Wizards Year End Awards

The regular season is over, and that means that it's time to hand out some awards for the season. For the Wizards, Down the Byline will be handing out awards for Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goal of the Year, and MVP. So let's get to it.

Rookie of the Year
Michael Harrington
Really it came down to two players, Kurt Morsink, and Harrington. Over the course of the season I have to give it to Harrington, he came in from day one and claimed a spot on the left side. He's played both on the wing and in the back. He had a great start to the season, scoring the fastest ever debut goal 2 minutes into his MLS career. Over the course of the season he seemed to hit a wall, but he's been the Wizards best rookie this season.

Defender of the Year
Jimmy Conrad
Not a great year for the Wizards defense. Allowed the third most goals in MLS this year, with pretty much the same back line that was stellar in 06. The change in tactics by Curt Onalfo, though, had the Wizards defending less. Conrad has become the face of the Wizards over the past few years, and while this wasn't his best year, Conrad was the Wizards best defender.

Goal of the Year
Kerry Zavganin vs Chivas 7/29
What more can you say about this shot, but incredible. It's up for goal of the year and is one of the top 5 goals of the year.

MVP
Eddie Johnson
Yes, he's not been great late in the season. But tell me this, where would the Wizards be without Eddie? My guess, around RSL and TFC level. Johnson has been the Wizards go to forward, and without his 15 goals the Wizards are not the same team. He's definitely been the Wizards most valuable player.