MLS Colorado Rapids

Chung Named Individual Fair Play Award Winner

Published on October 14, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


DENVER (Monday, October 14, 2002) - Colorado Rapids midfielder Mark Chung has been chosen the winner of Major League Soccer's Individual Fair Play Award, it was announced today by the league following a vote of Major League Soccer head coaches, general managers, players, the Professional Soccer Reporters Association, and a panel of referees.

The MLS Fair Play Award is presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of respect, honor and sportsmanship during the regular season. The announcement marks the second time in his career that Chung has taken the individual honor. The 32-year-old also captured the award in 1997 while playing for Kansas City.

"It's an honor to be recognized for any accomplishment on the field and this is no different. Obviously nothing can compare to winning the bigger prize, a league championship, but I am happy to be able to show people the value and importance of good sportsmanship. Knowing that kids might view me as a good role model on the field is the best part of this award," said Chung.

Chung, a finalist for the MLS Honda Most Valuable Player award this year, led the Rapids in scoring in 2002 with 11 goals and 10 assists, and was a starter in the All-Star Game in Washington, D.C. The only player in MLS to record double-digit totals in both goals and assists this season, Chung was named the Rapids' Budweiser Scoring Champion and the team's Honda Most Valuable Player.

One of the most talented players in seven years of Major League Soccer and the most fouled player in league history, Chung did not receive a caution in 27 starts this year, and has been shown the yellow card only four times in a career that has spanned more than 19,200 minutes. The midfielder, who has played the second-most regular season (203) games in league history, has never been ejected from a match.

Chung edged out Kansas City Wizards midfielder Chris Klein and New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston for the honor.

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