All-Star week wouldn’t be complete without a few midseason awards:
Player you can’t live without (but won’t be MVP):
Juan Toja, FC Dallas
His hairdo pays homage to one of his favorite musicians, Jimmy Page, and he leads the league with 61 fouls committed, but Toja’s rugged, relentless effort has been a signature part of the 2007 season. He’s got six goals — and zero assists — but three have been game-winners and his two-goal effort was key to Dallas’ come-from-behind 3-3 draw with D.C. United.
Player you should’ve drafted (but won’t be Rookie of the Year):
Adam Cristman, New England
Toronto’s Maurice Edu (three goals, one assist) and Kansas City’s Michael Harrington (16 starts, three goals and three assists) have proven their value as the No. 1 and No. 3 overall selections. But every team passed on fourth-rounder Cristman at least twice. He’s only gone on to score three goals and add four assists as a backup for U.S. national teamers Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman.
Most unorthodox general manager (but you’d take him on name recognition alone):
Alexi Lalas, Los Angeles
He swaps players like a day trader with stocks — three major trades and multiple new signings and cares little for being politically correct: “The fact that a segment of the world worships an inferior product in the Premiership is their business.” His team has struggled on the field. But the Galaxy now has David Beckham, they sell tickets and jerseys, and there’s no bolder front office executive in MLS.
Biggest All-Star snub (but you won’t see him in HD on ESPN2):
Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus
Schelotto, 33, and his seven assists have lifted the Crew out of two consecutive years of misery. He’s also helped prove that Sigi Schmid hasn’t lost his coaching touch. Columbus is 4-1-2 in its last seven games and currently owns the eighth and final playoff spot were the postseason to start tomorrow, but it has no more Thursday night games in 2007.
Team to avoid in the playoffs (but you won’t see win MLS Cup):
Kansas City
Complicated seeding formulas will make an already tight race in the crowded Eastern Conference even tighter. But despite just his first season at the helm, Wizards coach Curt Onalfo has turned the Wizards into an attacking-minded contender, that is, if Eddie Johnson (tied for league-high 10 goals) can stay healthy.
