People have already started talking about the rookie of the year race, so I decided to weigh in on the subject.  Here are my rankings so far:

1. Chris Pontius: The guys looks like a veteran out there for DC United.  Not only has he almost started every game for DC United, but he has 3 goals and 2 assists. Anyone who has watched him play can see the potential this kid has.

2. Stefan Frei: I have to admit, I was surprised to see his name in the starting line up for opening day.  He has been solid so far this season compiling a record of 3-1-3 for Toronto. Outside of Pontius, Frei has made the smoothest transition into the pro game.  He will have to stay consistent to keep his starting spot, but I think he has proved why everyone thought he would go in the top 3 at the draft.

3. Steve Zakuani: Has slowly worked his way into a starting spot. They guy is fast, technical, and dangerous.  He has 2 goals and 3 assists in about half the minutes that Pontius has played.  The best #1 draft pick in a long time and might actually get to add Rookie of the Year to his list of accolades if he keeps performing.

4. Darius Barnes: Steve Nicol is a genious when it comes to picking players.  Barnes has started every minute of every game for NE as the lone center back.  Taking over where Parkhurst left off, Barnes has been a rock in the back line.  Not immune to some rookie mistakes but is playing well beyond his years.

5. Rodney Wallace: Playing second fiddle to Pontius’s success, but is nonetheless worthy of mention.  Wallace has 2 goals and 3 assists to start the season and comes in with the most starts (9) of any rookie. He is a versatile and athletic left footed player.  He hasn’t always looked comfortable but so far has produced enough keep his starting job.

These players are the easy favorites right now, but, with the nature of the transition from college to the pros, early season form isn’t always a good indicator of who will become the rookie of the year.  One major downside to the college game is that it only prepares you for about 4 months of soccer, where the MLS season is about 8 months. Look for some of these players to burn out mid summer.  Some will recover come fall, but others won’t. Hopefully it isn’t due to an injury.

Here are a couple other guys that might be in the race come October:

1.  Sam Cronin:  Tidy player that still has some room for growth.  I think his chances really depend on how Toronto does this season.

2. Omar Gonzalez: the always improving Gonzalez is steadily improving.  The MLS season is typically more forgiving on defenders than attackers.  If LA makes the playoffs it will be largely because of his improvement.

3. Matt Besler: Another guy that is getting a ton of minutes. His performances have been up and down this season.

5. Kevin Alston: An early season injury hurt his form but he looks like he is back in the race.  He has dominating athleticism and tenacity.  Should be in the race come the fall.

6. Jeremy Hall: The guy is definitely good enough to be on this list and his performance speak for themselves. Unfortunately for the former Maryland standout, Coach Osorio has brought in Carlos Johnson to fill the spot at outside back. If he can make the most of his minutes and earn a starting spot he’ll be on the list for Rookie of the Year come the fall.

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 4:41 pm and is filed under MLS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.