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If you followed SBI's pre-draft coverage as well as the 2009 MLS Draft, you knew that this year's rookie class had the chance to be a special one. As we sit half-way through the season, it isn't a stretch to say that this year's rookie crop is off to a flying start.
A total of eleven rookies have started ten or more matches this year, with several players establishing key roles on top teams. This isn't just a case of rookies coming in and playing on bad teams (well, for a few it does). In fact, seven of the eleven rookies with ten or more starts play on winning teams.
Whether it is the D.C. tandem of Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace, or the Toronto FC dynamic duo of Stefan Frei and Sam Cronin, MLS has received a major infusion of young talent at a time when the league sorely needed it.
Here is a look at SBI's mid-season All-Rookie XI
SBI Mid-Season All-Rookie XI
——————-Chris Pontius——-Steve Zakuani——————-
Rodney Wallace——————————————–A.J. Delagarza
——————–Sam Cronin——Nick Zimmerman——————
Matt Besler——Omar Gonzalez—-Darrius Barnes—–Kevin Alston
——————————-Stefan Frei———————————
LA defender A.J. DeLaGarza New York Red Bulls rookie Jeremy Hall gets the honorable mention nod. He is the lone member of the ten-start rookie club not to make this group (I originally had him in ahead of Delagarza, but Hall's form the past month or so has really dipped while Delagarza has played well for LA). Red Bulls rookie Nick Zimmerman, one of the few bright spots in a terrible season, gets the nod ahead of his teammate (and roommate). The other ten selections all have made at least ten starts for their teams. (And please don't get caught up in positions for this group. It obviously wasn't a perfect fit in terms of fielding an actual team, so no, Jeremy Hall hasn't played RM, at least not yet.)
So what does the MLS Rookie of the Year race look like? Here's the SBI Top Five in that race right now:
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1. Chris Pontius
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2. Stefan Frei
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3. Sam Cronin
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4. Rodney Wallace
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T5. Steve Zakuani
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T5. Omar Gonzalez
It's a two-horse race right now between Pontius and Frei, with Frei enjoying the momentum heading into the second half. Pontius' production has slowed some, but he's still so versatile and key to D.C. United's attack. Frei has emerged as one of the better goalkeepers in the East as a rookie.
I'm sure Seattle fans will insist that Zakuani should be at or near the top of the list. In most years he would be, and while he's arguably the flashiest player in this group, this is a loaded group with every player commanding a key role on a good team. And yes, Omar Gonzalez has entered the conversation. He's the only rookie to start every game for his team this year and he's been a steady centerback for an LA team enjoying a surprisingly strong season. Darrius Barnes was in the conversation at the quarter pole, and could still fight his way back into the picture.
What do you think of this year's rookie class so far? Which players have impressed you? Surprised you? Who do you see winding up as the biggest star in the bunch?
Share your thoughts below.
No Dejan Jakovic? Are you kidding? The kid has been a ROCK for DC United in the back this year, especially in light of the ass-clown shenanigans of last year’s Gonzalo brothers (gone and just about forgotten).
Pontius and Wallace have been great, no question, but Jakovic deserves a mention right up there with the best of this year’s rookie class.
Cannot disagree with your top 3; glimpses of Zakuani seem to indicate that he has some promise as well.
Going in to this year I thought the draft would eventually be discarded. The quality in this draft has me re-thinking that.
Q/Is this a one off, or will the quality coming through the draft in the future continue to improve?
Dear thenewlatin,
1. Toronto hasn’t won any meaningful hardware yet.
B. Soccer is a team sport. By your less-than-baked logic, Gino Padula would’ve been named the best defender in MLS last year, because Columbus won the double. That’s not how the real world works.
Robert Smith said: “Brunner is not a rookie…”
Funny, y’know. If you check out his player page over at the team’s official website, his “season” stats and “career” stats seem to be an exact match.
http://columbus.crew.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=t102&player=brunner_e&playerId=bru424705&statType=current
He was drafted by RBNY but never signed/played with them and spent last season in USL. Is a stop in USL a disqualifier for “rookie” status? If so, then put him in line for “Newcomer of the Year” instead.
