By DAN KARELL
When the Colorado Rapids started Dillon Powers in their 2013 season opener, they likely didn’t realize that it would be the first of 29 starts this year.
The Notre Dame product kept producing in the center of midfield, holding down the spot and helping lead the banged-up Rapids to the MLS playoffs. For his strong performance this season, Powers was named 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year in overwhelming fashion.
Powers, who was also named SBI MLS Rookie of the Year, beat out a strong group of fellow rookies, including Rapids teammate Deshorn Brown (second), Seattle Sounders right back DeAndre Yedlin (third), and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes (fourth). Powers accrued a weighted total of 93.12 after running away with the player vote, media vote, and coaches vote for the award.
The 22-year-old midfielder finished with 29 starts in 30 games, contributing five goals and six assists in his first professional season.
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