Sports stats



MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Trio Up for MLS Awards

October 8, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


PASADENA, CA (Tuesday, October 08, 2002) - Los Angeles Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz, defender Alexi Lalas and head coach Sigi Schmid were named as finalists for four of the league's nine annual year-end awards today. Ruiz is a candidate for Honda Most Valuable Player, while teammate Alexi Lalas is a finalist in two categories: ADT Defender of the Year and ACE Comeback Player of the Year. Head Coach Sigi Schmid aspires to earn his second MLS Coach of the Year award. The winners will be announced throughout the week leading up to the 2002 MLS Cup on Sunday, October 20 in Foxboro, Mass.

"We are pleased to have three members of our organization recognized as among the best in the league'', said Galaxy VP/GM Doug Hamilton. "Ruiz has quickly established himself as the premier goal scoring threat in this league; Alexi's experience and leadership have separated him from the pack among defenders; and Coach Schmid's understanding of our league and its unique demands have continually placed the Galaxy in a position to compete for a championship.''

Ruiz provided the club with a steady production of spectacular goals in crucial situations. As an offensive threat, Ruiz scorched league opponents racking up 24 goals and adding one assists for 49 points. The 23-year-old Guatemalan native set a new league record for game-winning goals with nine. The 2002 MLS/USA All-Star also set a new single-season goalscoring record with 24 goals in a season for the Galaxy. The 5-9, 170-pound forward was also a two-time MLS Player of the Month for April (4-0=8 pts.) and July (6-0=12 pts.).

By far the club's most consistent defender in 2002, Lalas anchored the defense helping to lead the Galaxy back as one of the top defenses in MLS allowing a league low 36 goals (1.18 GAA). He appeared in 26 MLS matches this season, scoring four goals and adding four assists to set a new career high in a season. In addition, Lalas netted three game-winning goals for key victories over Chicago (6/9), Colorado (8/17) and Kansas City (8/21). The Detroit, Michigan native demonstrated the intelligence and skill that made him one of the stars on the 1994 U.S. World Cup squad. A 2002 MLS/USA All-Star, Lalas missed only two games this season, once due to a coach's decision to rest the starter and the other for caution point accumulation.

Schmid, who was the 1999 MLS Coach of the Year, led Galaxy to its fifth Western Conference title in seven MLS seasons and the Supporters Shield, with the best record in MLS (16-9-3, 51 pts.). Already in 2002, the Galaxy has qualified for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final and is only one victory away from the 2002 MLS Cup. Despite losing three starters from last year's MLS Cup squad, Schmid formed the league's best defense (1.18 GAA) and third ranked offense (44 goals). He also boasts an impressive 16-7-3 all-time playoff record and has made two MLS Cup appearances (1999 and 2001) in four seasons.

Next, the L.A. Galaxy is looking to become only the second MLS team to play in four MLS Cup title games (D.C. United 1996-1999). Game Two in its Semifinal series vs. the Rapids will be held at Invesco Field at Mile High on Wednesday, Oct. 9 (6:30 p.m. PT).

Check out the LA Galaxy Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from October 8, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central