What a class, not often does a pairing of two rooks at striker look like a legitimate force in this league. I don’t think you’d find many GMs out there that wouldn’t want to have that partnership lining up for them every week.
Frei’s team has won a trophy already with him in net, and is higher than DC in the standings, albeit by one point, and he is #2 to Pontius, why exactly?
I think Zakuani would be putting up a better fight if his teammates could get on the end of some of his passes in front of goal. I’ve watched every Sounders game and it seems that every game there is at least one pass from him on the wing that seems destined to be put in the back of the net but poor finishing, or our players making bad runs and not getting to his pass kind of screws him. haha Plus he needs to finish better as well. He’s missed some pretty decent chances in the last couple of games. Pontius is most deserving i think
No worries Charlie, sorry if that sounded like a snap at you. I was actually hoping you’d call out those folks who tried to give me (and Buzz) crap about talking up this draft.
Brunner is not a rookie… Besler is very underrated. He is poised beyond his years and has the makings of a long-time pro in this League. Whether or not he’ll progress, I think will depend on his inclusion on a U-23 national team or in the full national team mix after this World Cup go around. He also needs to play for a better team than KC.
Pontius may be suffering a bit of fatigue, as the MLS season is MUCH MORE grueling than a college season. The midseason burn out is typical for field players. Don’t be surprised to see Zakuani’s numbers surpass Pontius, although I think Pontius is more valuable to his team than Zakuani.
Frei, if he can help guide TFC to their first playoff appearance, is the hands down winner. Cronin has been a solid performer, but I don’t think he has to do as much since he’s surronded by some excellent players in De Ro, Guevara and Frei to save them in the net.
Gonzales and De La Garza are just keeping this conversation interesting. Neither should be in the top 5 rookie of the year contenders…. Those that are in this order
1. Frei
2. Wallace
3. Pontius
4. Cronin
5. Besler.
If you look at Wallace’s #s, he is near the top of all rookies in games played and started, he’s provided some assists and goals, all while helping lock down a side of the field with his speed and toughness.
plug 714 – you forgot the Columbus Cajun Jason Garey from MD, too
The University of Maryland soccer program has become a true juggernaut – the soccer equivalent of Ohio State, USC, or Penn State. Rodney Wallace, Jeremy Hall, Omar Gonzalez, Maurice Edu, Robbie Rogers, and Chris Seitz in the past three years alone represents remarkable success for the team. Add names like Taylor Twelleman, Ryan Burch, Danny Califf, and Seth Stammler and it is clear that Sasho Cirovski has established a great program for the long term.
Ives,
When I said, “we,” I was thinking more of the commentariat here and the posters on bigsoccer. I think you’re right to say that most members of the US soccer media thought it was a deep year for the SuperDraft.
I think once the posters saw Marcus Tracy bolt and Ike Opara stay in school, we began to lament that MLS missed on some of the “top-shelf” talent, thereby, dubbing the draft, “thin” or “underwhelming.”
I seem to remember you and Buzz, in particular, saying you thought the draft was relatively strong. So, in short, I’m sorry I wasn’t clearer in my first post.
I think Frei should be at the top at this point of the season but watch for Zakuani to make a late push, he has been looking more comfortable with his position in the loaded Seattle offence and is on the brink of a big break out. Better off ball runs and his speed will have him open for many more goal scoring oportunities.
Omar, Gonzalez slow? Are you kidding me? Are you sure you are not mixing up the kid for Sanneh?
I’ve been to every home Galaxy game and watched all of their road games on the tube…He has been awesome. He has shown discipline and a solid work rate. He made one serious error on that early goal v the Rapids but has not made any serious errors since.
He is learning very quickly from Berghalters’ tutelege and, frankly, I’m a little bummed out that he isn’t getting a look from Bradley.
