Chung, Wizards Honored for Fair Play
Published on October 14, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Monday, October 14, 2002) - Major League Soccer announced today that Colorado Rapids midfielder Mark Chung has captured the individual 2002 MLS Fair Play Award, while, collectively, the Kansas City Wizards have collected this season's team MLS Fair Play Award.
The MLS Fair Play Award consists of two honors, one for the individual player regarded as the League's best sportsman and a separate honor for the team which accrues the lowest disciplinary point total during the regular season using a formula that includes fouls committed, caution points and ejections.
The 32-year-old Chung, the Rapids' leading scorer and the only player in MLS to register double-digits in goals and assists in 2002, finished the season without receiving a caution or sending-off for the fourth time in his seven year career. The 1997 Fair Play Award winner played 27 regular season games (all starts) and five postseason contests without incurring on-field disciplinary sanctions. Chung, one of MLS' most skilful players, has been shown only four yellow cards during the course of his career (all with the MetroStars, 1999-2001). His first-ever card came on Aug. 28, 1999 against San Jose, his 113th game played in MLS. The League's second all-time leader in games (203) and minutes played (17,430), Chung is also the most fouled player in MLS history (456) but continues to carry himself with class and composure.
The Kansas City Wizards earned the MLS Team Fair Play Award for the second time in club history (1998) after compiling a League-low 191 caution points and just 47 yellow cards. The team also committed a League-low 362 total fouls and was the only club not to surpass 445 fouls. Led by Head Coach Bob Gansler, the Wizards advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs as the No. 8 seed before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup Playoff Quarterfinals.
The MLS Fair Play awards are designed to honor respect, sportsmanship and teamwork. Also nominated for the individual award were Kansas City's Chris Klein and New England's Steve Ralston. Major League Soccer head coaches, general managers, players, the Professional Soccer Reporters Association and a panel of referees voted for the individual award.
Major League Soccer Stories from October 14, 2002
- L.A. Galaxy Weekly - LA Galaxy
- Fire to Face Mexico's Club Puebla on Nov. 6 at Cardinal Stadium - Chicago Fire FC
- Chung Named Individual Fair Play Award Winner - Colorado Rapids
- Wizards Earn MLS Team Fair Play Award - Sporting Kansas City
- Chung, Wizards Honored for Fair Play - MLS
- Jolley Honored as U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year - MLS
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