Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez won Major League Soccer's Rookie of the Year Award.
Gonzalez started every game in his rookie season, scoring a goal and registering an assist. He
joined the club from the University of Maryland as the Galaxy's third overall pick in the 2009
SuperDraft. Gatorade Rookie of the Year Winners 2009: Omar Gonzalez - Los Angeles Galaxy 2008: Sean
Franklin - Los Angeles Galaxy 2007: Maurice Edu - Toronto FC.
Being a rookie in MLS is quite different than young players in any other sport around the world.
First off, if you're part of the select few deemed not talented enough, your salary won't be near
six figures. That being said, with smaller rosters and bargains a necessity in MLS, getting a shot
your first professional season isn't out of the question.
