Toronto FC and former Maryland midfielder Maurice Edu was named Major League Soccer rookie of the year and Chivas USA head coach Preki was named coach of the year.
Edu, an All-American with the Terrapins, became the first No. 1 overall draft pick to earn the honor in MLS’ 12-year history. Edu, 21, started 25 matches, recording four goals and one assist for the first-year Canadian franchise.
Preki, in his first season as a head coach, guided Chivas to their best finish in the club’s three-year history. The 44-year-old has been a part of MLS since its inception, twice named the league’s most valuable player. Preki was born in Belgrade of the former Yugoslavia and became a U.S. citizen prior to the 1998 FIFA World Cup in which he represented his adopted country.
