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Dayak honored Agoos, Howard win MLS defensive awards
Updated: Tuesday October 16, 2001 12:05 PM
ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- Major League Soccer on Tuesday announced the winners of the league's two individual defensive end-of-season awards, with MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard taking Goalkeeper of the Year and San Jose Earthquakes defender Jeff Agoos named Defender of the Year. MLS also announced that San Jose Earthquakes Defender Troy Dayak is the Comeback Player of the Year. Dayak and Agoos face the Miami Fusion on Wednesday in Game 3 of their semifinal series to determine who advances to MLS Cup on Sunday at Columbus Crew Stadium (12:30 p.m.; ABC). The 22-year-old Howard led MLS keepers in saves (146), save percentage (76.8), save ratio (4.17) and was third in MLS in wins (13). A 2001 MLS All-Star, Howard was also named the MetroStars' team MVP and team Defender of the Year in 2001. Howard started and played every minute of all league, U.S. Open Cup, and Copa Merconorte games in 2001. Howard was also honored as the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award on Monday. The 22-year-old was selected for the award based upon his dedicated work in creating awareness for Tourette Syndrome. Agoos, 33, anchored a back line that yielded a league-low 29 goals in 26 games. A 2001 All-Star, Agoos led the U.S. national team to a fourth-straight World Cup berth and vaulted San Jose to their first playoff appearance since 1996. Agoos chipped in with two goals and six points to help the Quakes to a 13-7-6 record and the third-best turnaround in MLS history. After a two-season layoff from MLS action due to a potential career-ending neck injury, Dayak returned in 2001 to bolster the Earthquakes defense. He celebrated his MLS return by scoring San Jose's first goal of 2001 in their 3-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Rose Bowl on opening day. The 30-year-old defender started 25 of 26 games along San Jose's back line for 2,236 total minutes (third on team). The Earthquakes allowed a league-low 29 goals and fewer shots (302) than any team in MLS. MLS coaches, general managers, players and members of Professional Soccer Reporters Association submitted their votes for the awards. Chicago Fire Athletic Trainer Rich Monis was named the Athletic Trainer of the Year.
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