MVN: Most Valuable Network

This is the first in a series of posts celebrating the year-end MLS regular-season award winners.  Here are two awards announced on Tuesday;  the inaugural "Newcomer of the Year" (for a player coming from another league to MLS in 2008), and for the best of the 14 team managers, "Coach of the Year"...

features from MLSNet,

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - Darren Huckerby, San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose's 2008 expansion team didn't have many bright spots in their debut campaign, but Darren Huckerby was a standout, named the league's Newcomer of the Year. Huckerby scored 6 goals and assisted on 4 others in just 14 games after joining the Earthquakes in midseason.

COACH OF THE YEAR - Sigi Schmid, Columbus Crew

Sigi Schmid is one of the most successful coaches in American soccer. --- Now in his 3rd season with Columbus he led them to the playoffs, winning the 2008 Supporters' Shield with the best MLS regular-season record (17-7-6). Crew's 17 wins are the most for the team since 1999.

Read the official Press Release here

VIDEOS -

MLS congratulates Newcomer of the Year

MLS congratulates Coach of the Year

"Extra Time" interview with Coach of the Year, (6:20 min.)