielder, but is still a worthy member in our back four. Personally he is another that should be given a chance internationally.

Omar Gonzalez- LA Galaxy

This might sound like a contradicting statement, but I am not a fan of Omar Gonzalez. There is no doubt that the 'Defender of the Year' has been the best player on show this season, I want to see how he does on the international stage. Along with Franklin, he is part of the meanest defense in the land and was rewarded with an All-Star call up. Unfortunately, he didn't play due to injury and another missed opportunity to test himself against the world's best. The next quest, like Franklin is to obviously win the MLS then try and work his way back into the US set up.

Jamison Olave- Real Salt Lake

I saw this man play in the All Star game before he hurt himself against Premier League Champions, Manchester United. The Columbian defender was outstanding, using that athletic ability to its full potential trying to keep Rooney & Co. from producing any moments of magic. Along with athletic ability, his reading of the game is second to none. It is almost like he is one step ahead of the striker and is constantly beating them to the ball. Overall, another outstanding year for the 2010 MLS Defender of the Year and a well deserved member of the 'All-Star Back Four 2011'.