MLS awards MVP to D.C. midfielder

FRISCO, Texas — D.C. United midfielder Christian Gomez was selected Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player on Thursday after leading his team with 14 goals and 11 assists during the regular season.

Gomez, in his second full MLS season, made 28 starts and two reserve appearances for D.C. United.

"I'm very happy to have been nominated for the MVP," Gomez, who is from Argentina, said through an interpreter. "This will in a way kind of make up for the big sadness we have at D.C. United for not having moved on (to the league championship game)."

Gomez, who turned 32 on Tuesday, has 29 goals and 20 assists in two-plus seasons in the league.

"He is not the kind of guy who takes the ball, beats one or two players and whacks one in from 25 yards," Red Bulls and former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena said in late October. "He is a guy who will beat you with his brains and skill and quickness."

Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and Salt Lake forward Jeff Cunningham, who scored a league-leading 16 goals, were the other finalists.

"I really felt like both the other candidates were more deserving," Cunningham said. "They were able to help their teams get into the playoffs, and that's what MVPs do."

He continued, "I'm a little saddened I wasn't able to help my team have something to be proud of at the end of the season. It's disappointing right now to be getting individual awards and for them to not play for the Cup."

Media, players, coaches and general managers vote for the award, which is sponsored by Honda. The announcement was made three days ahead of the MLS Cup final between New England and Houston.

New England forward Taylor Twellman won the award last year.