Ives’ putting Delagarza in the mid isn’t too far of a stretch either as AJ has been out there a couple of times and done ok…
I just picked up DeLaGarza for my fantasy team.
I’m a Galaxy STH and Omar has impressed me more this year than Franklin did last year in his rookie of the year campaign. Despite that, I think Ives’s order is right on. This year’s rookie class is just so far beyond last year’s. At least six of them would have beat out Franklin if they were rookies last year.
I think Pontius would look even better if he had a chance to get settled in at one position. He’s so capable that he’s been moved around in position/role from game-to-game, to wherever DCU is short that particular match.
I think you will see more and more of rookies being given more prominent roles in their teams as we continue to expand.
Besler took and is keeping the spot of IVES 3rd rated LB in the MLS (Harrington), no other rookie has took a spot from a top 3 player in his posistion per IVES depth chart before this season begun. The games at the beginning of the season that Besler got the shot (due to injury) to take Harringtons spot were against the leagues top forwards (who he shut down) as well. No other rookie has a similar situation and logically I can’t understand why Ives doesnt have Besler in his top 5 per his own standards. Again, with this type of stuff it is clear that market size and exposure are dictating something that has nothing to do with those two things… Im calling u out Ives.
northzax is close. The only two mentioned here from outside the top 20 are Barnes and Zimmerman, both having good rookie seasons and both were 3rd rounders.
If Chivas comes back strong in the second half, look for Michael Lahoud to be a contributor. I remember being very impressed with his positioning and use of space.
Pontious has my mid season vote for r.o.t.y. though.
If only Fc Dallas would freakin play Peri Marosevic sometime, I have a feeling he’d make this list too.
I believe that Wallace and Frei are not eligible to play for the US, but does anyone know if the rest of these players are US citizens?
(Note – I’m not going to start screaming “Cap him now!” or anything else ludicrous… just curious about young american prospects!)
A good sign of improving young American talent. I worry about expansion diluting the product, but seeing these good young players contribute makes me feel a bit more confident.
Froboy. Let’s goooo Maryland. Without making this all about MD (sorry Ives), I wanted to briefly mention the talent that is still at MD, and the class Sasho has recruited is apparently on par with past seasons.
Anyways, look out for Casey Townsend (hit the gym boy) and Matt Cassel, who is known all too well throughout New York/New jersey, and Zack McMath, who could become the next young American goalie to get into Europe.
Northzax – how did the first 13 picks in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 drafts do their rookie season? Based on the answer to that question, I for one, think this class is surprising.
I dunno that Brunner wins, but he’s gotta be in consideration, at least. He’s only had to fill in for a First XI All-Star while that guy (Marshall) was off at the Gold Cup, during which Columbus has yet to lose a game.
I’m stunned a Galaxy fan would diss Gonzalez given how he’s been the common denominator this season in a defense that is vastly improved from last year.
Gotta say that Frei has surpassed my expectations and Cronin has been solid and a fantastic pick up. Im pretty excited to see what White brings to the plate. Hopefully hes everything that has been spoken adn expected of him
Charlie Fiction, who exactly said this year’s draft class was thin? I know I didn’t. Of course there were some other journalists who were trying to downplay the talk about this draft class, but I wasn’t one of them (actually, I think the majority of draft experts pegged this as a strong draft going in).
It’s a shame he didn’t play much his first two seasons, but the best young player in the league this season isn’t a rookie, although he’s younger than some of them.
Nana Attakora has played his way into the TFC first XI and might cost Marvell his job long-term (he is a much better defender, and only lacks Wynne’s pace, although his is good.) He also made the gold cup prelim callup list for Canada.
Guys, Eric Brunner played for Miami in the USL last year and is therefore not considered a rookie by MLS guidelines.
How about the kid from Chivas, who hasn’t started much, but was a part of the hot start, he was actually leading the league in assists for a week or two.
Gerson Mayen. He’s only played in 8 games (3 starts), but does have 4 assists.
