D.C. United announces 2011 club awards, De Rosario claims four accolades

D.C. United announced the club’s end-of-season award winners, with several honors going to 2011 Budweiser Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP candidate Dwayne De Rosario. The Canadian playmaker tops the list by earning 2011 Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award, Volkswagen Fans’ Choice Award, Volkswagen Goal of the Year and the club’s Golden Boot.

After an impressive debut MLS season in which he led the team in minutes played, Perry Kitchen wins the club’s 2011 Visa Defender of the Year Award. Kurt Morsink was recognized for his daily commitment to the Black-and-Red by receiving the 2011 Coaches’ Award, while Brandon Barklage takes home the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year honor for his work in the Washington Metropolitan community.

Dwayne De Rosario’s impact on D.C. United during the second half of the season has been unquestionable. Since his arrival on June 27 from the New York Red Bulls, De Rosario played in 18 matches (17 starts), registering 13 goals and 7 assists in 1,488 minutes of action for United. Overall, he played 33 MLS matches (31 starts) during the 2011 season, registering 16 goals and 12 assists in 2,781 minutes.

De Rosario’s game-changing performances earned him several awards this season, including three MLS Player of the Week awards, MLS Player of the Month for August, and the 2011 Budweiser Golden Boot for his career-high 16 goals.

One of De Rosario’s most unforgettable nights with D.C. United was the September 24 home match against Real Salt Lake. The Canadian international scored the fastest hat trick in MLS history, registering three goals and one assist inside 31 minutes of play. His third goal earned him the 2011 Volkswagen Goal of the Year Award, after effortlessly bending a free kick from 35 yards into Nick Rimando’s goal.  

Perry Kitchen was acquired from the University of Akron on January 13, 2011, after being selected in the first round (third overall) during the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. The 19-year-old proved to be a reliable and versatile player, helping the Black-and-Red either as a right back, center back or defensive midfielder. Kitchen played 31 matches (30 starts) and tallied one goal for United during his rookie campaign, becoming the first rookie in the club’s 16-year history to lead the team in minutes played (2,726) during the 2011 MLS season.

Kurt Morsink was recognized by the D.C. United technical staff for his daily work ethic, as the midfielder earns the 2011 Coaches’ Award. Limited by an ankle sprain for much of the 2011 season, Morsink battled each day in training, setting the tone for his teammates with consistent dedication and professionalism. Since his arrival at United in March of 2010, Morsink has played 22 matches (20 starts), registering 1,715 of action.    

The MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year honor was awarded to Brandon Barklage. Throughout the course of the 2011 MLS season, the midfielder has been a leader in the Washington Metropolitan community. His efforts include teaching soccer techniques to more than 800 children through D.C. United’s Community Soccer Series program, and visiting several elementary schools to speak about the importance of healthy lifestyles. In addition, the United midfielder was recognized by TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities.

Volkswagen Most Valuable Player:  Dwayne De Rosario
Volkswagen Fans’ Choice:  Dwayne De Rosario
Golden Boot:  Dwayne De Rosario
Volkswagen Goal of the Year:  Dwayne De Rosario
Defender of the Year:  Perry Kitchen
Coaches’ Award:  Kurt Morsink
MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year:  Brandon Barklage