Three Galaxy players up for league awards
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The Galaxy finished the regular season with the MLS’ best record, so it should be no surprise that some of its players have been nominated for year-end awards.
Striker Edson Buddle, who led the MLS in scoring until the final weekend, is one of three finalists for the league’s most valuable player award. Omar Gonzalez is a finalist for defender of the year, and keeper Donovan Ricketts is one of three players nominated for the award that recognizes the league’s top goalkeeper.
Buddle, who finished with a career-high 17 goals in leading the Galaxy (18-7-5) into Sunday’s playoff opener in Seattle, was nominated for the MLS’ top prize along with San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski, the league’s scoring leader with 18 goals, and Dallas midfielder David Ferreira. Landon Donovan of the Galaxy won the award last year.
Gonzalez, last season’s MLS rookie of the year, is matched against Real Salt Lake’s Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave for top defender honors while Ricketts, who set franchise records with 11 shutouts and a 0.90 goals-against average in 29 games, was nominated for best keeper alongside FC Dallas’ Kevin Hartman and Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando.
The winners will be announced next month.
-- Kevin Baxter