Toronto FC announced their first ever team awards prior to their final home game of the regular MLS season against the New England Revolution. The Golden Boot which goes to the club's top goal scorer went to Danny Dichio, the Humanitarian Award went to midfielder Chris Pozniak, Toronto FC MVP was awarded to both Carl Robinson and Jim Brennan, while the Defender of the Year went to co-captain Jim Brennan as well.
Forward Danny Dichio solidified his title scoring a goal in the final minute of play to give him 6 goals to finish the inaugural season. Despite missing a string of games due to a foot injury to close out the season, Dichio played the entire second half and put in a looping ball over the head of Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis. The Hammersmith England native played a total of 1175 minutes, starting 14 of the 17 games he appeared in. Twice this past season he was nominated for the "Sierra Mist Goal of the Week".
The Humanitarian of the Year award was won by midfielder Chris Pozniak. Returning to his hometown after playing in Europe, it didn't take long for Chris to offer his support to TFC community initiatives as soon as he signed with the team, months before the team played their first game. Generous with his time, "Poz" is willing to go out of his way to attend appearances. He is the face of the Pass-Back program for used cleats/equipment, as well as brought the attention of a few charity/causes to the club that he felt were important for the team to support such as the Toronto Food Bank. He was the face of the "TFC Food Drive" delivered by Purolator which raised over $11,000 for the Daily Bread Food Bank. The Daily Bread Food Bank is Toronto's leader in the fight against hunger.
Proud to promote the game of soccer in Toronto, Chris ran a soccer clinic for boys to help raise money for Athletes for Africa, which is a charitable organization that uses the power of sport to educate and engage Canadians in Africa's fight against poverty, famine, and disease.
Defender of the Year went to Jim Brennan. The Canadian International will go down in team history as the first player ever signed by Toronto FC, putting pen to paper in August of 2007. In his MLS season debut, he has done an admirable job captaining an expansion franchise, as well as becoming a great spokesman for the club. A true "Iron Man" Brennan had played every minute of every game this season up until a knee injury ruled him out of the final 3 games of the season. During this impressive streak, he played through significant injuries such as a cracked wrist, as well as cracked ribs. Through all this, Jim has balanced his club duties with those of his country where he has been a regular on the Canadian National Team. To add to his credit, he's made a seamless transition in playing a new position for the better part of the season - having been moved to Centreback from his normal position on the left side which was dictated by the team's needs. Jim has also shown he possess one of the best left foots in the league as evidence of his goal scored off a free kick against Columbus on May 26th, a goal that was also awarded "Sierra Goal of the Week" status and is up for the league's Goal of the Year.
Toronto FC's team MVP award went to two players, Co-captains Carl Robinson and Jim Brennan.
Carl Robinson signed February 1 2007, where he embarked on a new career - and new life in Toronto joining the MLS team in his first venture into North America. Most recently a member of Norwich in England's League Championship, and a part of Wales National Team, Carl brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Toronto. He's kept a stellar record on the pitch logging full minutes despite being called away numerous time to International duty. A key member in Toronto's midfield he's started every game he's appeared in. Robinson logged 2340 minutes this season and added one. His experience on all levels makes him an invaluable part of Toronto FC in their inaugural season.
Brennan could not be overlooked in this category either, as his leadership on and off the pitch - and his dedication to the game did not go unnoticed.
