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SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Marlon Hairston

Marlon Hairston

By TATE STEINLAGE 

It wasn’t a glamorous week for MLS rookies, but don’t tell Marlon Hairston that.

The Colorado Rapids midfielder wasn’t in the starting lineup for the Colorado Rapids’ weekend match against Chivas USA, but his talents were certainly needed when Jared Watts went down with an injury in the 42nd minute.

Hairston came on and put in an excellent shift for the better part of 45 minutes, including making 28 successful passes in 30 attempts, in the Rapids’ easy 3-0 victory over Chivas USA on Friday. The victory positions Colorado fourth — just two points behind the LA Galaxy for second — in the tight Western Conference.

The 20-year-old midfielder’s performance saw him named SBI’S MLS Rookie of the Week, edging out FC Dallas’ Tesho Akindele for the honors.

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Agree that Hairston was the Rookie of the Week? What did you think about Hairston’s effort in Colorado’s big home win? Was it a disappointing week for MLS rookies?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Uhm, he replaced another rookie due to injury. Jared Watts has started multiple games in a row & doesn’t get the nod??

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  2. Hairston has been the #1 option off the bench for Pablo this season. Marlon has been a pleasant surprise and really hasn’t put a wrong foot down in any match. He’s very smooth, calm, and collected on the ball. He makes the smart pass and simple play. That doesn’t mean he’s taking the easy way out. Marlon is just thinking a step ahead and you can see the game comes at him in slow motion — hence why he doesn’t panic and makes smart plays. The Rapids have a slew of young talent and talent that could be Olympic Candidates — Hairston, Serna, and O’Neill. Powers will be too old unless used as an overage player.

    Reply
  3. yes.. i like him alot, i don’t get why he’s not getting much hype… he’s only 20 and he’s fast and has really good technical skills… wouldn’t mind him getting a call up in september for a friendly

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