Dwayne De Rosario of D.C. United Wins League MVP Award

Dwayne DeRosario has probably had the most interesting season of any player in the MLS—ever. He has now topped off that season by being named the league's most valuable player. DeRosario started off the 2011 MLS season in his hometown club of Toronto FC. He played there for only two games before being traded to the New York Red Bulls. He wore the New York colors for a mere 87 days—which included 13 games—and notched two goals and four assists. DeRosario was then traded from the Red Bulls to D.C. United for midfielder Dax McCarty. He closed out the 2011 season with D.C. by scoring 13 goals in 18 games. His numbers this season—16 goals and 12 assists—meant he was the only MLS player to finish with double digits in both categories. He is well deserving of the award. With 72.72 percent of the media vote, DeRosario beat out Brad David of Houston, Dallas' young star Brek Shea and Landon Donovan. Toronto and New York must be scratching their heads on this one. DeRo is the first Canadian to win the award. He is also the first player to win it and not be on a playoff-bound squad. He has ...

MLS Attendance at an All-Time High: Is David Beckham to Thank?

When David Beckham arrived in Hollywood just four years ago, he brought a few promises along with his Louis Vuitton luggage and his wife, Posh Spice. One was to make soccer more popular in the United States, another was to help the financial situation of Major League Soccer and his third was to bring titles to the Los Angeles Galaxy. It is no secret that the "World's Favorite Game" has seen a tremendous increase in interest throughout the entire United States and will have continued growth with the acquisitions and on-field success of high-profile players. While one can say that Beckham did not single-handedly make the MLS what it is today, one can argue that he was indeed the pioneer. Major League Soccer is now the third-most attended professional sport in the United States behind the NFL and MLB. Wait a tick—soccer is the third most attended sport per game in the United States? Of America? Seriously? According to examiner.com, MLS attendance has gone up 6.6 percent this season alone without the extensive media coverage and internet hype in other professional sports such as basketball and hockey. MLS games in 2011 averaged 17,870 fans per game in contrast to last year's ...