It appears voters have followed a well worn path when choosing MLS MVP finalists: high scorers who play on good teams.
Major League Soccer Awards: Chris Wondolowski, Edson Buddle, David Ferreira MVP Finalists
In Chris Wondolowski, Edson Buddle and David Ferreira, the voters have chosen the top two goal scorers and the player with the second most combined goals and assists.
Wondolowski scored 18 goals to win the Golden Boot, accounting for 53 percent of the playoff-bound Earthquakes.
Buddle needed just 24 matches to score his 17 goals, while helping the Galaxy to the Supporters’ Shield.
Although lacking the gaudy numbers of the other two, Ferreira's eight goals and 13 assists were one of the driving forces behind FC Dallas' MLS record 19-match unbeaten streak.
Announcements for the award winners with Rookie of the Year, Fair Play Individual & Team of the Year, and Goalkeeper of the Year on Nov. 3, with MVP being the last award announced on Nov. 17.
Complete list of the other finalists:
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
- Kevin Hartman (FC Dallas)
- Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)
- Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Fair Play Finalists - Individual
- C.J. Brown (Chicago Fire)
- Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union)
- Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
- Chris Albright (New York Red Bulls)
- Bobby Convey (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
Visa Defender of the Year Finalists
- Nat Borchers (Real Salt Lake)
- Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
- Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)
MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year Finalists
- Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
- Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards)
- Seth Stammler (New York Red Bulls)
adidas Referee of the Year Finalists
- Mark Geiger
- Kevin Stott
- Baldomero Toledo
Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union)
- Andy Najar (D.C. United)
- Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
Coach of the Year Finalists
- Hans Backe (New York Red Bulls)
- Schellas Hyndman (FC Dallas)
- Jason Kreis (Real Salt Lake)
Newcomer of the Year Finalists
- Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
- Joel Lindpere (New York Red Bulls)
- Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake)
Awards Announcements Schedule:
Schedule subject to change
Nov. 3: Rookie of the Year, Fair Play Individual & Team of the Year, and Goalkeeper of the Year
Nov. 5: Visa Defender and adidas Referee/Assistant Referee of the Year
Nov. 8: MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year
Nov. 10: Newcomer and Comeback Player of the Year
Nov. 11: MLS Coach of the Year
Nov. 15: 2010 MLS Best XI
Nov. 17: AT&T Goal of the Year and NAPA Auto Parts Save of the Year
Nov. 19: Volkswagen MVP & Commissioner’s Award
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