Proving that it's not all about big-markets, Real Salt Lake's Jamison Olave beat out Los Angeles Galaxy centerback Omar Gonzalez to win MLS Defensive Player of the Year.
Major League Soccer Postseason Awards: Jamison Olave Named Top Defender
Olave was one of the main cogs in arguably the greatest defense in MLS history. RSL conceded just 20 goals during the regular season and never allowed more than two in a game. That shattered the previous record of 23 goals set in 2007 by the Houston Dynamo.
RSL was even stronger at home, allowing seven goals in 15 matches at Rio Tinto Stadium. That was also a MLS record, besting the 2007 Chivas USA team that allowed eight home goals.
Olave was the imposing physical presence in the middle of all of it. The 6-foot-3 centerback specialized in winning headers, and managed to reign in his risky streak. After drawing three red cards in 2009, he avoided getting any of them this season while playing in 27 games and finishing all but one of them.
The Colombian also contributed three regular season goals and one more in CONCACAF Champions League in helping lead RSL into the quarterfinals.
Schedule of announcements
- Rookie of the Year: Andy Najar, DC United
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Donovan Ricketts, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Fair-play Award: Sebastian Le Toux, Philadelphia Union
- Fair-play Award (team): San Jose Earthquakes
- Monday: MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year
- Wednesday: 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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