The MLS regular season is in its last week, which means debates over who should win what accolades at the end of the year are in full swing. In Los Angeles, two players have put up numbers that put them on the shortlist for two of the league's most prestigious honors.
Landon Donovan and Sean Franklin have both had standout seasons this year. Donovan has set the league afire to the tune of 19 goals and nine assists, and with a big game in the season finale, could become the first player in MLS history to record 20 goals and 10 assists in one season.
At the other end of the park, Franklin has been one of the most consistent rookies in MLS this season, having been a starter from day one, and only missing time to a knee injury this summer. Throughout the year, Franklin has rarely looked like a first-year player, and has been the Galaxy's best defender.
The problem is, the Galaxy were eliminated from playoff contention this past weekend, and the team's standing could have a negative effect on both players chances of winning any awards.
"I don't know how people view that. For rookie of the year, I don't think it matters. For MVP, I'm sure people often look at the success of the team," said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. "It's really been an off-balance year for having an even playing field.
"Landon is the leading goal-scorer in the league. That says a lot. Sean Franklin is the only rookie that plays in the league on a consistent basis."
Performing under the spotlight that shines on the Galaxy can be a lot for any player to take on, let alone a rookie. Franklin has shown the poise of a veteran all season long, both on the field and off.
"It an honor to be recognized. I'm happy and I feel fortunate that I got to see the field of play," said Franklin. "For me and whether the team's position hurts my chances, I'm not really worried about that. I just want to help the team."
Arena was a bit more convincing in his endorsement of his rookie central defender.
"If you want to be critical, you can say the team gives up the most goals and he's a defender, but I happen to think he's had a very good season and he's grown as a player, said Arena. "For me, Sean is heads and shoulders above other first-year players in the league in terms of minutes played, games started. Plus there's some quality there. I would say he's the odds-on favorite."
Donovan's situation is far more cloudy. In most years, scoring at the rate he has in far fewer games than any other player at the top of the Golden Boot standings would be enough. Throw in his assists, and he'd be a lock. But other players, like Columbus forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto, are also putting up some pretty impressive numbers. When push comes to shove, the difference could boil down to whose team performed better, not the individual.
"(The team's performance) probably does matter, but I can't worry about that. I don't want to be in the conversation, I want to win (MVP)," said Donovan. "In my mind, up to now, I think I've done enough. I've done what I wanted to do this year and I'm proud of that.",p>
For Franklin, history might be on his side. Last season's winner, Maurice Edu, played for Toronto FC, who finished dead last in the league. For Donovan, he certainly has been his team's most valuable player this season, but in a league where more than 50 percent of the teams make the playoffs, his team's inability to reach the postseason could prove costly.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
