(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 24, 2007) Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad and midfielder Brian Mullan have been named co-recipients of the Honda Most Valuable Player Award for the 2007 season. Onstad and Mullan’s awards were announced on houstondynamo.com, three days before the Dynamo opens its participation in the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs against FC Dallas.
Other awards announced include Joseph Ngwenya as the winner of the 2007 Budweiser Golden Boot Award, Eddie Robinson as the club’s Defender of the Year, and Craig Waibel as recipient of the United States Soccer Foundation Dynamo Humanitarian Award.
Onstad set an MLS single-season record with his 0.82 goals against average. Onstad also posted 11 shutouts and 13 wins, and was a leading force behind the Dynamo defensive streak of 727 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal. That consecutive streak, which Onstad teamed with Zach Wells, is the longest streak in modern day professional team sports in North America.
Mullan played in 28 games, with one goal (vs. Chivas USA June 21) and three assists. The midfielder was instrumental in setting up the Dynamo offensive attack, and is renowned throughout MLS for his steady play and leadership. On July 15 against Toronto FC, Mullan suffered a broken cheekbone and continued play throughout the contest, missing only one subsequent game due to the injury. Mullan is in his seventh MLS season.
Ngwenya won the Budweiser Golden Boot Award for his seven goals and four assists. Ngwenya, Brian Ching and Nate Jaqua each tallied seven times this season; the award went to Ngwenya in an assist tiebreaker (Ngwenya 4, Ching 2, Jaqua 2). Ngwenya was acquired from Columbus in May and went on a streak of three consecutive games with goals (6/3-6/10 vs. FC Dallas, Colorado and Columbus). Ngwenya’s goal against Chicago on July 12 is regarded by many around the league as the potential Goal of the Year.
Robinson repeats as winner of the Dynamo Defender of the Year. Robinson played in 25 games, scoring twice with two assists. Robinson was named to the MLS All-Star team, and in his seventh year in MLS continued his reputation as one of the most intimidating and physical players in the game.
Waibel lends his name to countless charitable efforts around the Houston area and in his native Spokane. Waibel has been feted throughout his eight-year MLS career for his continued community efforts.
The Dynamo opens the MLS Cup Playoffs Saturday, October 27 against FC Dallas in game one of the Western Conference semifinal (Ch. 55, DirectKick, ch. 43 TV Informa, 850am and 101.7fm). The return match in the two game, aggregate-goal series is Friday, November 2 at Robertson Stadium.
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