Fire's Bocanegra and Kelly Named Finalists for MLS Awards
October 8, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release
CHICAGO (Tuesday, October 8, 2002) - Major League Soccer unveiled today the list of finalists for nine of the league's annual year-end awards and the Chicago Fire's Carlos Bocanegra and Kelly Gray are named. The winners will be announced daily from October 14 - October 19 during the build-up to the League's seventh championship match, MLS Cup 2002 on Sunday, October 20 at Gillette Stadium (1:30 p.m. ET - ABC).
Bocanegra, 23, is one of three finalists for the ADT Defender of the Year award for the first time in his three-year MLS career. The 2000 MLS Rookie of the Year started all 26 games he played for the Fire in 2002 and registered a career-high two goals and three assists for seven points. The rugged defender led the Fire defense and blanketed the opposition in contributing to seven shutouts and scored the game-winning goal off a driven corner kick on June 2 against Columbus. Bocanegra is looking to pick up his second piece of MLS silverware and is joined by Los Angeles Galaxy central defender Alexi Lalas and the San Jose Earthquakes' Wade Barrett as finalists for the defensive honor.
Gray is a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year in a season, which saw him become an intricate part of the Fire's defense and midfield. The first-round selection (fifth overall) out of the University of Portland played in 25 games for Chicago and started 20, notching two goals and five assists for nine points. Gray tallied his first professional goal, which led the Fire over the MetroStars on April 20. The athletic and versatile rookie also recorded two game-winning assists on May 4 at DC and August 18 against Kansas City. His defensive prowess and ability to thrust into the attack have helped into making significant contributions to a team ravaged with injuries. Gray is joined by MetroStars midfielder Brad Davis and Columbus Crew midfielder Kyle Martino. All three of the finalists are members of the United States Under-23 national team.
In addition to the honors listed below, Major League Soccer will also name its Pepsi Best 11 at the League's annual Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 19 in Providence, Rhode Island. In addition to the formal presentation of all the League's year-end awards for on-field performance, MLS will also formally present its 2002 Executive Award winners at this event.
Beginning tomorrow, fans and media members will have the opportunity to select the 2002 MLS Goal of the Year, an annual award given to the player whose goal is judged to be the best overall scoring play during the regular season. Based on nominations from each of the League's players and coaches, a collection of 10 different goals from the 2002 season will be available for download at www.MLSnet.com beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET tomorrow (October 9). Voting will conclude at midnight on Friday, October 11. The winner will be announced from a list of three finalists on Thursday, October 17.
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Major League Soccer Stories from October 8, 2002
- Galaxy Trio Up for MLS Awards - LA Galaxy
- Mark Chung Named Finalist for Pair of Awards - Colorado Rapids
- Wizards Wrap Up Demanding 2002 Season, Experience Success On and Off the Field - Sporting Kansas City
- Earthquakes Forward Landon Donovan Wins 2002 Honda Player of The Year Award - San Jose Earthquakes
- Chris Klein Nominated for Two MLS Awards, Wizards Earn MLS Fair Play Team Award - Sporting Kansas City
- Fire's Bocanegra and Kelly Named Finalists for MLS Awards - Chicago Fire FC
- Martino Named Rookie of the Year Finalist - Columbus Crew SC
- Three MetroStars Among Finalists For MLS Postseason Awards - New York Red Bulls
- Pareja Undergoes Successful Surgery; Jeffries Finalist For MLS Coach of the Year - FC Dallas
- Year-End Awards Finalists Announced - MLS
- Show Us Your Gold, Columbus Continues Wednesday - Columbus Crew SC
- D.C. United in the Community - D.C. United
- MetroStars To Make Head Coaching Change - New York Red Bulls
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