LA Galaxy's Franklin wins rookie prize

Galaxy's top pick in 2008 SuperDraft helps anchor LA backline

MLSnet.com Staff

Sean Franklin, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 SuperDraft, seemed to improve each week. (Alegria/Getty Images)

Rookie of the Year: Sean Franklin350K
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NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer has announced that Los Angeles Galaxy defender Sean Franklin has been named the 2008 Gatorade Rookie of the Year. Franklin started 26 out of 27 games he played and recorded one assist.

The 23-year-old native of Palmdale, Calif., and 2008 graduate of Cal State Northridge was the Galaxy's first pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and the fourth overall selection, making him the Galaxy's highest draft pick since 2003. He is the first Los Angeles Galaxy player to win Rookie of the Year honors.

Franklin was a consistent presence on the field this year, logging 2,385 minutes, second on the Galaxy to defender Chris Klein. Showing positional sense and poise beyond his years, Franklin used an aggressive but clean style of play, committing just 22 fouls and receiving just three cautions during the season.

Franklin made his MLS debut on April 3 in the Galaxy's home 2-0 home win against the San Jose Earthquakes. He was a consistent starter for the Galaxy, missing only two games due to a knee injury in the summer. His reliability on defense helped keep the team's playoff hopes alive through Week 30 of the MLS season. The Galaxy named Franklin their team defender of the year and he has received praise from Head Coach Bruce Arena for his growth as a player throughout the season.

The MLS Gatorade Rookie of the Year winner received the most votes from polling of media, MLS players and MLS coaches and general managers. All first-year players in MLS without previous professional experience were considered for the Gatorade Rookie of the Year award.

Gatorade Rookie of the Year Winners

2008: Sean Franklin - Los Angeles Galaxy
2007: Maurice Edu - Toronto FC
2006: Jonathan Bornstein - Chivas USA
2005: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
2004: Clint Dempsey - New England Revolution
2003: Damani Ralph - Chicago Fire
2002: Kyle Martino - Columbus Crew
2001: Rodrigo Faria - MetroStars
2000: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
1999: Jay Heaps - Miami Fusion
1998: Ben Olsen - D.C. United
1997: Mike Duhaney - Tampa Bay Mutiny
1996: Steve Ralston - Tampa Bay Mutiny

2008 Major League Soccer Awards Finalists

Panasonic Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Jon Busch - Chicago Fire
William Hesmer - Columbus Crew
Matt Reis - New England Revolution

Fair Play Finalists - Individual
Juan Pablo Angel - New York Red Bulls
Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
Chris Rolfe - Chicago Fire

Visa Defender of the Year Finalists
Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards
Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
Bakary Soumare - Chicago Fire

adidas Referee of the Year Finalists
Michael Kennedy
Jair Marrufo
Terry Vaughn

MLS Coach of the Year Finalists
Dominic Kinnear - Houston Dynamo
Sigi Schmid - Columbus Crew
Frank Yallop - San Jose Earthquakes

Newcomer of the Year
Darren Huckerby - San Jose Earthquakes
Claudio Lopez - Kansas City Wizards
Andre Rocha - FC Dallas

Gatorade Rookie of the Year Finalists
Geoff Cameron - Houston Dynamo
Kheli Dube - New England Revolution
Sean Franklin - Los Angeles Galaxy

MLS Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
Jon Busch - Chicago Fire
Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas
Santino Quaranta - D.C. United

Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Finalists
Cuauhtémoc Blanco - Chicago Fire
Landon Donovan - Los Angeles Galaxy
Guillermo Barros Schelotto - Columbus Crew

Schedule of Remaining Awards Announcements (subject to change)

Wednesday, November 19
Sierra Mist Goal of the Year

Thursday, November 20
Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player

Saturday, November 22
MLS Best XI
MLS Comeback Player of the Year