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?
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