BZ, I’ll give you Delagarza. A month ago I would have given it to Hall, who started out very well for the Red Bulls, but he’s been struggling badly lately while Delagarza has settled in. It’ll be interesting to see how the second half of the season plays out for those two.
additionaly brunner played at MD before transferring and A.J. DeLaGarza is a Maryland boy too
I think the interesting thing is not this list, it’s that anyone is surprised by any of the names on this list save Zimmerman and Barnes. aren’t they basically the top 15 players picked in the draft? who’s left? O’Brien White (still injured) and Peri Marosevic (Dallas, ‘nough said, plus under 20)
still, 8 of the first 11 and 9 of the first 13 picks are on this team (expanded to 13 to account for Frei) isn’t that to be expected?
fear the Turtle, 2008 National Champs, proud of my Terrapins playing well, 3 of the starting 11,Wallace, Hall and Gonzalez just gotta get Mo and Seitz healthy and we can start getting close to putting a pretty good Maryland team together (robbie rogers, twellman among others)
Jeremy Hall did have one start at RM…can’t remember the game (all the losses tend to blur together) but Osorio trotted out a 3-5-2 with Hall at RM…of course at half time he slid back to RB.
If you look at what Eric Brunner has had to do for Columbus, I think he wins outright.
Although Sam Cronin is very good for a rookie.
The big surprise is how gifted Stefan Frei is in net. Although already 23 he has replaced Greg Sutton and surprises Toronto fans with his ability every single game.
Although Pontius and Wallace are consistently impessive, I have to say that Frei gets my vote.
You consider Omar Gonzales, he’s slow, and best word to describe him, SUCKS, I love my LA team, but Bruce Arena and this guy need to bounce out of here, Galaxy needs a good clean up! lol
I’d rate Barnes marginally higher. At the start of the season Alston showed promise but since being injured hasn’t really played at the level he was. Barnes, however, has looked really good and has remained in the starting XI in an ever-shifting defense (packed schedule, injuries, call-ups, etc). If Alston gets back to the form he had in the first three or so games, I think he could be the real deal. Regardless, both are great, young additions to a Revs defense that needed help with the departure of Parkhurst and the lengthy injury of Badilla.
As a Sounders fan I don’t think Zakuani has played enough to warrant a top rating in this field. I would put him above Cronin and Wallace though and I also think with the exception of Frei he will have the best pro career.
To me Frei is the top prospect in this class as a 23 year old goalie he is way ahead of the curve in terms of development. I’m just bummed he won’t be suiting up for the USA.
Jeremy Hall doesnt deserve to be in this conversation, bad pick Ives. AJ Delagarza is alot better than him at least this year.
Not truly a fair competition, as the most impact has to go to Frei. Cronin is solid and in terms of the flshier players I like Pontius over Zakuani. I watched Zimmerman play and thought he was the best for the Red Bulls up here @ BMO, so I am intruiged to see the second half for him.
stiil up for grabs but it will be between Frei and Pontius.
I’ve really been impressed with this year’s class. To think that we considered this draft to be “thin” during pre-draft camps in January shows us we might not know as much as we’d like to think we do about players in the college and amateur ranks.
Jeremy Hall has been terrible as RB… i hope to god we see him in midfield soon.
Good except the two hometown Red Bull picks. I guess those are the only bright spots on this year’s team…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7sFZQiEHJ4
Had to do it at least once this year…
He’s my vote getter for the rookie of the year. He is very versatile, able to play up top, and in the middle or the wings of the midfield. He has made a very smooth adjustment, and looks to be the most naturally talented player this year.
I also would add Cronin and Frei are both worthy of the award as well, but Pontius is just a notch above them.
“..at least not yet”
Haha, I hope Osorio isn’t reading.
it’s too bad Zimmerman has to spend his rookie year on the most dysfunctional MLS team ever. If things were different, I think he’d be a top competitor for Rookie of the Year.