Nov. 7, 2007

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Former Maryland All-American Maurice Edu was named the 2007 Gatorade Rookie of the Year, announced today by MLS. Edu started 25 matches for Toronto FC which drafted him first overall in the MLS SuperDraft in January. Edu is the first No. 1 overall pick in league history to earn Rookie of the Year honors.

The winner was determined by equal voting from the media, MLS players, coaches, and general managers. All first-year players in MLS without previous professional experience or who had completed their college eligibility were considered for the award.

Edu, from Fontana, Calif., scored four goals and added an assist as the starting defensive midfielder for the expansion franchise. His aggressive style led to many chances as he was second on the team with 24 shots. His goal number was also second on the squad.

The 21-year old logged 2,180 minutes on the pitch which was third on the team behind co-captains Jim Brennan and Carl Robinson. Edu missed the entire preseason and the first two games of the season recovering from a pelvis injury.

His stellar play in the MLS caught the eye of Bob Bradley, head coach of the United States National Team, who chose Edu to play in a friendly against Switzerland on October 17. Edu started and played all 90 minutes for the National Team in a 1-0 win.

At Maryland, Edu was a first-team NSCAA All-American and Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2006. He was a 55-game starter in three seasons and led the Terps to a national championship in 2005, an NCAA semifinal appearance in 2004 and an appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last season. Maryland was 52-15-5 during his three seasons in a Terrapin kit as he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists during his career.