Nov. 16, 2009
Former Maryland standout Omar Gonzalez has been named 2009 Gatorade Rookie of the Year announced by Major League Soccer on Thursday.
Gonzalez was one of only 14 players in the league to play in all 30 regular season games and ranked second among all rookies with 2,672 minutes played.
An NSCAA All-American and College Cup Defensive Most Valuable Player for the national champion Terps in 2008, Gonzalez was a mainstay in Galaxy's backline this season, starting in all 30 matches. Gonzalez's addition to L.A.'s defense helped the Galaxy surrender 31 fewer goals compared to the 2008 campaign, the most dramatic defensive turnaround in League history. The 6-foot-5 defender also scored one goal and added an assist in 2009.
"This is a tremendous honor for Omar," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "On behalf of the entire Maryland Terrapin soccer nation, we want to congratulate him on a fantastic rookie season and wish him continued success as the Galaxy plays for the MLS Cup next weekend."
The Maryland men's soccer program now boasts two of the last three Gatorade Rookies of the Year as Maurice Edu garnered the award in 2007 as a member of Toronto FC.
The Galaxy, including Gonzalez and fellow former Maryland defender A.J. Delagarza, battle Real Salt Lake and former Terrapin goalkeeper Chris Seitz on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8:30 p.m. at Qwest Field in Seattle.
MARYLAND AWAITS ITS TOURNEY DESTINY MONDAY AT 5:30 P.M.
The 2009 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship Selection Show will be broadcast live on ESPNews between 5:30 and 6 p.m.
ESPNews is located on DirecTV at channel 207 and on Dish Network at channel 142.
Maryland (12-5-2) is looking to extend its nation-best streak to eight consecutive seasons with a first-round bye by earning one of the coveted top 16 seeds in the tournament. Maryland has advanced to the round-of-sixteen in each of the last seven seasons and all the way to the College Cup five times since 2002, while winning national titles in both 2005 and 2008.
The defending national champions embarked on one of the toughest slates in the country this season dropping three top-25 teams and tying two others.
