Martino Named Rookie of the Year
October 16, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Wednesday, October 16, 2002) - Major League Soccer announced today that Columbus Crew midfielder Kyle Martino has been named the 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year.
"It is truly an honor to win this award," Martino said. "It would not have been possible without my teammates and coaches and I am grateful for their support throughout the season. My goal now is to continue to improve as a player and help Columbus win a championship."
Martino, a Westport, Connecticut native, receives the award after starting 15 of his 22 appearances for the Crew during his first season in professional soccer. The University of Virginia product, who finished the year with 2 goals and 5 assists, harnessed his ball skills and composure to bolster the Crew's midfield, giving the team yet another young offensive threat.
"I couldn't be happier for Kyle," said Crew head coach Greg Andrulis. "He is having a tremendous rookie season and is very deserving of this recognition. He has stepped in and played a vital role in our success this season, while playing a very important and demanding position."
When he took the field for the first time on Opening Day in a match televised nationally on ABC, it was clear that Martino was not just another rookie. Despite his slight build, the Nike Project-40 player displayed personality and creativity, making daring runs and slick moves that belied his age and experience. The former high school Player of the Year was selected No. 8 overall by the Crew in the 2002 SuperDraft and quickly earned his place in the Crew's lineup.
In the year that Tab Ramos, the greatest American No. 10 of all-time, called it a career, U.S. soccer fans saw the emergence of a player who may be capable of filling the shoes of his longtime idol in the near future. First up for the 21-year-old Martino, however, is helping the U.S. Under-23 National Team qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
The MLS Rookie of the Year is awarded to a first-year professional judged to be the best young performer in the League. Only players without a previous season of professional experience and/or who are less than a year removed from the completion of their college/high school eligibility can win this award.
Other finalists for the honor included Brad Davis of the MetroStars and Kelly Gray of the Chicago Fire. Martino was selected the winner in voting by MLS coaches, general managers, players and members of the Professional Soccer Reporters Association.
Major League Soccer Stories from October 16, 2002
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- Crew's Martino Named Rookie of the Year - Columbus Crew SC
- Martino Named Rookie of the Year - MLS
- Kevin Terry Named OSI Referee of the Year - MLS
- Revolution's Steve Nicol Named Coach of the Year - MLS
- ABC Sports Presents MLS Cup 2002 - MLS
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.
