MLS announces candidates for year-end awards

Major League Soccer announced Tuesday the full list of nominees for the individual year-end accolades, which will be determined by coaches, players, and media members.

With Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara, and Benny Feilhaber named the finalists for the MLS Most Valuable Player award, here are the other players in contention to bring home hardware:

Rookie of the Year

• Matt Polster (Chicago Fire)
• Cyle Larin (Orlando City)
• Fatai Alashe (San Jose Earthquakes)

The winner will be announced Nov. 10.

Coach of the Year

• Jesse Marsch (New York Red Bulls)
• Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)
• Carl Robinson (Vancouver Whitecaps)

The winner will be announced Nov. 24.

Newcomer of the Year

• Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact)
• Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)
• Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls)

The winner will be announced Nov. 23.

Goalkeeper of the Year

• Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)
• Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
• David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps)

The winner will be announced Nov. 19.

Defender of the Year

• Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact)
• Matt Hedges (FC Dallas)
• Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps)

The winner will be announced Nov. 11.

Comeback Player of the Year

• Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)
• Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)
• Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew)

This award is given to a player who, despite facing adversity such as injuries, rose to the occasion and found success during the regular season. The winner will be announced Nov. 18.