There were some worthy candidates for the 2010 MLS Newcomer of the Year award, but it was tough to bet against the leading scorer on one of the best teams in the league.
Alvaro Saborio made a smooth transition to Real Salt Lake, providing an instant scoring threat and making RSL fans forget about the departure of Yura Movsisyan. The Costa Rican striker established himself as one of the league's best forward this year, playing well enough to earn SBI's MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
Saborio finished the season with 12 goals and four assists, serving as RSL's top forward in a season that saw the defending MLS Cup champions finish just three points short of the Supporters Shield while finishing in first place in their CONCACAF Champions League group.
Saborio beat out New York Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere, who was arguably the most valuable player on the Eastern Conference champion New York Red Bulls. Lindpere finished second to Saborio on all six SBI ballots. Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Juninho was the consensus third-place finisher.
What do you think of this selection? Who gets your vote for top newcomer?
Share your thoughts below.
I’m glad Sabario won, but if Lindpere had won that would have been fair too. I hope RSL ties him down, I know they want to. What both of these players bring to the table that I love is a hunger and drive to win. Sabo showed that throughout the season but it was especially evident in the last game of the regular season, forcing that error from the Dallas keeper and helping RSL grind out a win. Lindpere too is all over the field, winning balls, setting guys up. I just love that they’re both in the league.
Glad to hear. Get him over here for a multi year deal then get what you can for Findley and start bringing Gill along.
They are working on it. RSL GM says it would be a large transfer fee, but it looks like RSL is willing to pay it.
I’m an RSL fan, but i can agree with Lindpere based on the fact that before 2010, i had heard of Sabo, but Lindpere was out of left field and did arguably just as well as Sabo.
If that means anything to the argument.
He def. says “Stay thirsty my friends”
I guess I agree. But Lindpere is a very close second.
Excellent choice. There are big names who have come into the league and done a whole lot less.
As the guy says on the commercial, Stay hungry my friends! Am I the only one thinking the big name DPs are overrated?
Saborio’s choice was a no brainer. And can we please stop complaining about Najar edging Ream for the ROY award? With due respect to disgruntled Red Bulls supporters, MLS ROY award winners are determined by the players, coaches, sports journalists, and general managers. This year, they thought Najar was better than Ream. Case closed. This does not mean that Ream sucks or that there’s a conspiracy against him.
^ you mean uni-brow? *zing*
How could it not be Nery Castillo?
I kid, i kid. I just saw Nery on Univision doing an interview.
I whole heartedly agree with SBI!!! Way to go Sabo!
RSL is working on signing Sabo, plus Sabo wants to stay, but he might cost too much now that he is producing so well for us. All us fans are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping it will work out.
A Red Bull supporter, even I agree with this pick. Saborio deserves it. Still think Ream should have won MLS rookie of the year.
What? No Henry? Ha! Just kidding. Good to see he didn’t even make the SBI top 3. Anyhow, does anyone know if Saborio is locked up for next season and beyond? I seem to remember he was on loan from a Swiss club or something. RSL should lobby to buy him.
Can’t argue much with this pick unlike ROY