The MLS Rookie of the Year race is getting tougher and tougher to handicap.
Tim Ream and Andy Najar both enjoyed strong weeks to gain some ground on Philadelphia striker Danny Mwanga and Los Angeles midfielder Michael Stephens. Ream started and played another solid match in central defense in New York's win against Toronto FC, while Najar helped set up both goals in D.C. United's 2-0 win against Mwanga's Philadelphia Union. Mwanga didn't have much of an impact on the match. Neither did Stephens for Los Angeles in the Galaxy's 1-0 loss to San Jose.
With two-thirds of the season now over, the award is a tough one to call (and would have been even tougher if leading candidate Ike Opara hadn't suffered a broken foot). Do you go with Mwanga's seven goals and three assists, Ream's 21 starts as New York's defensive anchor, Najar's dynamic contributions for D.C. United or Stephens' seven assists for the MLS-leading LA Galaxy?
Who would you vote for right now? Cast your vote after the jump:
Who gets my vote? While Mwanga's seven goals are impressive, it's hard not to vote for Tim Ream, who has started every game and been the best defender on a good New York Red Bulls team. He's the pick right now, though Mwanga may benefit from the usual preference such awards have toward goal scorers.
Who gets your MLS Rookie of the Year vote right now? Which rookie would you add on your team if given the chance? Who isn't on our ballot that should be?
Share your thoughts below.
Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com