The Columbus Crew announced the winners of its team awards Monday night at its annual Crew Team Awards Ceremony, presented by adidas, held at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. For the fourth straight year, the ceremony was followed by a Casino Night, the proceeds of which benefited the Crew’s charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation.
Jim Nelson Fan of the Year
2010 Winner- Herbert Bressler
Herb Bresler has been Crew Season Ticket holder since Crew Stadium opened in 1999 and has been a part of the local soccer community in a number of roles through the years, from administrative functions to officiating youth matches. As a member and now president of the CESA board, Herb has been instrumental in building and maintaining the area’s finest soccer complex, the Value City Furniture fields at Easton. Herb has also helped construct the partnership between CESA and the Crew’s player development system, which will provide great opportunity and enjoyment for thousands of local youth for years to come.
Crew Soccer Academy U15/16 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Wil Trapp
Gahanna native Wil Trapp led the Crew Soccer Academy 16s as one of the dominant players in the country, culminating in his selection to the 2010 Development Academy Starting XI. A member of the U.S. Youth National Team player pool since the age of 14, he continues to be called into U18 National Team camps, and is recognized as one of the top three recruits in the 2011 recruiting class. His Gahanna High School team is defending Ohio Division I champions, and is unbeaten again in the 2010 campaign. Headed to consensus No. 1 Akron to play at the collegiate level next fall, Wil is certain to play a critical role in the success of the Crew Soccer Academy 17/18s next season.
Crew Soccer Academy U17/18 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Aaron Horton
Olentangy native Aaron Horton thrived during his first season as a member of the Crew Soccer Academy 18s, leading the outstanding team with 14 goals. During the past summer, Horton was called into the Crew 20s and helped the drive to the national championship with six goals at the Super 20 finals. After a senior high school season at Olentangy Orange that culminated in All-Ohio recognition, Aaron now has begun his collegiate career at the University of Louisville.
Crew Soccer Academy U19/20 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Brandon Silva
Brandon Silva was the most valuable piece in the Crew’s unprecedented run to two National Championships at the U19 and U20 levels in 2010. A Worthington native, Silva has been a central part of the Crew’s success at the youth level for the past three years. As a redshirt freshman at Bowling Green, Brandon has been instrumental in the Falcons’ success this fall and will be the anchor in midfield at BG and the Crew’s U20s in the coming years.
MLS WORKS / U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year
2010 Winner- Jason Garey
Jason Garey has been a visible community ambassador for the Crew this year and throughout his five-year career. Known for his incredible work rate and passion on the field, Garey brings the same qualities to his efforts in the community. After witnessing the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, Jason began a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in both his native Louisiana and Columbus to build homes for families in need. In addition, he has championed the cause of wetlands preservation and restoration as a volunteer spokesman for Vanishing Paradise, a partnership of the National Wildlife Federation and Ducks Unlimited. An avid fisherman, Jason has assisted in bringing awareness to the issue of shrinking wetlands in the Gulf region, a cause near and dear to his heart.
CSF Crew Chiefs Hardest Working Man
2010 Winner- Steven Lenhart
Steven Lenhart is a big, strong, athletic force of nature in his third season with the Crew. A passionate presence in the Crew’s attack, Lenhart’s tremendous work rate, along with his penchant for pressuring and harrying opposing defenders, make him extremely difficult to play against. In addition to scoring six goals, his ability to wear down defenders creates space and opportunities for others.
Fans’ Choice Award
2010 Winner- Eddie Gaven
Eddie Gaven is a steady and tireless presence on the wings – and
throughout the midfield – who was again among the team leaders in
minutes played, while tallying three goals and five assists. Now in his
fifth season in Columbus, Gaven’s diligent work rate, two-way play and
selfless commitment to the team make him an invaluable cog in the Black
& Gold machine.
OhioHealth Comeback Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Andy Gruenebaum
Andy Gruenebaum returned from offseason hip surgery to once again become one of the league’s top backup goalkeepers and an important contributor for the Black & Gold. After beginning the season on the disabled list and working his way back through grueling rehab, Gruenebaum returned to start every one of the club’s CONCACAF Champions League and U.S. Open Cup matches. In 10 games, he posted a 7-3-0 record with four shutouts, helping lead the team to the Open Cup Final and into the Champions League quarterfinals.
Crew Newcomer of the Year
2010 Winner- Shaun Francis
After adjusting to the professional game following a stellar collegiate career at Lindsey Wilson, Jamaica-native Shaun Francis was a revelation at midseason, capitalizing on his opportunities to become a frequent choice at left back. His play in Black & Gold also earned him his first cap with the Jamaican National Team in October.
Crew Coaches Award
2010 Winner- Andy Iro
Selected by the Crew coaching staff, the Coaches Award is presented to the player or players they considered to be the most coachable and to possess all of the characteristics of a true team player, including attitude and work ethic. This year’s winner is Any Iro, who became a fixture at central defense in his third season in Black & Gold, forming one of the league’s top partnerships with Chad Marshall, while also developing into an offensive weapon with six goals in all competitions.
Crew Defender of the Year
2010 Winner- Chad Marshall
A big, athletic defender, Chad Marshall has consistently frustrated the efforts of the opposition’s attack in 2010, thanks to his aerial dominance, well-timed tackles and overall presence. The reigning team and MLS Defender of the Year, Marshall also utilizes his size and leaping ability to get on the end of set pieces, giving the Crew another dangerous offensive weapon.
Glidden Man of the Year
2010 Winner- Steven Lenhart
The Glidden Man of the Year award is presented to the player who embodies an exceptional sense of leadership, civic pride, family values and community service. One of the most physical and aggressive forwards in Major League Soccer, Steven Lenhart is a standout on and off the field. Now in his third season with the Crew, Lenhart exemplifies the Crew’s dedication to excellence in both realms. He has committed himself to numerous community service causes and projects, including Easter Seals and Special Olympics, while founding his own charitable organization called Homiez Hatz, which raises funds for charity by selling crocheted beanies.
Crew Budweiser Golden Boot Award
2010 Winner- Guillermo Barros Schelotto
The Crew’s leading goal scorer for 2010 is forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto. The former MLS and MLS Cup MVP continued to perform at a high level in 2010, finding the back of the net nine times this season, while also assisting on a team-high eight more. Schelotto was named an MLS All-Star First XI selection and started the historic All-Star Game against global super club Manchester United.
Goal of the Year
2010 Winner-
William Hesmer
On Oct. 21, William Hesmer scored one of the most improbable and dramatic goals in the league this season. With the Crew down a goal deep into stoppage time in Toronto, Hesmer raced into the penalty area for a Crew corner kick. When Eddie Gaven’s corner found its way to Hesmer via Chad Marshall’s head, Hesmer coolly settled it and slotted it into the net, becoming just the second keeper to score in MLS history, tying the game at 2 and giving the Crew an important point on the road.
Crew Most Valuable Player
2010 Winner- Eddie Gaven
Eddie Gaven is a steady and tireless presence on the wings – and throughout the midfield – who was again among the team leaders in minutes played, while tallying three goals and five assists. Now in his fifth season in Columbus, Gaven’s diligent work rate, two-way play and selfless commitment to the team make him an invaluable cog in the Black & Gold machine.
